Bow Down to Washington is the official fight song of the University of Washington.[1][2][3] It was written by Lester J. Wilson in 1915 while partaking in a competition requesting a new song for the university.[1][2] The competition was sponsored by the campus newspaper, The Daily, and had a grand prize of US$25 (the equivalent of $655 in 2021).
| Bow Down to Washington | |
|---|---|
| Year | 1915 |
| Genre | Fight song |
| Written | Lester J. Wilson |
| Commissioned by | The Daily |
| Performed | November 6, 1915 |
| Published | November 13, 1915 |
| Recordings | |
Vic Meyers and His Hotel Butler Orchestra (1928) | |
"Bow Down to Washington" was first used as a fight song at the Washington-California football game on November 6, 1915, in a 72–0 away victory.[4][5] The lyrics were first published one week later in the home program for the November 13, 1915 contest at Denny Field, again versus California.[6] The original lyrics refer frequently to California and snaring the Golden Bear, but later versions of the song dropped these lines.[3][4]
The song is typically played and sung at all University of Washington sporting events at which the University of Washington Husky Marching Band is present, including all football, basketball, and volleyball games.
Lyrics
editBow Down to Washington, Bow Down to Washington.
Mighty are the men who wear the Purple and the Gold,
Joyfully we welcome them within the Victor's fold.
We will carve our name in the Hall of Fame,
To preserve the memory of our Devotion.
So, heaven help the foes of Washington,
They're trembling at the feet of mighty Washington.
Our boys are there with bells, their fighting blood excels,
It's harder to push them over the lines than pass the Dardanelles.
So Victory's the cry of Washington
Our leather lungs together with a Rah! Rah! Rah!
And o'er the land, the loyal band
Will sing the glory of Washington forever![4]
References
edit- ^ a b Marmor, Jon (September 2001). "A contest and a whim inspired UW's fight song". Columns. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
- ^ a b Borland, Lynn (December 2014). "The birth of 'Bow Down to Washington' — One of the best fight songs of all time turns 100 in 2015". Columns. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
- ^ a b Caple, Jim (October 24, 2018). "'It's harder to push them over the line than pass the Dardanelles': The history behind 'Bow Down to Washington'". The Athletic. Retrieved January 19, 2024.
- ^ a b c "Bow Down to Washington — UW Music Library Special Collections". University of Washington Libraries. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
- ^ "Bow Down to Washington". UWTV. Archived from the original on December 21, 2021. Retrieved September 26, 2015.
- ^ "Souvenir program, football game : University of Washington vs. University of California, Saturday, November 13, 1915, Denny Field, Seattle, Washington". University of Washington Football Programs. Seattle, Washington: University of Washington Associated Students. November 13, 1915. p. 26. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
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