On, On, U of K, also punctuated as "On! On! U of K",[1] is a fight song at the University of Kentucky. Although it is primarily associated with the historically successful Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball program, the lyrics are actually specific to football.[2] Aside from this song, the school is rarely referred to as "U of K" but simply as "UK."
"On, On, U of K" | |
---|---|
Song | |
Published | 1925 |
Genre | Fight song |
Composer(s) | Carl A. Lambert |
Lyricist(s) | Troy Perkins |
The melody was written in 1922 by Dr. Carl Lampert, a music professor and the first UK music department chair,[1] while the lyrics were written the following year by Troy Perkins, a student.[3] The song was first published in The 1925 Kentuckian, the University of Kentucky yearbook.[4]
The catchy tune is well known to most college sports fans and has been consistently ranked as one of the 'best' and most original college fight songs.[citation needed] Although there are lyrics to the song, it is not uncommon for Wildcat fans to stand and clap while the song is played, as opposed to singing the lyrics.
“On, on U of K. We are right for the fight today!
Hold that ball and hit that line. Every Wildcat star will shine.
We’ll fight, fight, fight for the Blue and White, as we roll to that goal, varsity.
And we’ll kick, pass and run ‘till the battle is won, and we’ll bring home the victory”
The University of Kentucky fight song, On! On! U of K, was written in the 1920s by Carl A. Lambert, first chairman of the Music Department.
The music for On! On! U of K was written in 1922 by UK professor Charles A. Lampert, the first chairman of the UK music department. The lyrics were written in 1923 by student Troy Perkins, who won a $5 prize in a contest Lampert set up for the best lyrics to the music.
Federal copyright for "On! On! U of K" was secured by publication with copyright notice on January 31, 1925, when the song was first published in The 1925 Kentuckian, the yearbook of the University of Kentucky.