The “Notre Dame Victory March” isn’t just a song; it’s an anthem. Recognized across the United States as the quintessential collegiate fight song, its stirring melody and rousing lyrics instantly evoke images of spirited competition and unwavering school pride. But the story behind this iconic tune stretches back over a century, woven into the very fabric of the University of Notre Dame.
The Shea Brothers: Crafting a Legacy in Music and Verse
The genesis of the “Notre Dame Fight Song” lies with two brothers, Michael and John Shea, both proud alumni of Notre Dame. Michael J. Shea, a graduate of 1905, lent his musical talents to the project, composing the now-famous melody. His brother, John F. Shea, who earned degrees in 1906 and 1908, provided the powerful and memorable lyrics. Their collaboration, born from fraternal and collegiate spirit, resulted in a song that would far outlive them both. The “Notre Dame Victory March” was officially copyrighted in 1908, and a piano version, complete with the lyrics, was published in the same year, marking the formal arrival of this future classic.
Michael Shea, who later dedicated his life to the church as a priest in Ossining, New York, and John Shea, residing in Holyoke, Massachusetts, worked together across state lines to bring their vision to life. The song first resonated publicly in the winter of 1908 when Michael Shea played it on the organ at the Second Congregational Church in Holyoke. This initial performance offered a glimpse into the inspiring power the “Notre Dame Victory March” would soon hold.
From Church Organ to Stadium Roar: The Song’s Rise to Fame
The Shea brothers’ gift to their alma mater, the “Notre Dame Victory March,” was formally presented to the University and first appeared under the University of Notre Dame’s copyright in 1928. Interestingly, the copyright was later assigned to Edwin H. Morris publishing company, and the copyright for the song’s opening bars remains in effect today, demonstrating its enduring value and recognition.
The very first performance of the “Notre Dame fight song” on Notre Dame’s campus occurred on Easter Sunday, 1909. The hallowed rotunda of the Administration Building served as the stage for this debut. A decade later, in 1919, the University of Notre Dame band, led by Professor Clarence Peterson, officially incorporated the “Notre Dame Victory March” into its repertoire for athletic events. This marked a pivotal moment, cementing its role as the soundtrack for Notre Dame’s sporting endeavors. By 1969, as college football celebrated its centennial, the “Notre Dame Victory March” received the ultimate accolade: it was honored as the “greatest of all fight songs,” a testament to its lasting impact and widespread appeal.
Enduring Lyrics and a Modern Evolution
The lyrics of the “Notre Dame fight song” are as recognizable as its melody. They begin with the spirited call, “Cheer, cheer for Old Notre Dame,” immediately igniting a sense of unity and enthusiasm. While these opening words and music are in the public domain within the United States, they remain protected in territories outside of the country, highlighting its international recognition.
For over a century, the original lyrics resonated across stadiums and gatherings. However, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity, Notre Dame updated the lyrics in 2022. Originally penned when Notre Dame’s athletes were exclusively male, the line “While her loyal sons are marching onward to victory” was changed to “While her loyal sons and daughters march on to victory.” This adjustment ensures the “Notre Dame fight song” truly represents all of Notre Dame’s athletes and embodies the university’s evolving spirit of inclusivity for a modern era.
Lyrics:
Rally sons of Notre Dame:
Sing her glory and sound her fame,
Raise her Gold and Blue
And cheer with voices true:
Rah, rah, for Notre Dame
We will fight in ev-ry game,
Strong of heart and true to her name
We will ne’er forget her
And will cheer her ever
Loyal to Notre Dame
Cheer, cheer for old Notre Dame,
Wake up the echoes cheering her name,
Send a volley cheer on high,
Shake down the thunder from the sky.
What though the odds be great or small
Old Notre Dame will win over all,
While her loyal sons and daughters
March on to victory.
The “Notre Dame fight song,” the “Victory March,” is more than just music and words. It’s a symbol of tradition, unity, and the enduring spirit of Notre Dame. From its humble beginnings in a church organ to its current status as a global icon, the song continues to inspire generations of athletes and fans alike.
