ACC #3: Duke

Again, sorry for the absence, this time my excuse is actually my reason; while I was doing research for Duke's fight songs, I became so disheartened with what I did and didn't find, I lacked the effort to start this blog. Honestly, I'd rather work on other fight songs with more rich histories and tangible referable information. And the big issue is that Duke's fight songs are not in the aforementioned category: there is no history on them that I can find through my scant research. So, this article will be a short one, and may be the catalyst that convinces me to start blogging out of order, giving me the freedom to bounce around the NCAA, to fight songs that are easy (and fun) to write about. But, that may come at another time. For now, here is what I could find about Duke's two fight songs: "Blue and White" and "Fight! Blue Devils, Fight!" Also, shoutout to the Cameron Crazies for being the best student section in college basketball.

The lyrics for "Fight! Blue Devils, Fight!"
Fight, Fight Blue Devils
Fight for Duke and the Blue and White
March on through
For the touchdown's there for you
Go get 'em
Duke is out to win today
Carolina goodnight
So turn on the steam team
Fight Blue Devils Fight

and for "Blue and White"
Duke, we thy anthems raise
For all thy praises untold
We sing for the Blue and White
Whose colors we uphold
Firm stand our line of blue
For we are loyal through and through
All for the love of old D.U.
Fight! We'll Fight!
With all our strength and might
Win we can
So here we give a hand
Hey!
Rah! Rah! Rah! Rah!
D-U-K-E, Rah!

Also, according to the most reliable reference material on the internet (Wikipedia),"The lyrics and music were written by G.E. Leftwich, Jr." which one was written by him, though, is unknown to me. That's about all I found find out about either of Duke's fight songs. Fortunately, though, I can give you my humble opinion about Duke's fight songs. First, even though "Blue and White" is the official fight song, I think it hardly functions as such. It is more fit as a school song, or even a school march. It sounds good as a piece of music, but it doesn't rouse the rabbles, nor does it compel a pair of lungs to belt out a chorus. It would be easier to hum in an elevator then to sing at a football game. I give it a 4/10, only because the lyrics use such strong visual imagery. There is nothing the DUMB (Duke University Marching Band) could do to make "Blue and White" appeal to anyone as a fight song; it would be more fitting as an Alma Mater. But here's the actual song so you can judge it yourself:

Next is the secondary fight song "Fight! Blue Devils, Fight!" which I have a personal disposition towards (which may explain my strong distaste for "Blue and White") because I feel it is more suitable for the role of Duke's fight song. It has most of the prerequisites for a fight song: the words "Fight" and"touchdown", a generic fight song phrase (turn on the steam), and a negative reference to an opposing/rival team (Carolina, goodnight!). Even though it feels a bit generic, the tempo is much more suitable for singing, and cheering. For a school of such prestige and age, I would think there would be more information about their fight songs, and they would have better fight songs, but I was mistaken. I give "Fight! Blue Devils, Fight!" a 7/10, just because it has the hype of a fight song, but just not that special ingredient that makes iconic fight songs, well, iconic. Next time, I think I'll take a trip to the Midwest and start the Big Ten, or maybe just keep pushing through the ACC, we will have to see!
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