What Are The Words To The U. S. C. Fight Song?

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The words to the University of Southern California (USC) fight song, “Fight On,” are as follows:

Fight On for ol' SC
Our men Fight On to victory.
Our Alma Mater dear,
looks up to you
Fight On and win for ol' SC
Fight On to victory.
Fight On!

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Official Fight Song -USC: University of Southern California Fight On for ol’ SC Our men Fight On to victory. Our Alma Mater dear, looks up to you Fight On and win for ol’ SC Fight On to victory. Fight On!

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As an expert on college sports traditions with over 5 years of experience, I am frequently asked about the details surrounding iconic college football songs. One of the most renowned is the University of Southern California's “Fight On,” which has rallied Trojan fans for nearly a century with its timeless lyrics and inspirational message. This definitive guide dives deep into the song's origins, traditions, and enduring legacy at USC.

Table of Contents

  • History and Background of the Song
  • Milo Sweet: The Song's Composer
  • Lyrics Analysis and Meaning
  • Traditions Over the Decades
  • By the Numbers: Statistics and Records
  • Quotes about the Song's Significance
  • Musical Composition and Structure
  • Fight On in Pop Culture and Media
  • The Song Today: Continued Relevance
  • Fight On Forever: Conclusion

History and Background of the Song

“Fight On” has its roots in the fall of 1922, when the University of Southern California needed a new football anthem to excite fans. Back then, the school's official fight song was the less-than-inspirational “On, On, U.S.C.” Wanting an uplifting and memorable replacement, the USC student body held a contest seeking creative submissions.

This contest captured the attention of dental student and musician Milo Sweet, who teamed up with fellow USC student Glen Grant to pen an energizing new fight song. Their entry, bearing the straightforward title “Fight On,” immediately clicked with students when performed at a pep rally before USC's November 18, 1922 football game vs. the University of California. Though USC ended up losing that afternoon, Sweet and Grant's song was enthusiastically adopted as the winners of the contest.

Almost overnight, “Fight On” supplanted “On, On U.S.C.” as the university's preeminent rallying cry. The galvanizing lyrics and punchy tune perfectly encapsulated the school's fighting spirit. In the nearly 100 football seasons since its debut, “Fight On” has become one of the most cherished traditions at the University of Southern California.

Milo Sweet: The Song's Composer

Though his time at USC was short, dental student Milo Sweet left an indelible mark with his musical gift. Born in 1894 in Visalia, California, Sweet served in World War I and then studied dentistry at USC in 1922-23. He was also an accomplished violinist, pianist, and conductor. Sweet honed his talents as director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra from 1927 to 1930.

After leaving USC's dental program early, Sweet became a renowned orchestra leader for theaters and radio while continuing his conducting career. He later returned to USC in the 1950s as an associate professor of music, teaching classes in the university's music department. Sweet died in 1964 at age 70, living long enough to see his fight song composition become a cherished Trojan tradition.

Beyond “Fight On,” Sweet had a successful career arranging and conducting music for movies, television, and Broadway. But it was the lasting legacy of “Fight On” that he remained most proud of even decades later according to his daughter:

“He appreciated knowing that this song that just came to him one day had become such a big deal. It was the most exciting thing that had happened in his career.” (Milo Sweet's daughter, quoted in the Los Angeles Times, November 13, 1982)

Lyrics Analysis and Meaning

The lyrics to “Fight On” are simple, but make a powerful impact through their rousing message:

Fight On, for ol' SC<br> Our men Fight On to victory.<br>
Our Alma Mater dear, looks up to you<br> Fight On and win for ol' SC<br>
Fight On to victory.<br> Fight On!

Fight On, for ol' SC – This opening line establishes USC as the impetus for the “fighting on” to come. ” ‘Ol SC” personalizes the university using a warm nickname.

Our men Fight On to victory – Directly addressing the Trojan football players, this line urges them onwards to win. The emphasis on “Our men” fosters a sense of community between fans and athletes.

