Sing it with Me...
Friday, April 01, 2005
We're loyal to you, Illinois
We're orange and blue, Illinois
We'll back you to stand, 'gainst the best in the land
for we know you have sand, Illinois!
(rah rah)

So crack out that ball, Illinois
We're backing you all, Illinois
Our team is our fame protector, on boys
For we expect a vict'ry from you, Illinois

Cha-hee Cha-hah Cha-hah-hah-hah
Go, Illini, Go!
Cha-hee Cha-hah Cha-hah-hah-hah
Go, Illinoi, Go!
Illinois, Illinois, Illinois!

Fling out that dear old flag of orange and blue,
Cheered on by sons and daughters fighting for you
Like men of old on giants placing reliance, shouting defiance
Oskee-Wow-Wow!

Amid the broad green plains that nourish our land
For honest Labor and for Learning, we stand
And unto thee, we pledge our heart and hand
Dear Alma Mater, Illinois


"Illinois Loyalty" was first performed in 1906 and was written by Thatcher Howland Guild specifically for the Marching Illini. "Illinois Loyalty" is the first school song (predating the Notre Dame fight song, which is commonly believed to be the first school song) and is very much the same today as it was written.