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History
Artwork
  • Posters
  • Programs

Music

 

Recordings

WKCR, Columbia's student-run radio station, recorded the live performances of some of the Varsity Show productions and then issued vinyl records. Digitized recordings of the Varsity Shows for 1952 through 1955 are available on the University Archives website. The physical vinyl records are part of the Varsity Show Records, the archival collection that documents the history of the Show held at the University Archives.

 

Roar, Lion, Roar

Poster for 1923 Varsity Show Half Moon Inn depicting a pirate leaning back in a chair drinking from a mug
Half Moon Inn poster, 1923

 

 

 

 

The 1923 Varsity Show, Half Moon Inn, gave Columbia one of her most enduring football songs - “Roar, Lion, Roar”.

Printed text of lyrics to the song Bold Buccaneers (on the left) and Roar, Lion, Roar (on the right).
Side by Side Lyrics showing changes to create Roar, Lion, Roar

 

 

In order to compete in the Alumni Federation’s song contest of that year, author Corey Ford, CC 1923, changed the lyrics in a song from the show called “Bold Buccaneers” (text on the left) and produced “Roar, Lion, Roar” (text on the right).

First two pages of music and Lyrics for "Roar Lion Roar" as printed in a songbook.
Roar Lion Roar Sheet Music, 1923

 

 

To hear a performance of this song, please visit the Music Library's Columbia University Song's Page.

 

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