Walk into any pub in South Bend on a crisp Saturday morning and you’ll hear it. It’s not the fight song. Not yet. Before the drums of the Victory March kick in, there is a slower, more melodic build-up that gets under the skin of every Domer in the building. We’re talking about Here Come the Irish of Notre Dame, a song that has somehow carved out a massive space in the heart of the Fighting Irish faithful despite not being the "official" anthem.
It’s personal.
Most people think of Notre Dame music and immediately hum those famous opening notes of the Victory March. You know the ones. But Here Come the Irish hits different because it captures the lore, the cold Indiana wind, and the specific brand of Catholic-adjacent grit that defines the school. It’s a song about arrival. It’s a song about the "clashing of the titans" and the "thunder in the sky." If the Victory March is the celebration, this track is the hype man.
The Cathy Richardson Connection: A Voice That Stuck
You’ve probably heard the voice. It’s powerful, slightly raspy, and feels like it belongs in a stadium. That’s Cathy Richardson. While many fans assume the song was some ancient relic from the Knute Rockne era, it’s actually a much more modern addition to the Notre Dame catalog. Richardson, who has fronted Jefferson Starship and played Janis Joplin on stage, brought a rock-and-roll edge to a program that is usually steeped in tradition and brass bands.
The song was written by John Scully and Jim Thistle. Scully, a Notre Dame alum and former NBC producer, didn't just want another fight song. He wanted something that felt cinematic. He wanted a song that sounded like a movie trailer for a team that actually lived up to the drama.
It worked.
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The track was originally released in the late 90s, specifically around 1999, and it didn't take long for it to become the soundtrack for every highlight reel on the stadium’s "Jumbotron" (now just the massive video board). There’s a specific magic in the way the lyrics mention "the gold and blue." It feels inclusive. It’s a rallying cry for the guys on the field, but it’s also for the guy in the third row of the upper deck who hasn't missed a home game since 1974.
Lyrics That Actually Mean Something
Honestly, most sports songs are kind of cheesy. They’re full of clichés about winning and being the best. But Here Come the Irish of Notre Dame leans into the mythology of the place. It talks about the "echoes" and the "spirit." It references the very things that make Notre Dame feel like a pilgrimage site rather than just a college campus.
Take the line: "A thousand hearts are beating, they're beating gold and blue." It’s a bit dramatic, sure. But when you’re standing in the shadow of Touchdown Jesus and the sun is hitting the Golden Dome, it feels 100% accurate. The song bridges the gap between the religious undertones of the university and the raw, physical reality of Midwestern football. It’s why you’ll see people who didn't even go to school there—the "Subway Alumni"—singing along at the top of their lungs. They feel like they belong to that "thousand hearts" collective.
Why it Beats the Victory March (Sometimes)
Blasphemy? Maybe. But hear me out.
The Victory March is the greatest fight song in the history of college sports. No debate. But it’s a march. It’s fast, it’s frantic, and it’s meant for the band to play while the team is scoring. Here Come the Irish of Notre Dame serves a different purpose. It’s for the tunnel walk. It’s for that moment of anticipation when the team hasn't even touched the grass yet.
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It builds.
The structure of the song is designed to ramp up the energy. It starts with that driving beat and Richardson’s vocals, and by the time the chorus hits, you’re ready to run through a brick wall. It’s basically the "Enter Sandman" of the ACC—at least for the Irish.
The Controversy of Tradition
Not everyone loved it at first. You’ve got the purists. You know the type—the ones who think anything recorded after 1950 is a slight against the ghosts of the Four Horsemen. When the song started getting heavy airplay in the stadium, there were grumblings that it was "too commercial" or "too rock-and-roll."
But traditions at Notre Dame aren't just handed down; they’re earned.
Over the last two decades, this song earned its spot. It became the backdrop for the return to prominence under various coaching regimes. It was there for the BCS runs, the playoff appearances, and the snowy November afternoon games where the only thing keeping you warm was the collective yelling of 80,000 people. It’s now as much a part of the game-day experience as the player walk or the push-ups after a touchdown.
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Where to Hear it Now
If you’re looking for the definitive version, you’re looking for the Cathy Richardson studio recording. It’s available on most streaming platforms, though it often hides under titles like "Here Come the Irish" or as part of Notre Dame spirit compilations.
But the best way to experience it is live.
Go to South Bend.
Stand outside the stadium about 45 minutes before kickoff.
Wait for the speakers to kick in.
There’s a specific vibration that happens in the air when the bass line starts. It’s different from the band. It’s louder. It’s heavier. You’ll see students, alumni, and little kids all starting to move at the same time. That’s the power of a song that captures the "spirit of the land."
Actionable Steps for the True Irish Fan
If you want to fully lean into the "Here Come the Irish" experience for your next tailgate or game-day party, don't just play the song on a loop. You’ve gotta use it correctly.
- Timing is everything: Use this track for the 10-minute window before kickoff. It’s a "pre-game" song, not a "post-game" celebration. Save the Victory March for the win.
- Check the lyrics: Most people mumble through the verses and only scream the chorus. Learn the verse about the "thunder in the sky"—it’s the best part and makes you look like a seasoned vet.
- Update your playlist: Ensure you have the 2002 version featuring Cathy Richardson. There are some covers out there, but they lack the grit of the original.
- The "Stadium" Effect: If you're hosting at home, crank the bass. The song is mixed to be played on stadium horns, so it sounds thin on small phone speakers. Give it some room to breathe.
Ultimately, this song is about the feeling of being part of something bigger than a football game. It’s about the "echoes" that the school is always talking about. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the sea of green, Here Come the Irish of Notre Dame is the signal that something special is about to happen. It’s the sound of the Irish arriving. And honestly, there’s nothing quite like it in all of college sports.