Why Baylor University Rewrote Its Iconic Fight Song

Expect to hear something different when you attend Baylor University football games this year!

Baylor Reclaims Ownership of Its Historic Fight Song

Baylor University football fans will notice a sonic shift from the sidelines this football season. The university has formally debuted a revised musical arrangement for its traditional fight song, to establish clear ownership over the nearly eight-decade-old composition.

Effort to Avoid Legal Issues

Uncertainty regarding the copyright for "Baylor Fight: Bear Down, You Bears" dates back to the 1940s, with Southern Music Publishing historically maintaining claims over the work. To mitigate ongoing legal exposure, university leadership commissioned an in-house revision, creating an officially recognized, university-owned version while retaining the original lyrics and melody created in 1947 by creators Frank Boggs and Dick Baker.

The Art of the Intellectual Property Shift

It is a tough thing to change something that is a tradition for football fans. In order to change the Baylor fight song, a couple of methods were used. The tempo was changed at several points in the song, and slight changes were made to the opening and closing of the tune.

Remastered Version of the Fight Song

You have probably heard of music artists and bands re-recording their hits in order to gain ownership of the music. In most instances, muscicians choose to re-record their music due to a legal issue with their record label. In the Baylor situation, key adjustments in the new Baylor score include shifting primary melodic lines to the low brass section.

Preseason Preparation with the Golden Wave Band

Responsibility for bringing the updated composition to life falls upon the 300-plus members of the Golden Wave Band. Prior to the opening kickoff, Baylor band members put in hours of practice learning and perfecting field formations. Walking in step in a constantly changing formation, while playing music, is no easy task. Yet, the Baylor musicians make it appear effortless.