Autumn Spectacle: Academy Fight Songs

The three service academies all provide college football with pomp and circumstance unlike the other 116 Division I teams. There are some areas of pageantry in which the rest of the country cannot rival such as the Cadet and Brigade march-ins before the Army-Navy game. And, while ceremonial military fly-bys are exciting no matter what stadium you’re in, there’s nothing quite like sitting inside Falcon Stadium watching the Stealth Bomber approach and knowing that the pilots are graduates of the Air Force Academy.

But, it’s not only the military spectacles in which the academies show that they are an important part of the sport. The fight songs of the service academies are filled with lyrics that inspire loyalty and each word is backed by pounding, familiar melodies.

Air Force

Though it is not the official fight song of the Air Force Academy, the “Air Force Fight Song” is the one most commonly recognized as such. Many may identify the song as “Into the Wild Blue Yonder” but no matter. Just hearing the tune instills Americans with confidence that we are protected by the nation’s finest, many of which graduated from the United States Air Force Academy.

Off we go into the wild blue yonder,
Climbing high into the sun.
Here they come zooming to meet our thunder,
At'em boys, give 'er the gun!
Down we dive spouting our flame from under
Off with one helluva roar!
We live in fame or go down in flame! Hey!
(pump your fist when saying, “Hey!”)
Nothing'll stop the US Air Force!

Army
“On, Brave Old Army Team” is truly one of the great college fight songs. There are two distinct versions – both of which can make a fan’s pulse race.

The instrumental version by the United States Military Academy marching band is powerful and reverent. In a nutshell, it simply sounds like something that should be played at West Point.

Typically, the band plays the verse followed by three repetitions of the chorus. The first time through the chorus is strong but it does not pound out the notes mightily. The second time through is subdued and highlighted by the sounds of the piccolos. Finally, the third time through can make even a pacifist want to charge up a hill with his brothers-in-arms.

The a capella version is collegiate and adds a distinct flavor to gameday atmosphere. During home games at Michie Stadium and during the Navy game, the fan in attendance and the viewer at home will revel at the sound of the Corps of Cadets proudly and loudly singing their fight song.

Verse:
The Army team's the pride and dream
Of every heart in gray.
The Army line you'll ever find
A terror in the fray;
And when the team is fighting
for the Black and Gray and Gold,
We're always near with song and cheer
And this is the tale we're told:
The Army team (Band and whistle)
Rah! Rah! Rah! (cannon shot)

Chorus:
On, brave old Army team,
On to the fray.
Fight on to victory,
For that's the fearless Army way.

Navy

In military protocol, an enlisted man stands any time an officer enters the room. When the United States Naval Academy Drum & Bugle Corps delivers a flawless rendition of “Anchors Aweigh,” it makes the listener want to stand at attention.

Driven by the sounds of various brass instruments, Navy’s fight song evokes emotion and American pride. Piccolos pepper the melody and make it complex and complete.

Stand Navy down the field,
Sails set to the sky,
We'll never change our course,
So Army you steer shy-y-y-y
Roll up the score Navy,
Anchors Aweigh,
Stand Navy down the field,
And SINK the Army, SINK the Army grey!

Some fans discount the contributions that the service academies make to college football simply because they are not members of the BCS conferences. But, if they will objectively listen to the fight songs of these grand institutions, they will see that the Autumn Spectacle is better off with Air Force, Army and Navy as part of the landscape.