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Fight Songs
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One of the most recognizable college fight songs in
the country, 'Boomer Sooner' immediately evokes enthusiasm
from OU fans and sends chills down the spines of those
who dare to oppose them.
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Boomer
Sooner! | Play |
In 1905, Arthur M. Alden, a student in history
and physiology whose father was a Norman jeweler, wrote
the lyrics to the fight song, borrowing the tune from
Yale University's 'Boola Boola' but improvising the
words. A year later, an addition was made to it from
North Carolina's 'I'm a Tarheel Born' and the two combined
to form the university's fight song today. Though the
tune was first made known by Yale, the everlasting
success of Sooner squads has taken the melody of 'Boomer
Sooner' to national popularity.
Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner
Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner
Boomer Sooner, Boomer Sooner
Boomer Sooner, OK U!
Oklahoma, Oklahoma
Oklahoma, Oklahoma
Oklahoma, Oklahoma
Oklahoma, OK U!
I'm a Sooner born and Sooner bred
and when I die, I'll be Sooner dead
Rah Oklahoma, Rah Oklahoma
Rah Oklahoma, OK U!
The Pride of Oklahoma proudly plays perhaps the most popular
and recognizable state song in history. Oklahoma!
is the final rousing chorus of Rodgers and Hammerstein's
epic musical. Breaking all Broadway box office records
when it opened in 1943, Oklahoma! was the first collaboration
between the legendary pair who were awarded
a Pulitzer Prize for their seminal work.
Oklahoma, where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain
And the wavin' wheat can sure smell sweet
When the wind comes right behind the rain.
Oklahoma, Ev'ry night my honey lamb and I
Sit alone and talk and watch a hawk
Makin' lazy circles in the sky.
We know we belong to the land
And the land we belong to is grand!
And when we say:
Ee-ee-ow! A-yip-i-o-ee-ay!
We're only sayin',
You're doin' fine, Oklahoma!
Oklahoma, O-K!
O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A!
Every fan who wears the official colors, each current
student and student-athlete and all OU alumni are encouraged
to stand and raise one finger in the air during the
playing of the Chant -- a symbolic gesture that shows
the greatness of the university and the unity between
all Sooners.
The Chant was written in 1936 by Jessie Lone Clarkson
Gilkey, who directed the OU girl's glee club from 1936
to 1938 and was voted Outstanding Faculty Woman in
1937.
O-K-L-A-H-O-M-A
Our chant rolls on and on!
Thousands strong
Join heart and song
In alma mater's praise
Of campus beautiful by day and night
Of colors proudly gleaming Red and White
'Neath a western sky
OU's chant will never die.
Live on University!