Walk into Ryan Field—or the temporary lakeside stadium they're using while the new one gets built—and the energy is weirdly specific. It’s not just the purple. It’s the sound. If you’ve spent any time in Evanston on a Saturday, you know the Northwestern University fight song by heart, even if you didn't go there. It’s called "Go U Northwestern," and honestly, it’s one of those rare college anthems that manages to be musically catchy without being incredibly annoying to everyone else in the Big Ten.
Most people think college fight songs are just old, dusty relics from the early 1900s. They kind of are. But "Go U Northwestern" has this specific, punchy rhythm that actually dictates the entire vibe of the student section. It’s the heartbeat of the "Cardiac Cats." When the Northwestern University fight song starts up, it isn’t just about football. It’s a signal that something is happening.
The Man Behind the Music: Theodore Van Doorn
Back in 1912, a student named Theodore Van Doorn decided the university needed something better than what they had. He wrote "Go U Northwestern" for a contest. That’s how these things usually started back then—student competitions. You have to imagine the scene in 1912. No microphones. No stadium speakers. Just a brass band and a bunch of people in wool coats screaming their heads off. Van Doorn’s composition won, and it’s basically stayed the same ever since.
There’s a common misconception that fight songs are written by famous composers or professional songwriters. Not this one. It was a kid. A student who wanted to capture the feeling of being a Wildcat. And he nailed it. The melody is triumphant, sure, but it’s got this driving "staccato" feel in the verses that makes you want to move. It’s not a slow, sweeping hymn. It’s an aggressive call to action.
Breaking Down the Lyrics (And the Parts People Mumble)
We’ve all been there. You’re at the game, the band starts playing, and you know the first three words and the last five words. In between? It’s a lot of humming and nodding. But the lyrics to the Northwestern University fight song are actually pretty straightforward if you look at them.
The opening is iconic: "Go! U Northwestern! Break right through that line." It sets the tone immediately. It’s about physical dominance on the field. Then it moves into "With our colors flying, we will cheer you all the time." Simple. Effective.
Then comes the part that usually trips people up: "U! Northwestern! B-ah-h!" (which is the bleating sound of a Wildcat, or at least the 1912 interpretation of one). "Fight! Fight! Fight! for every yard, Northwestern and victory!"
People often confuse the "Wildcat Growl" with just random shouting. It’s not. There’s a specific cadence to the "U! Northwestern!" chant that’s baked into the sheet music. If the fans miss the beat, the whole thing feels off. It’s a collective rhythm. It’s basically the only time a group of 30,000 people—mostly high-achieving academics and stressed-out undergrads—agrees on anything.
📖 Related: Jake Paul Mike Tyson Tattoo: What Most People Get Wrong
The "Push On" Confusion
One thing that really confuses casual fans is that Northwestern actually has two songs. "Go U Northwestern" is the official fight song. But then there’s "Push On," which was written by Philip Warner in 1930.
A lot of folks get them swapped. "Push On" is also a fight song, but it’s usually played after extra points or during smaller moments. If you hear the band and people are clapping in a different tempo, you’re probably hearing "Push On." But if the team just scored a massive touchdown or forced a fumble? That’s always going to be the Northwestern University fight song. It’s the "A-side" of the record.
Why the "Wildcat" Branding Changed Everything
Northwestern wasn’t always the Wildcats. They were the "Purple" or the "Fighting Methodists" (which, let’s be real, doesn’t sound very intimidating). The name "Wildcats" didn't even show up until 1924, twelve years after the fight song was written.
A writer for the Chicago Tribune, Wallace Abbey, wrote about a game against Chicago where the players looked like "Wildcats." The name stuck. The song, however, didn't need to change. Because Van Doorn wrote it with such a universal "go-get-em" energy, the transition from the "Purple" to the "Wildcats" felt seamless. The song gave the new mascot a voice before the mascot even existed.
The Role of the NUMB
The Northwestern University Marching Band, affectionately known as NUMB, is the keeper of the flame. They don't just play the song; they own it.
