“On, Wisconsin!” is the fight song of the Wisconsin Badgers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
There’s a version of it with modified lyrics that serves as Wisconsin’s official state song.
Interestingly, “On, Wisconsin!” was the rallying cry used by Arthur MacArthur Jr. during the Civil War Battle of Chattanooga at Missionary Ridge. The song is a symbol of pride, unity, and determination for the state of Wisconsin.
The word “On” serves as a rallying cry, urging the team or group to push forward, break through obstacles, and achieve success. It’s a call to action, conveying a sense of determination and unity.
In this article, we’ll dive into the meaning behind the song’s lyrics.
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“On, Wisconsin!” Background
In 1909, William T. Purdy created a tune called “Minnesota, Minnesota” for a competition to find a new fight song at the University of Minnesota.
However, Carl Beck, a former student from Wisconsin, convinced Purdy to withdraw the song from the contest and let Wisconsin use it instead. Beck then wrote new lyrics focused on football and changed the words to “On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!”
The song became popular and is now known as “On, Wisconsin!” It was rewritten as the state song in 1913 by Judge Charles D. Rosa and J. S. Hubbard. Although widely recognized as the state song, it was officially designated as such in 1959 through legislation.
“On, Wisconsin!” is considered one of the best college marching songs and is used by many schools across the country as their fight song, with approximately 2,500 schools using variations of it.
“On, Wisconsin!” Lyrics Meaning
[Verse 1]
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Plunge right through that line!
* Run the ball clear down the field,
* (originally “Run the ball clear ’round Chicago”)
A touchdown sure this time. (U rah rah)
On, Wisconsin! On, Wisconsin!
Fight on for her fame
Fight! Fellows! – fight, fight, fight!
We’ll win this game.
Verse 1 is about football. It encourages the Wisconsin team to push through the opponent’s defense (“break right through that line”) and carry the football down the field to score a touchdown.
The original lyrics mentioned going “clear ’round Chicago,” but this was changed to reflect a more localized game.
The verse ends with enthusiasm, urging the team to fight and win the game.
[Verse 2]
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!
Verse 2 encourages the Badgers (Wisconsin’s team) to stand up and sing together. It emphasizes the word “Forward” as a symbol of their determination and motivation.
The verse celebrates loyalty and unity among the fans and supporters.
The final lines encourage everyone to raise the spirit and reputation of Wisconsin, and it calls for a collective salute to the state’s name.
Deeper Meaning Behind “On Wisconsin”
“On, Wisconsin!” is a salute to the spirit of Wisconsin, the bravery of a Civil War hero, and a chant that unites Badgers and Wisconsinites alike.
The song’s spirited lyrics, urging the team to break through the opponent’s defenses and score a touchdown, symbolize resilience, unity, and determination. It embodies the spirit of sportsmanship and the pride of representing Wisconsin on the field.
“On, Wisconsin!” was also the rallying cry used by Arthur MacArthur Jr. during the Battle of Chattanooga at Missionary Ridge. In this context, the song represents courage, rallying troops to overcome challenges and achieve victory.
“On” is an expression of forward movement, progress, and enthusiasm. It’s used to encourage and spur action. So, “On, Wisconsin!” essentially means “Let’s go, Wisconsin!” or “Keep moving forward, Wisconsin!”
Jacob Carter is a lyricist. He created the lyrics writing course to teach people how to analyze and write lyrics. He graduated from the University of Oxford with a degree in English Literature, so he’s skilled at playing with words.
He’s also an amateur guitarist, which means he knows music and melody very well. With this background, he’s a great lyricist you can rely on to learn writing lyrics.