“The Victors,” the renowned fight song of the University of Michigan, is more than just a spirited tune; it’s a symbol of athletic triumph and university pride. Penned in November 1898 by Louis Elbel, a University of Michigan music student, this iconic anthem was born from the exhilaration of a hard-fought 12-11 victory over rival University of Chicago. This win secured U-M’s first Western Conference football championship, igniting Elbel’s inspiration.
The song’s debut to the public was remarkable. In May 1899, the celebrated bandleader John Philip Sousa and his ensemble performed “The Victors” in Ann Arbor. Sousa, a towering figure in American music, later lauded it as “the best college march ever written,” a testament to its enduring quality and infectious energy.
The Enduring Lyrics of “The Victors”
The lyrics themselves encapsulate the spirit of victory and unwavering support for the Michigan Wolverines. They are a call to cheer, a declaration of triumph, and an anthem of loyalty.
Now for a cheer they are here, triumphant!
Here they come with banners flying,
In stalwart step they’re nighing,
With shouts of vict’ry crying,
We hurrah, hurrah, we greet you now, Hail!
Far we their praises sing
For the glory and fame they’ve bro’t us
Loud let the bells them ring
For here they come with banners flying
Far we their praises tell
For the glory and fame they’ve bro’t us
Loud let the bells them ring
For here they come with banners flying
Here they come, Hurrah!
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu’ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan the leaders and best
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu’ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan, the champions of the West!
We cheer them again
We cheer and cheer again
For Michigan, we cheer for Michigan
We cheer with might and main
We cheer, cheer, cheer
With might and main we cheer!
Hail! to the victors valiant
Hail! to the conqu’ring heroes
Hail! Hail! to Michigan, the champions of the West!
To experience the modern rendition of this classic, you can explore performances by The Michigan Marching Band Plays Your Songs. For a deeper dive into the band’s activities, visit the Official University of Michigan Marching Band Web Site. “The Victors” continues to resonate through generations, a testament to its powerful melody and the enduring spirit of Michigan.
