Sing to the colors that float in the light; Hurrah for the Yellow and Blue! Yellow the stars as they ride thro' the night, And reel in a rollicking crew; Yellow the fields where ripens the grain, And mellow the moon on the harvest wain; Hail! Hail to the colors that float in the light; Hurrah for the Yellow and Blue!
Blue are the billows that bow to the sun When yellow-robed morning is due; Blue are the curtains that evening has spun, The slumbers of Phoebus to woo; Blue are the blossoms to memory dear, And blue is the sapphire, and gleams like a tear;-- Hail! Hail to the ribbons that nature has spun; Hurrah for the Yellow and Blue!
Here's to the college whose colors we wear; Here's to the hearts that are true! Here's to the maid of the golden hair, And eyes that are brimming with blue! Garlands of blue-bells and maize intertwine; And hearts that are true and voices combine;-- Hail! Hail to the college whose colors we wear; Hurrah for the Yellow and Blue!
The popularity of the old song to Dr. Tappan and the other members of the early Faculty, adapted from the old church tune: "Where, Oh Where, are the Hebrew Children?" has been suggested. It is probably one of the oldest of Michigan songs, and has survived through a succession of student and faculty generations; though now it is one of the least of many, and is only heard in the variation,--
Where, Oh where, are the verdant freshmen? They've gone out from their prescribed English, Safe now in the Sophomore class,
Most of the songs of earlier days are now forgotten. In 1864-65 the _Palladium_ offered a prize of $10 for the best original song, and of the two which were considered of equal merit, one at least survived for many years and was sung at all great University occasions. It was set to the air of the Marseillaise, and the first stanza is as follows:
Come, jolly boys, and lift your voices, Ring out, ring out, one hearty song; Praise her in whom each son rejoices, And let the notes be loud and long. 'Tis Alma Mater wakes the spirit, And prompts the strain of harmony-- Oh, sing to her triumphantly! The glorious theme--do ye not hear it? Hurrah! Hurrah! ye sons By Alma Mater blest! All hail! All hail! her honored name, The pride of all the West!