University of Pittsburgh Alma Mater
A new tune for the "Alma Mater" hymn was composed by Charles W. Scovel, class of 1883, but it was not widely adopted and was either lost or became obscure.
[10][11] Today, the Pitt's "Alma Mater" is available for purchase in a variety of formats including compact discs, MP3s, and ringtones.
This first stanza is the most commonly performed portion of the song and is typically played or sung at formal and informal university events.
Alma Mater, wise and glorious, Child of Light and Bride of Truth, Over fate and foe victorious, Dowered with eternal youth, Crowned with love of son and daughter, Thou shalt conquer as of yore, Dear old Pittsburgh, Alma Mater, God preserve Thee evermore!
The lyrics of the second stanza refer to the geographical location of the university in Pittsburgh and that city's role in the early nation as the "Gateway to the West".
The "dawning of the nation" refers to the cities establishment as a fort and trading post prior to the American Revolution and the founding of the school in 1787, just before the beginning of the Constitutional Convention, and to the "rough-hewn habitation" refers to the mostly log and wooden structures that made up the early city at this time, including the school's own origins in a log cabin.
First beyond the mountains founded, Where the West-road opens free, When twin rivers forest bounded, Merge and journey toward the sea, In the dawning of the nation Ere the clouds of strife had cleared, 'Rose Thy rough-hewn habitation, By our prophet fathers reared.
Various lyrics, poems, or chants under the heading or title of "Alma Mater" have appeared throughout the years in various student and school publications.
[19] The lyrics of the chant represent an appreciation for the struggles endured during throughout the history of the university, which had recently moved to a new location in the Oakland section of Pittsburgh.
Up, through sorrow and toil Thou hast struggled, my beautiful mother, Life wars, lures of the dust, pangs of becoming, flashes Of world-hate conquered and broken, twice purged by refining fires Phoenix-like, dowered with truth, Thou hast risen in strength from the ashes.
White on thy mountain top thou shinest, my beautiful mother, Tented by sapphire skies and cloudbergs fashioned in gold, Gazing with thoughtful eyes o'er the vale to the world's last border Where the battle of Being is red and the new life wars with the old.
[1] The author, who may have been Baird, was credited simply as "B.-'09", and although no mention was made of possible accompanying music, the Owl contained the following lyrics.
[22] Alma Mater A Chant for Unwreathed Victory ———— O Thou, who tread'st, with valiant feet, The rugged road of hostile years, Whose lot hath been the glean-ed ears Snatched from a world of garnered wheat, O hungered tender of the vine Wright of unguerdoned husbandry, O thirst-irked treaderout of wine Red crushed for others' revelry, Wreathed in new song, I bring to Thee The love of those whose hearts are thine.
O Thou, who from reluctant dust Mingled with labor's sweat and tears, — Strong in a faith that knows no fears,— 'Gainst scourge of flame and jealous thrust Hast reared Thy pillared citadel; O keeper of the sacred fire, O warder of Pirene's well O pioneer of hearts' desire, On in they triumph mounting higher To thunderous song no storm can quell.
