Fight Songs and Chants





Hail West Virginia

One of the most recognizable college fight songs in the country, ‘Hail West Virginia’ immediately evokes enthusiasm from WVU fans and sends chills down the spines of those who dare to oppose them.

Let's give a rah for West Virginia

And let us pledge to her anew,

Others may be black or crimson,

but for us it's Gold and Blue.

Let all our troubles be forgotten,

Let college spirit rule,

We'll join and give our loyal efforts

For the good of our old school.

It's West Virginia, It's West Virginia

The Pride of every Mountaineer.

Come on you old grads, join with us young lads,

It's West Virginia now we cheer!

Now is the time, boys, to make a big noise

No matter what the people say,

For there is naught to fear; the gang's all here,

So hail to West Virginia, Hail

Words by alumnus Fred B. Deem ('15), Composition by alumni Earl Miller ('15) and Ed McWhorther ('16).

Traditionally, only the second verse of Hail West Virginia is sung.

Fight, Mountaineers!

Fight, fight, fight, fight, Mountaineers!

We're here to cheer for you.

Take that old ball down the field.

We're putting our faith in you.

Play that team right off its feet.

You can't be beat we know.

And when the game is through,

We'll all cheer for you.

West Virginia, West Virginia, rah!

Composed by Fuzzy Knight



Take Me Home Country Roads

The theme song for the state of West Virginia, Country Roads, has been performed at every home football pre-game show since 1972. The song is also played after every home victory and fans are encouraged to stay in the stands sing along with the team.

John Denver christened the new stadium when he performed Country Roads during the pre-game festivities before the Mountaineers faced Cincinnati in the 1980 season opener.

Almost heaven, West Virginia

Blue ridge mountains

Shenandoah river -

Life is old there

Older than the trees

Younger than the mountains

Growin’ like a breeze

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

West virginia, mountain momma

Take me home, country roads

All my memories gathered round her

Miners lady, stranger to blue water

Dark and dusty, painted on the sky

Misty taste of moonshine

Teardrops in my eye

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

West virginia, mountain momma

Take me home, country roads

I hear her voice

In the mornin hour she calls me

The radio reminds me of my home far away

And drivin down the road I get a feelin

That I should have been home yesterday, yesterday

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

West virginia, mountain momma

Take me home, country roads

Country roads, take me home

To the place I belong

West virginia, mountain momma

Take me home, country roads

Take me home, now country roads

Take me home, now country roads

Words and music by Bill Danoff, Taffy Nivert and John Denver

First Down Cheer

A tradition created by WVU students, the first down cheer is heard during home football games prior to the announcement of a first down. Mountaineer fans raise their hands and cheer in unison until the first down call is made. Following the call, the fans lift their arms up-and down three times, clap and then signal to the end zone chanting "first down."

Citynet