The Battle Hymn of St. Albert's

By Unknown (Donated by Mark Costello)
Unknown Personage
October 18, 2006

Historian's Note: “The Battle Hymn of St. Albert’s” is generally dated as having been written a year or so after “Basil” was. The songs bear a strong resemblance in terms of tone and meaning, owing to the fact that both are rallying songs written during a time of war. While South Campus’ glorifies the creature comforts of Southern living, though, North Dorms’ song exalts even the less appetizing portions of Northern living (e.g., the acknowledgement of roaches and mice).

Mine eyes have seen the glory of the splendor of North Dorms;
They hath bugs and mice aplenty, sprawled about in many swarms;
They hath taught us how to survive through the worst of winter storms;
North Dorms’ praises are long!
North Dorms! North Dorms! Hallelujah!
North Dorms! North Dorms! Hallelujah!
North Dorms! North Dorms! Hallelujah!
North Dorms’ praises are long!

We’ve survived the food of Blue and Gold and its ensuing cramps;
Our guitarists, bassists, musicians have loud, powerful amps;
Vanquished hath been the 20th Street protesters’ camps;
Greg Paulmier has moved on.
North Dorms! North Dorms! Hallelujah!
North Dorms! North Dorms! Hallelujah!
North Dorms! North Dorms! Hallelujah!
Greg Paulmier has moved on.

Natural air, a beauty, flows through Hillary and Jerome,
Where air conditioned atmospheres have not found a home.
Our doors are always open and our residents ne’er alone,
North Dorms is a community.
North Dorms! North Dorms! Hallelujah!
North Dorms! North Dorms! Hallelujah!
North Dorms! North Dorms! Hallelujah!
North Dorms is a community.

costellom4@lasalle.edu