"Hail, Pennsylvania!" written by Edgar M. Dilley in 1897, as a submission to an University of Pennsylvania alumni committee-sponsored contest to write a song to the tune of "God Save the Tsar!", the national anthem of Imperial Russia, by Alexei Fyodorovich Lvov. Edgar Dilley was awarded $25.[1]
Edgar M. Dilley was an assistant director with The University of Pennsylvania Glee Club. The piece was first performed by his group at its annual concert at the Academy of Music in 1895.[1] For many years, the song was performed at Franklin Field, when the football team suffered a loss. Today, the song is still performed at University functions and sporting events by The University of Pennsylvania Band and The University of Pennsylvania Glee Club.
Aside from becoming the Alma Mater of the University of Pennsylvania, the song also serves as the official song of Lackawanna County. Also, until 1990, the song served as the official song for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Lyrics
- Hail, Pennsylvania!
- Noble and strong,
- To thee with loyal hearts
- We raise our song.
- Swelling to Heaven
- Loud our praises ring;
- Hail, Pennsylvania!
- Of thee we sing.
- Majesty as a crown
- Rests on thy brow,
- Pride, Honor, Glory,
- Love, before thee bow.
- Ne'er can thy spirit die,
- Thy walls decay;
- Hail, Pennsylvania!
- For thee we pray.
- Hail, Pennsylvania!
- Guide of our youth,
- Lead thou thy children
- On to light and truth;
- Thee, when death summons us,
- Others shall praise;
- Hail, Pennsylvania!
- Thro' endless days!
References
- Cheney, Edward Potts. History of the University of Pennsylvania, 1740-1940. (1940.)
- George Nitzsche - Pennsylvania in Song and Music: Origin of Some of the Classics - Franklin Field Illustrated Volume 25: Number 3 October 19 1940
External links
- Hear the song, as performed by The University of Pennsylvania Band
- University of Pennsylvania Archives
- The Practical Pennsylvanian
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