Utah Man and its drinkin' roots

The internets are a wonderful think, people. A WONDERFUL THING. 

Ever wonder where Utah Man originally came from? Did you know it was a drinking song for the old Sigma Chi? 

Don't believe me? 

The original song was created by Charles Eldridge in 1885 and sung to the tune of Solomon Levi. 

How it came to be the U's fight song, I don't know. But the original tune was pretty interesting. 

Here's the tune, which is unmistakable.

And the lyrics:

My name is Sigma Chi, sir, and I live across the green, 

Our gang, it is the jolliest that you have ever seen; 

Oh we drink our stein of lager and we smoke a big cigar, 

Our yell, you hear it ringing thro' the country near and far.

 

(Chorus) 

Oh, who am I, sir, I'm a Sigma Chi, 

Sigma Chi, sir, will be till I die. Hey! 

We're up to snuff, we never bluff, we're game at any fuss, 

No other gang in college dares to meet us in a muss; 

So fill your lungs and sing it out and shout it to the sky, 

The Blue and Gold forever, I'm a loyal Sigma Chi! Hey! 

And when we prom the avenue, all lined up in a row, 

Then arm in arm and step in time as down the street we go; 

And no matter if a freshman green or in a senior's gown, 

The people all admit we are the warmest gang in town.

 

(Chorus) 

We may not live forever on this jolly good old sphere, 

But while we do we'll live a life of merriment and cheer; 

And when our little day is done and night is drawing nigh, 

With parting breath we'll sing the praise of good old Sigma Chi. 

(Chorus)

Interesting, right?