On, Wisconsin!

On, Wisconsin! is a rousing fight song and marching band standard most famously associated with the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Composed in 1909, its energetic melody and spirited lyrics have made it a central part of Badger athletic tradition and a recognizable piece of American music beyond the campus. The song is also the official state song of Wisconsin, cementing its dual role in representing both the university and the state's identity.

History and origins

The song's creation is credited to University of Wisconsin student William T. Purdy in 1909. Purdy originally composed the melody for a contest for a new fight song at the University of Minnesota, but it was rejected. He then presented it to the University of Wisconsin bandleader J.S. Hubbard, who arranged it for the University of Wisconsin Marching Band. The lyrics were initially penned by Purdy, with additional verses later contributed by fellow student Carl Beck. Its first public performance is believed to have been at a football game against the University of Minnesota in November 1909, quickly gaining popularity among students and fans. The Wisconsin State Legislature officially designated it as the state song in 1959, the same year the University of Wisconsin Regents formally adopted it as the university's fight song.

Lyrics and musical composition

The lyrics are a direct call to action and celebration, opening with the iconic rallying cry "On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Plunge right through that line!" The verses explicitly reference the university's colors ("...the glorious crimson and white") and encourage athletic victory. The music, arranged by J.S. Hubbard, is a classic march in a brisk duple meter, featuring a bold, memorable brass fanfare and a harmonically simple, repetitive structure designed for easy singing by crowds. This compositional style places it firmly within the tradition of early 20th-century college fight songs like Notre Dame Victory March and The Victors.

Usage and cultural significance

At the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the song is an indispensable part of the game-day experience, played by the University of Wisconsin Marching Band at every football game, basketball game, and other major athletic events. The crowd participates in the "Wisconsin Wave" tradition and shouts during specific musical breaks. As the state song, it is performed at official state functions, ceremonies, and by school bands across Wisconsin. Its role extends beyond athletics, serving as a unifying anthem for university alumni and state residents, symbolizing Badger pride and Midwestern spirit. The song's widespread recognition was further amplified by its frequent performance by the University of Wisconsin Marching Band on national television during Rose Bowl appearances.

Notable performances and recordings

The song has been recorded and performed by numerous artists and ensembles. The University of Wisconsin Marching Band has released it on many albums, including *Wisconsin Fight Songs*. Notable professional recordings include versions by the United States Marine Band and the Boston Pops Orchestra under Arthur Fiedler. It has been played at historic moments such as the University of Wisconsin's victories in the 1994 Rose Bowl and the 2000 Rose Bowl. Political figures, including President Lyndon B. Johnson, have used it at campaign rallies in the state. The song's enduring appeal is demonstrated by its inclusion in the College Band Directors National Association standard repertoire.

In popular culture

"On, Wisconsin!" has permeated American popular culture, frequently used to denote a collegiate or sporting atmosphere. It has been featured in films such as *Back to School* starring Rodney Dangerfield and *The Last Boy Scout*. Television shows, including *The Simpsons*, *How I Met Your Mother*, and *That '70s Show* (set in Wisconsin), have referenced or used the song. It appears in sports video game series like *NCAA Football* and is often played by high school bands across the United States at football games, transcending its Wisconsin origins to become a generic stand-in for team spirit.

Category:American patriotic songs Category:University of Wisconsin–Madison Category:Wisconsin culture Category:1909 songs