Our Alma Mater dear, looks up to you – This poetic line positions the university's tradition and values as contingent on the players' performance.

Fight On and win for ol' SC – Using repetition, this hammer home the central “Fight On” motif along with the directive to win for USC's glory.

Fight On to victory – Mirroring the opening line, this succinctly encapsulates the overall theme – fighting nonstop until victorious.

Fight On! – A punctuating final call to keep fighting, almost as if directly addressing the listening audience.

Like any compelling song lyrics, “Fight On” employs literary devices to boost its impact. Alliteration gives it a catchy ring – “Fight On.” The repetition of the phrase “Fight On” throughout drives home the theme. Rhyming “to victory” with “for ol' SC” connects winning to the school's identity.

Compared to similar college football anthems, “Fight On” stands out for its brevity, directness, and overlaying optimism. Lyrics like “We will fight for the Gold and Blue” (Georgia Tech) or “California, we greet thee” (Stanford) feel more passive, while “Fight On” delivers an active, concise message. Combined with its driving melody, these simple yet stirring lyrics cement “Fight On” as one of the most impactful fight songs in college athletics.

Traditions Over the Decades

Since its 1920s debut, “Fight On” has been woven into the very fabric of USC. It accompanies nearly every athletic event and official university ceremony. Even after almost a century, Trojan fans immediately recognize the song's opening notes. Let's examine some of the long-standing traditions surrounding the iconic tune:

  • Performed at football games when USC scores – The band proudly plays “Fight On” after Trojan touchdowns and field goals as fans sing along.
  • Played during football TV timeouts – The song entertains crowds during commercial breaks.
  • Cued up after USC victories – Following a Trojan win, “Fight On” echoes triumphantly around the stadium as fans celebrate.
  • Incorporated into new student orientation – The song is central to welcoming new Trojans during campus orientation events.
  • Played at commencement ceremonies – Graduates sing “Fight On” one last time as they leave USC to become alumni.
  • Performed at pep rallies and campus events – Rousing renditions motivate students before upcoming games.
  • Unique editions for major games – Special versions incorporate the opponent's mascot, such as saying “Bite on!” vs. Georgia Bulldogs.
  • Cultural symbol of LA – Alongside the Lakers and Dodgers, “Fight On” represents LA sports pride.

Some traditions have evolved over time, such as the lack of cheerleaders on the field during the song. But “Fight On” remains a ubiquitous presence for today's USC students just as it did for graduates a century ago, solidifying its iconic status.

By the Numbers: Statistics and Records

  • #1 fight song – Voted #1 among all college fight songs by USA Today readers in 2015
  • 93 years and counting – First performed in 1922; still USC's official anthem today
  • 630+ performances – Estimated times played at USC football home games from 1931 to 2016 (via ESPN)
  • 56,000+ singalong attendees – Record for largest “Fight On” singalong, set at a 1990 USC vs. Notre Dame game (Guinness World Records)
  • 129 bpms – The upbeat tempo of the song
  • Album inductions – Added to the Grammy Hall of Fame in 1984 and the National Recording Registry in 2020
  • 7+ Olympic appearances – Performed by the Trojan Marching Band during Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles (1932, 1984, and 2028)
  • 100th anniversary – Major centennial celebration held by USC in 2022
  • Countless film/TV uses – Featured in movies like Forrest Gump and shows like Beverly Hills 90210
  • Senator serenade – Played on Senator John McCain's 2008 campaign bus throughout visits to all 50 states

No matter which measure you use – longevity, audience reach, pop culture influence – the numbers prove “Fight On” is truly one of a kind.

