Official Alma Mater of the
University of Texas. Written in
1903 by
student John Sinclair for a
talent show benefiting the
track team. Given only a few hours notice to write something for the
show, Sinclair decided to
mock University
President W. L. Prather who always ended his speeches with, "students, the Eyes of Texas are upon you" (Prather went to school at
Washington College where
Robert E. Lee often ended speeches with, "young men, the eyes of
the South are upon you"). At the show it was sung by a
quartet to the
tune of "
I've been Working on the Railroad." The song did not achieve it's current respect until it was sung as a
tribute at Prather's
funeral a few years later. The song is now performed at the beginning and end of all
sporting events and major University functions.
- Original Lyrics:
- I once did know a President,
Away down South, in Texas.
And, always, everywhere he went,
He saw the eyes of Texas.
The Eyes of Texas are upon you,
All the live long day.
The Eyes of Texas are upon you,
You can not get away.
Do not think you can escape them
At night or early in the morn-
The Eyes of Texas are upon you
'Till Gabriel blows his horn.
Sing me a song of Proxy,
Of days long since gone by.
Again I seem to great him
And hear his kind reply.
Smiles of gracious welcome
Before my memory rise,
Again I hear him say to me,
"Remember Texas' Eyes."
only the bold lyrics are sung today