"We Hail Thee Carolina" is the alma mater

Alma mater

Alma mater , pronounced ), was used in ancient Rome as a title for various mother goddesses, especially Ceres or Cybele, and in Christianity for the Virgin Mary.-General term:...

 of the University of South Carolina

University of South Carolina

The University of South Carolina is a public, co-educational research university located in Columbia, South Carolina, United States, with 7 surrounding satellite campuses. Its historic campus covers over in downtown Columbia not far from the South Carolina State House...

. It was adopted by the University in 1912 and is sung by alumni at Gamecock athletic

South Carolina Gamecocks

The University of South Carolina's 19 varsity sports teams are known as the "Gamecocks". The unique moniker is held in honor of Thomas Sumter, a South Carolina war hero who was given the name "The Carolina Gamecock" during the American Revolution for his fierce fighting tactics, regardless of his...

 events.

History

The Gamecock reported in its March 1911 issue that very little progress had been made on the alma mater for the University despite a reward of $50 by the faculty. English professor, George A. Wauchope, took it upon himself and wrote the lyrics for the alma mater in 1911 set to the tune Flow Gently, Sweet Afton by Robert Burns

Robert Burns

Robert Burns was a Scottish poet and a lyricist. He is widely regarded as the national poet of Scotland, and is celebrated worldwide...

. Other songs were written and sung, but Wauchope's song proved to be the most popular and it was adopted by the University in 1912.

The tradition has developed that alumni raise their right fist as though raising a cup for the phrase "Here's A Health, Carolina" as if offering a toast.

Lyrics

We hail thee, Carolina, and sing thy high praise

With loyal devotion, remembering the days

When proudly we sought thee, thy children to be:

Here's a health, Carolina, forever to thee!

(Only the first verse is sung or played.)

Since pilgrims of learning, we entered thy walls

And found dearest comrades in thy classic halls

We've honored and loved thee as sons faithfully;

Here's a health, Carolina, forever to thee!

Generations of sons have rejoiced to proclaim

Thy watchword of service, thy beauty and fame;

For ages to come shall their rallying cry be:

Here's a health, Carolina, forever to thee!

Fair shrine of high honor and truth, thou shalt still

Blaze forth as a beacon, thy mission fulfill,

And crowned by all hearts in a new jubilee:

Here's a health, Carolina, forever to thee!

External links

• University of South Carolina Alma Mater Lyrics