Carmen Ohio

Listen to Carmen Ohio

Oh come let's sing Ohio's praise

And songs to Alma Mater raise

While our hearts rebounding thrill

With joy which death alone can still

Summer's heat or winter's cold

The seasons pass the years will roll

Time and change will surely show

How firm thy friendship ... O-HI-O!

With lyrics written in 1906 by OSU freshman Fred Cornell, Carmen Ohio stands as Ohio State's oldest school song. And as its alma mater, no other song expresses better all the reasons that people love Ohio State; the friends you make here, the good times you have, the pride you feel, whether you're an Ohio State student or just a fan. Set to the Christian tune, Spanish Hymn, the sounds of Carmen Ohio bring a tear to the eye and a lump in the throat.

Adapted for brass band in 1955 by director Jack Evans and arranger Richard Heine, the sound of the Orton Hall chimes was added to the beginning of Carmen Ohio, and yet another tradition was born. Built in 1892, the chimes in the Orton Hall tower ring out the hours daily, and the Carillon is still played regularly. Every Friday at noon, Carmen Ohio, Buckeye Battle Cry, Fight the Team Across the Field, and other Ohio State songs peal out of the tower and float across the Oval, reminding all that Ohio State is the best place to be!