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The Victors




An abbreviated version of the fight song, based on the final refrain, is played after the Football team either scores or makes a big defensive play, such as an Interception . Its full lyrics span several verses and runs over two minutes long. ''The Victors'' is also the only fight song in the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame . It is one of the most memorable and famous college fight songs, rivaling the '' Notre Dame Victory March '' for recognizability. Many high school fight songs combine the famous tune with their own lyrics, adding to the fame of the song.

The chorus of the song ("Hail to the victors valiant", etc.) is played at all University of Michigan sports competitions, as well as many U-M band events. First time listeners may be puzzled by the designation "champions of the west". At the time the song was written, little football was played west of the Appalachian Mountains and the Big Ten was widely known as the Western Conference.

When the song is played at any event, most fans stand and clap in rhythm until the chorus. During the chorus, fans clap and sing along and thrust their fists in the air at each repetition of the word "Hail!" This raising of the fist during the chorus has become a well-known sight indicative of Michigan athletics. Recently, fans have started to yell the phrase "Go Blue!" at the conclusion of the chorus.

Since Michigan athletics and ''The Victors'' are both very popular, the University of Michigan has also used the words to the fight song as advertising tool. For example, commercials for the vaunted University Of Michigan Health System have featured the words to the chorus of ''The Victors'' over pictures of children in hospital beds and doctors performing surgery. Also, students, faculty, and alumni take pride in their school's reputation as "leaders and best" in many areas beyond athletics, including world-renowned academics and Political Activism .


LYRICS

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!



Abbreviated lyrics

(generally sung at sporting events)

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!



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