On, Wisconsin! facts for kids
"On, Wisconsin!" is a very famous fight song for the Wisconsin Badgers sports teams at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. It's so popular that a special version with different words is also the official state song of Wisconsin.
This phrase, "On, Wisconsin!", was even used as a brave battle cry by a soldier named Arthur MacArthur Jr. during the American Civil War at a place called Missionary Ridge in the Battle of Chattanooga.
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How the Song Started
The music for "On, Wisconsin!" was created in 1909 by a person named William T. Purdy. He actually wrote it for the University of Minnesota, hoping it would win a contest for their new fight song. He called it "Minnesota, Minnesota" at first.
But then, Carl Beck, who used to be a student at the University of Wisconsin, convinced William Purdy to pull his song out of the Minnesota contest. Carl Beck wanted his old school, Wisconsin, to use it instead! Carl then wrote the first words for the song, which were all about football. He changed "Minnesota, Minnesota" to "On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!" (The song that eventually won the Minnesota contest became known as the Minnesota Rouser.)
Becoming the State Song
The words for the state song version were rewritten in 1913 by Judge Charles D. Rosa and J. S. Hubbard. Even though many people already thought of it as the state song, it wasn't officially made so until much later. Finally, in 1959, "On, Wisconsin!" was officially named the state song by law. You can find it in Section 1.10 of Wisconsin's laws.
A very famous bandleader named John Philip Sousa once said that "On, Wisconsin!" was "the finest of college marching songs." It's one of the most popular fight songs in the whole country! About 2,500 schools use some form of this song as their own school song.
The Words to the Song
Here are the original words, which are often sung at football games:
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Plunge right through that line!
Run the ball clear down the field, a touchdown sure this time.
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Fight on for her fame,
Fight! Fellows! Fight! Fight, fight, we'll win this game.
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Stand up, Badgers sing!
'Forward' is our driving spirit loyal voices ring.
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Raise her glowing flame
Stand, fellows, let us now salute her name!
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Grand all badger state!
We the loyal sons and daughters Hail for good and great!
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin! Champion of the right!
Forward Our motto God will give thee right!
And here are the words for the official state song:
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Grand old badger state!
We, thy loyal sons and daughters,
Hail thee, good and great.
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Champion of the right,
"Forward", our motto
God will give thee might!
A Brave Battle Cry
"On, Wisconsin!" was used as a powerful battle cry by Arthur MacArthur Jr. during the American Civil War. This happened at the Battle of Chattanooga at a place called Missionary Ridge. He bravely grabbed his regiment's flag and encouraged his soldiers by shouting "On, Wisconsin!" Because of his amazing bravery, he was given the Medal of Honor, which is a very special award for military heroes.
Who Owns the Song?
You might have heard rumors that famous musicians like Paul McCartney or Michael Jackson own the rights to "On, Wisconsin!" This isn't true.
Back in the early 1980s, after a company called Edwin H. Morris & Company was bought, lawyers working for Paul McCartney tried to claim ownership of several well-known songs, including On, Wisconsin!. Later, this whole collection of songs was sold to Michael Jackson. When the claim was first made, many people in Wisconsin were upset because they thought they would have to pay money every time the song was performed.
However, this issue was quietly resolved. The song is actually in the public domain in the United States. This means that no one owns the copyright, and anyone can use it freely. So, even though the rumors still pop up, "On, Wisconsin!" belongs to everyone!
