Official Alma Mater of the University of Texas. Written in 1903 by student John Sinclair for a talent show benefiting the track team. Given only a few hours notice to write something for the show, Sinclair decided to mock University President W. L. Prather who always ended his speeches with, "students, the Eyes of Texas are upon you" (Prather went to school at Washington College where Robert E. Lee often ended speeches with, "young men, the eyes of the South are upon you"). At the show it was sung by a quartet to the tune of "I've been Working on the Railroad." The song did not achieve it's current respect until it was sung as a tribute at Prather's funeral a few years later. The song is now performed at the beginning and end of all sporting events and major University functions.

Original Lyrics:
I once did know a President,
Away down South, in Texas.
And, always, everywhere he went,
He saw the eyes of Texas.

The Eyes of Texas are upon you,
All the live long day.
The Eyes of Texas are upon you,
You can not get away.
Do not think you can escape them
At night or early in the morn-
The Eyes of Texas are upon you
'Till Gabriel blows his horn.

Sing me a song of Proxy,
Of days long since gone by.
Again I seem to great him
And hear his kind reply.
Smiles of gracious welcome
Before my memory rise,
Again I hear him say to me,
"Remember Texas' Eyes."


only the bold lyrics are sung today