"Carmen Ohio" | The Ohio State University's Alma Mater

Some good traditions sometimes come to a good end. In 1996, Brutus Buckeye became the start of a weekly tradition that would remain in many college football fan's hearts and minds for the foreseeable future. And now, Brutus, being the one who opened it, has been chosen to close it. Lee Corso has had a long history with his headgear picks, making 430 picks and having a surprising record of 286-144. His headgear picks became a staple in ESPN's "College GameDay" series, from that early October day, until today, where Coach Corso will mark his last ever show as ESPN host. To celebrate another closure of another classic chapter inside the history and lore of college football, and of course, being Brutus' 46th ever pick by Corso, it's time to honor the home of the Buckeyes, the alma mater of The Ohio State University — "Carmen Ohio".

The lyrics of "Carmen Ohio", or "Song of Ohio" in Latin, was written in around 1902-1903, by freshman athlete and Men's Glee Club member, Fred Cornell, written to an 18th century hymn, "Spanish Chant", it being belonging to English composer, Sir Henry Rowley Bishop. According to some accounts, Cornell wrote the song, which today would be the oldest school song used by the university, on his train ride back home after an 86-0 loss to fierce rival, Michigan. The exact origins are unclear, as while some would say Fred wrote the song at the request of the Men's Glee Club, Cornell's family would later say in 1915 that the train story might have been a "fabrication". Still, it was performed to not much popularity later that year, on December 11th. On October 10th,1906, the song was published in the independent student newspaper, "The Lantern". It would later be released on game programs against Michigan just ten days later.

In the beginning of the song, before the first verse, you can hear the trumpets blaring, resembling the Westminster chime, which could be heard from the University's Orton Hall. This introduction was included in the 50s, under the leadership of then-director of bands, Jack Evans, with Richard Heine as the arranger.

Today, you can hear The Ohio State University Marching Band performing this song after every football game, win or lose, as well as in many university events, like commencements. However, fans, students and faculty alike were trained to sing the first verse only. This version is the full version of the alma mater, with three verses.

And now, hope you enjoy this melodic piece.
(And have a great retirement, LC!)

"Disciplina in civitatem"

~

LYRICS

[Orton Hall Chime intro]

Verse 1:
Oh! Come let's sing Ohio's praise,
And songs to Alma Mater raise;
While our hearts rebounding thrill,
With joy which death alone can still.
Summer's heat or Winter's cold,
The seasons pass, the years will roll;
Time and change will surely show
How firm thy friendship — O-HI-O.

Verse 2:
These jolly days of priceless worth,
By far the gladdest days on earth,
Soon will pass and we not know
How dearly we love Ohio.
We should strive to keep thy name
Of fair repute and spotless fame;
So, in college halls we'll grow
To love thee better — O-HI-O.

Verse 3:
Though age may dim our memory's store,
We'll think of happy days of yore,
True to friend and frank to foe,
As sturdy sons of Ohio.
If on seas of care we roll,
'Neath blackened sky, o'er barren shoal,
Thoughts of thee bid darkness go,
Dear Alma Mater — O-HI-O.

~

"Education for Citizenship"

DISCLAIMER: The logo, songs, and trademarks related to the Ohio State University, are owned by their respective creators. Most, if not all, of the logos used in this video are from Chris Creamer's SportsLogos.net. All credits are towards their respective owners.










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