The Story Behind Alabama’s Fight Song

Hey Tide fans!

Welcome to the very first edition of Tide Digest! We’re excited to kick things off with a deep dive into one of the most iconic elements of Alabama Crimson Tide culture—the Alabama Fight Song. Whether you’ve belted it out in the stands or heard it echo through your TV speakers, this tune is more than just a song—it’s the heartbeat of our Crimson Tide pride.

Trivia Question:

Before we get rolling, let’s start with a trivia question: When was the Alabama fight song, “Yea, Alabama,” first performed?

The Origins of “Yea, Alabama”

After a first-ever undefeated regular season in 1925, the University of Alabama football team coached by Wallace Wade made history by winning their first national championship in the Rose Bowl against the University of Washington. The victory marked a turning point not only for Alabama but for Southern football as a whole. It was in the wake of this monumental win that “Yea, Alabama” was born.

The song was penned by Ethelred “Epp” Sykes, the editor of The Crimson White, Alabama’s student newspaper. The desire for a unique fight song had been growing on campus, but it was the Rose Bowl win that truly ignited the passion for an anthem that could capture the spirit of the team. After all, the football team had just shown that they could compete with—and beat—the best in the country.

Sykes entered a campus contest in early 1926 to create the official fight song. His submission, “Yea, Alabama,” was selected as the winner, and Sykes, demonstrating true school spirit, donated his prize money to have the song arranged for the Million Dollar Band.

The Lyrics: A Tribute to a Historic Season

The lyrics of “Yea, Alabama” are deeply rooted in the events of the 1925 season. References in the song commemorate key victories, including a 27-0 win over the Georgia Bulldogs and a 7-0 victory against Georgia Tech’s Yellow Jackets. The line “Remember the Rose Bowl, we’ll win then” is a direct nod to the game that put Alabama on the national stage.

Personal Spotlight: Ethelred “Epp” Sykes

This edition’s spotlight goes to Epp Sykes, whose creativity and love for the Crimson Tide gave us one of the most enduring symbols of Alabama sports. As a student editor, Sykes used his platform to rally for a fight song that would match the team's growing reputation. His contribution is still celebrated today, nearly a century later, every time “Yea, Alabama” is performed and especially when it’s sung.

Trivia Answer

So, when was “Yea, Alabama” first performed? As you know now, the answer is 1926. But more specifically, the fight song made its debut in the fall football season of that year, just months after Alabama’s historic Rose Bowl victory, and it’s been a staple of Crimson Tide culture ever since. The song was a fitting tribute to the team’s success and a rallying cry that has endured for generations.

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That’s a wrap for our first edition of Tide Digest! We hope you enjoyed this look back at the history of Alabama’s fight song. Stay tuned for more stories, trivia, and updates in our next edition.

Thanks for reading, and as always, Roll Tide!

For more detailed history on the Alabama fight song, you can check out the full story here via UA News Center.