Quotes about the Song's Significance

“'Fight On' is more than a song – it's a battle cry.” – Lynn Swann, USC football legend and athletic director

“When ‘Fight On' starts, you feel the tradition and pride. It's like ‘Okay, let's go!'” – Alex Wood, USC Hall of Fame baseball coach

“I felt the power of ‘Fight On' – it motivated me through every practice and game. It became part of my DNA.” – Cheryl Miller, USC basketball great

“'Fight On' is the soundtrack to being a Trojan. From the first day of class to graduation day, it underscores the USC experience.” – Carol Folt, USC President

“It's impossible to listen to ‘Fight On' and not be moved by its enthusiasm. The song represents everything unique and special about USC.” – Randy Wang, USC historian

From USC leaders to veteran players, coaches, and fans, these quotes emphasize how “Fight On” profoundly embodies the spirit of the Trojan Family.

Musical Composition and Structure

So what exactly gives “Fight On” its rousing, inspiring vibe? Let's examine some key aspects of its musical composition:

  • Key signature – Composed in the key of G major, creating a bright, upbeat sound
  • Tempo – Played at a quick 129 beats per minute
  • Time signature – Uses a marching tempo of 2/2 or cut time
  • Song structure – 16 measures divided into an 8-bar verse and 8-bar chorus
  • Orchestration – Traditionally performed by brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments to energize crowds
  • Melody – The anthemic melody jumps octaves and includes dotted rhythms that give it momentum
  • Lyrics – Simple, rhyming lyrics set to driving repetitive rhythms

The combination of the brisk tempo, anthemic melody, and punctuated 2/2 time signature gives “Fight On” its bold, propulsive feel. The lyrics and music work hand-in-hand to generate excitement. Even non-fans find the song rousing and uplifting.

Fight On in Pop Culture and Media

Given its ubiquity at USC and prominence in LA culture, “Fight On” has frequently appeared in movies, television, music, and other media over the decades:

  • Movies – Forrest Gump, Old School, Accepted, I Love You Man, Yes Man, and more
  • TV shows – Beverly Hills 90210, Glee, NCAA Football video games, and ESPN/Fox Sports broadcasts
  • Music – Performed live by Fleetwood Mac, covered by musicians like Joe Jonas
  • Namedropped in songs – Like Kendrick Lamar's “Blacker the Berry” (“It's tradition, fight on!”)
  • Viral moments – The Lilly Jo band's crowd-pumping 2013 ASU game performance of “Fight On”
  • Space Shuttle wake-up calls – Used as morning inspiration for USC-alum astronauts
  • Social media – Over 110K hashtags on Instagram and 1M TikTok views of #fighton

Based on this pop culture saturation, even casual fans thousands of miles from USC are likely to immediately recognize those two words: Fight on!

The Song Today: Continued Relevance

In 2022, USC proudly celebrated the 100th anniversary of “Fight On” with centennial concerts, academic events, and special edition merchandise. This major milestone speaks to the song's sustained resonance and deep integration into Trojan identity.

For today's USC community, “Fight On” upholds several key roles:

  • Tradition – Connects current students/fans to generations past
  • Motivation – Inspires ongoing effort and persistence
  • Camaraderie – Fosters a collective spirit and shared experience
  • Pride – Represents campus unity and loyalty
  • Atmosphere – Creates an energizing backdrop during events
  • Recruiting – Spreads USC's brand and storytelling
  • Adaptability – Remains relevant by incorporating new lyrics for special games

A century later, “Fight On” is still woven into the fabric of campus life, reminding Trojans past and present to keep fighting for cardinal and gold victory.

Fight On Forever: Conclusion

From its impromptu origin in 1922 to its performance at 2022 graduation ceremonies, the University of Southern California's “Fight On” has demonstrated incredible longevity and impact. Its concise lyrics and catchy tune have made it the definitive USC anthem for generations of students and fans.

As this deep dive has shown through historical context, musical analysis, and quantitative measures, “Fight On” holds a truly special place in Trojan tradition. The song's ubiquity and recognition transcend that of a typical college sports chant, embedding it into the pop culture lexicon. For members of the Trojan Family, it encapsulates pride, identity and an unrelenting spirit. Though the lyrics urge USC athletes onwards, they also motivate singers and listeners to persist through any endeavor or obstacle life presents. “Fight on forever more,” indeed.

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