About LSU Fight Songs

The Louisiana State University (LSU) fight song, like most fight songs, has a long history at the school and plays an important role in sporting events--especially at football games in LSU's notorious Tiger Stadium. It seems, however, that there are multiple fight songs dating back almost a century at LSU.

Features

The main LSU fight song, "Fight for LSU," is made up of one verse and one chorus. The verse is sung twice--with the same lyrics--followed by the chorus. The chorus is then followed by the verse, sung once more with the same lyrics. The song is a march that is performed by the LSU Tiger Marching Band, the largest organization on LSU's campus with 325 students.

Significance

The LSU fight song is extremely significant during football games, which is where it is most often played as opposed to other LSU sports. It is played first when the team runs out onto the field just before the game begins, and whenever the team scores an extra point, a field goal or a two-point conversion. The song is additionally played after the completion of a halftime performance as the band marches off the field before the second half begins. It has been identified by the school itself as the institution's definitive fight song. The LSU fight song can be played as much as six times in one game, depending on how many times LSU scores.

Function

The LSU fight song functions as a tool to rile up the crowd, getting it into the game and creating a sense of unity between fans and players as well as pride in the team. Fight songs are often led by cheerleaders, whose sole purpose is to keep the crowd enthused so that it will cheer on the team.

Misconceptions

Some LSU fans incorrectly regard "Pregame" and/or "Touchdown for LSU" as the school's official fight song. This is because both songs are played regularly during LSU football games, and sometimes before and after the games. This also goes for "Tiger Rag," another frequently played song at games. The official fight song, however, remains "Fight for LSU."

History

It may be correct to say that LSU has four fight songs, though only "Fight for LSU" can claim to be the official song. "Pregame" and "Touchdown for LSU," both fight songs, derive originally from "Tiger Rag" (considered yet another fight song). "Tiger Rag" came out in 1917 and was partly written by former Louisiana Governor Huey P. Long. Several schools whose mascots happen to be tigers also occasionally used the tune, but it has remained with LSU throughout the years.