If you watch the band during the pre-game show, the precision is wild. They do this thing where they march through the tunnel, and the percussion starts that low, rumbling cadence. Then, the brass kicks in with the first chords of the Northwestern University fight song. It’s a physical wall of sound.
I’ve talked to former band members who say that playing "Go U Northwestern" for the first time on the field is a rite of passage. You aren't officially a "NUMB-er" until you’ve blasted those high notes while marching at a ridiculous pace. The tempo is usually around 144 beats per minute. That’s fast. Try singing it while jogging—you’ll see why these kids are in such good shape.
👉 See also: What Place Is The Phillies In: The Real Story Behind the NL East Standings
It’s About the Community, Not Just the Score
Northwestern is a weird place, sports-wise. It’s a tiny private school in a conference of massive state universities. They are the underdog. They are the "nerds" who occasionally beat the giants.
Because of that, the Northwestern University fight song takes on a different meaning. It’s a defiance. When the Wildcats are down by 14 points in the fourth quarter and the band starts playing, it’s a way for the fans to say, "We’re still here." It’s a middle finger to the idea that you can't be an elite academic institution and a powerhouse on the field.
The song bridges the gap between the different eras of Northwestern football. Whether you were there for the dark days of the 34-game losing streak in the early 80s or the Rose Bowl run in the 90s, the song was the same. It’s the one constant in a program that has seen some massive swings in fortune.
Modern Day Traditions and "The Growl"
Today, the song has evolved a bit in terms of fan interaction. The "Growl" has become much more pronounced. Students will put their hands up like claws—which is slightly cheesy, sure, but it’s college sports. Cheesy is the point.
The university has tried to modernize things here and there with stadium music and DJs, but nothing beats the organic roar of the crowd when the band hits that final "Victory!"
How to Experience it Properly
If you’re planning to visit Evanston for a game, don't just show up at kickoff. You have to be there for the "Wildcat Alley" festivities. The band usually performs a "Spirit Rally" before the game. This is the best time to hear the Northwestern University fight song up close. You can see the spit flying off the trumpets. You can feel the bass drum in your chest.
It’s also worth noting that the song is played after every single score. If Northwestern is having a good day—like when they’re putting up 40 points—you’re going to hear it a lot. By the end of the fourth quarter, you’ll be humming it in your sleep.
✨ Don't miss: Huskers vs Michigan State: What Most People Get Wrong About This Big Ten Rivalry
Practical Steps for the New Fan
If you’re trying to learn the song or just want to fit in at the next tailgate, here’s the most efficient way to do it.
First, don't try to memorize the whole thing at once. Focus on the "Go! U Northwestern!" hook. That’s the most important part. If you get that right, you’re 80% of the way there.
Second, listen to a recording of the NUMB. You can find them on Spotify or YouTube. Pay attention to the percussion. The drums are the signal for when to shout. If you follow the drums, you won't miss your cue.
Third, understand the "B-ah-h!" part. It’s not a scream; it’s a rhythmic shout. It’s meant to be sharp and sudden.
Finally, just watch the people around you. Northwestern fans are generally pretty friendly, especially if you’re wearing purple. They’ll show you the claw hand signs and when to jump.
The Northwestern University fight song is more than a 110-year-old piece of music. It’s a piece of history that’s still alive. Every time it’s played, it connects the freshman in the stands to the alumni from the 1950s. It’s the thread that holds the whole Wildcat identity together. Next time you hear those opening notes, don't just stand there. Shout. Growl. Do the claw. It’s what Van Doorn would have wanted.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Listen to the official NUMB recording: Search for "Northwestern University Marching Band" on major streaming platforms to hear the professional arrangement of the song.
- Visit the University Archives: If you’re a real history buff, the Deering Library on campus often has displays featuring original sheet music and memorabilia from the early 1900s.
- Check the Game Day Schedule: Always arrive at least 90 minutes before kickoff to catch the "Step Off" where the band marches to the stadium—this is the most visceral way to experience the music.
- Learn the "Push On" Lyrics: Once you’ve mastered the main fight song, look up the lyrics to "Push On" so you aren't left out during the post-extra-point celebrations.