Alumni sing together in Bailey Hall during Reunion 2016’s Cornelliana Night. (Photo: Cornell University) Quizzes & Puzzles Big Red Trivia: Lift the Chorus Can you fill in the missing lyrics in these six classic Cornell spirit songs—including some deep cuts? 1) “Alma Mater”: “When the moments swiftly fleeting / ??? / Many yet unborn shall hail her / Alma Mater, Queen!” With their sights unseen Ages roll between In their humble mien Gorgeous, every scene 2) “Give My Regards to Davy”: “Tell them just how I busted / ??? / We'll all have drinks at Theodore Zinck's / When I get back next fall!” Lapping up the high highball Climbing up the Ivy wall Flunking in the study hall Hoofing up the tower tall 3) “Evening Song”: “Welcome night and welcome rest / ??? / Joy to all we love the best / Love to thee, our fair Cornell!” As we hear the chiming bell Gentle evening prithee tell Now is not the time to yell Fading music fare thee well 4) “Song of the Classes”: “Oh, I am a junior, I’m taking my ease / ??? / I frequent the bars, bartenders as well / I ain’t been a-wastin’ my time at Cornell!” I go to my classes whenever I please I major in bio—the birds and the bees I dress up so fancy, in new dungarees Prof marks me absent; oh well, oh jeez! 5) “The Big Red Team”: “Where the towers rise o’er the lake / There our fires in the night shall gleam / ??? / As we cheer for the Big Red team!” And in this joy we shall partake And the ivied walls shall quake Our spirit’s true, ne’er is it fake Our faith the years can never shake 6) “My Old Cornell”: “I am dreaming tonight of my old college days / ??? / Something is calling me back once again / Back where I want to remain!” My dear alma mater is with me always My heart is so filled with its joy and its praise My spirits those memories always shall raise Its glories will light up the sky all ablaze Time’s up Published January 18, 2024 Comments Randall Nixon, Class of 1978 19 Jan, 2024 My children are the classes of ’11 and ’15. Whenever we would make the seven hour drive to campus, I would play all of the Cornell songs from a CD. Reply Rachel, Class of 1994 19 Jan, 2024 I’ve never heard of two of these songs! It would be great if you provided links to the chorus/glee club singing them. Reply William Jadkowski, Class of 1979 23 Jan, 2024 I AGREE! Reply Adrienne Schwarz, Class of 1980 13 Feb, 2024 ditto! Reply Chris Nielsen Berg, Class of 1987 21 Jan, 2024 I was in women’s chorus and we didn’t sing some of these, which explains why I didn’t know all the lyrics. I’m sure my brother, who was in the glee club, knows all of them! Reply Carolyn McMaster, Class of 1971 23 Jan, 2024 I dated the Glee Club member who sang the “junior” verse. And still remember so clearly all the lyrics to these songs. What joy! Reply John Davis, Class of 1983 26 Jan, 2024 I sang the junior verse in the graduation concert for Glee Club. My dad (also a Cornellian) burst into tears. A very Cornell moment! Reply Karen Viglione Lauterwasser, Class of 1976 23 Jan, 2024 I agree with Rachel – links to recordings would be awesome. I was in the Big Red Band; we would sing during intermission at the Friday night concerts we would play at local high schools the evening before our away game appearances. But we didn’t sing them all… Reply Lewis B. Ward-Baker, Class of 1952 23 Jan, 2024 As a four year Glee Clubber (doing some of the Student Directing in my senior year), most of the lyrics are in my head and available on short notice. But the one that always makes me cry is from The Hill where the line asks for a chance “to see the hill once more before I die”. Reply Barbara Redden Leamer, Class of 1957 23 Jan, 2024 I think it is “tread the hill again” but I agree with you, I always tear up. I think it is because we know, at our age, that it might not be possible. Reply Steve Harris, Class of 1976 23 Jan, 2024 Interesting how one (or more) of these songs flow into/ out of the repertoire. Glee Club from 1973 -76, and never sang “My Old Cornell” that I can recall. Of course, that was a long time ago, too. ;o) Reply David Harding, Class of 1972 23 Jan, 2024 Most of those songs are here: https://alumni.cornell.edu/come-back/cornell-traditions/cornell-songs/ Reply Leave a Comment Cancel replyOnce your comment is approved, your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment * Name * Class Year Email * Save my name, email, and class year in this browser for the next time I comment. Δ Other stories You may like Cornelliana Classic ‘Cornell Bread’ Is Still a Favorite of Health-Conscious Bakers Cornelliana Let’s Hit the Slope! Celebrating Classes’ End Is a Cornellian Tradition Ask the Expert Just Starting Out in Your Career? Dyson Prof Has Advice!