Penned in 1932 by Clyde D. Sandgren, The Cougar Song is the anthem of BYU sports. Sung after each touchdown and field goal at football games, its words can frequently be heard ringing out across Utah Valley on Saturday afternoons in the fall. Traditionally, fans remain seated through the first verse and then stand, chant and shout through the chorus. Carried by 65,000 voices, The Cougar Song can be an intimidating musical number to an opposing team.
Although written and composed in 1932, the song was not copyrighted and presented to the University until 1947. In addition to The Cougar Song, Sandgren wrote and composed The Old 'Y' Bell, which was sung at the dedication of the upper-campus bell tower. The bell tower housed the Victory Bell before it was moved to its current location outside the Marriott Center.
A 1937 graduate of BYU, Sandgren went on to obtain a law degree from St. John's University. He then became a partner of the New York law firm Burroughs and Brown until 1947, when he decided to return to Provo to establish his own law practice. Sandgren later served as general counsel and vice president of BYU. Although he passed away in 1989, Sandgren's memory lives on through the voices of Cougar fans across the nation.
The Cougar Song
Brigham Young University
By Clyde D. Sandgren, 1932
Rise all loyal Cougars and hurl your challenge to the foe.
You will fight, day or night, rain or snow.
Loyal, strong, and true
Wear the white and blue.
While we sing, get set to spring.
Come on Cougars it's up to you. Oh!
Chorus:
Rise and shout, the Cougars are out
along the trail to fame and glory.
Rise and shout, our cheers will ring out
As you unfold your victr'y story.
On you go to vanquish the foe for Alma Mater's sons and daughters.
As we join in song, in praise of you, our faith is strong.
We'll raise our colors high in the blue
And cheer our Cougars of BYU.