The KU Fight Song

History of the KU Fight Song

The KU fight song, 'I'm a Jayhawk,' was written in 1912 by George 'Dumpy' Bowles, a student with the class of 1892. Bowles longed to make a lasting contribution to KU spirit. Although he was not big enough for the athletic field, he produced some outstanding student musical shows.

'I'm a Jayhawk' was a song in one of these shows in 1912, but did not become a Jayhawk staple until 1920, when it began to be played with regularity. The song contributed to the raising of funds to build both the stadium and union as World War I memorials. The 1926 glee club made it known nationally.

The Words

By George Bowles

Talk about the Sooners, the Cowboys and the Buffs,
Talk about the Tiger and his tail,
Talk about the Wildcat, and those Cornhuskin' boys,
But I'm the bird to make 'em weep and wail.

Chorus:

'Cause I'm a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jayhawk
Up at Lawrence on the Kaw
'Cause I'm a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jayhawk
With a sis-boom, hip hoorah.
Got a bill that's big enough to twist the Tiger's tail.
Husk some corn and listen to the Cornhusker's wail.
'Cause I'm a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jayhawk,
Riding on a Kansas Gale.

Download:

The opening bars. It makes a great event sound.

The complete fight song (220 kb)