Hark the Sound



"Hark the Sound" is the alma mater (song) of the University of North Carolina. It was written by William Starr Myers (class of 1897), a member of the UNC Glee Club at the time. It is sung at the end of athletic events (win or lose) and other university gatherings, and is one of many alma maters set to the music of "Annie Lisle".

It is usually followed by a rendition of Carolina's fight song, "I'm a Tar Heel Born"—even during formal occasions.

Since 2008, an acoustic version of the song has been played before the start of football and basketball games. Listen to Hark the Sound as played by The Marching Tar Heels, here or as sung by the 1956–57 UNC Glee club, here

Lyrics
The first of the three verses is as follows; it is the only portion sung at University events:

1. Hark the sound of Tar Heel voices Ringing clear and True Singing Carolina's praises Shouting N.C.U.

(chorus) Hail to the brightest Star of all Clear its radiance shine Carolina priceless gem, Receive all praises thine.

The second and third verses are as follows; they are not typically sung at University events:

2. 'Neath the oaks thy sons and daughters Homage pay to thee Time worn walls give back their echo Hail to U.N.C.

(repeat chorus)

3. Though the storms of life assail us Still our hearts beat true Naught can break the friendships formed at Dear old N.C.U.

(repeat chorus)

N.C.U. is an abbreviation for "North Carolina University," as Carolina was sometimes called in the late 19th century. Since at least the 1980s, it has been common to yell N-C-U! after the line shouting N-C-U. Also, after clear its radiance shine, students will stomp their feet in time with the drum roll—a practice dating back to at least the 1990s.

In recent years, it has become common to shout priceless gem instead of singing it. This practice started among students and younger alumni in the early 2000s.

In 2006, the lyrics of the second verse of Hark the Sound were officially changed. The first line was changed from "sons true hearted" to "sons and daughters."