In the rich and celebrated history of college football at Notre Dame, a few words resonate deeply with the Fighting Irish supporters:

“Cheer, cheer, for old Notre Dame / Wake up the echoes cheering her name.”

For over a century, fans have passionately sung these lines from the “Notre Dame Victory March,” the beloved fight song of the Fighting Irish. Particularly, the second stanza has become an essential element of the university’s essence.

The phrase “Wake up the echoes” serves as a powerful rallying call for the Fighting Irish and their followers, frequently referenced in various accounts detailing the legacy of this remarkably renowned team. There is a book titled “Wake Up The Echoes,” a school-sanctioned podcast named “Wake Up the Echoes,” and a documentary celebrating the team’s remarkable journey.

Fans of Notre Dame often express this sentiment in celebratory shouts outside the stadium after games, marking their team’s victories. With dedicated Irish supporters who travel widely, it’s likely to be heard in various locations, both at home and away games.

Lyrics to the Notre Dame fight song

The “Notre Dame Victory March,” first performed by the university’s marching band in 1909 according to the official Notre Dame website, features the renowned phrase “wake up the echoes,” which has since woven itself into the fabric of Notre Dame’s various communications and traditions.

The full lyrics are:

“Rally sons and daughters of Notre Dame: Sing her glory and sound her fame, Raise her Gold and Blue And cheer with voices true: Rah, rah, for Notre Dame We will fight in every game, Strong of heart and true to her name We will ne’er forget her And will cheer her ever Loyal to Notre Dame