Kalamazoo Alma Mater

R.F. Holden, class of 1907.
W.F. Dunbar, class of 1924
arr. Overley/Rackley (1950/1986)

O, Kalamazoo, our faithful friend,
We offer thee a song,
To praise the home where friendships blend
and weld so true and strong.
O, sacred refuge and most hallowed place,
Where hope and joy renew,
With tight’ning grip and bright’ning face
That speak thy love, Kazoo.

When these dear scenes are left behind
No fortune can subdue
The chords of love that closely bind
Our hearts to thee, Kazoo.
Each tree upon thy fair Arcadian hill
Is dear to us for aye.
Dark storms may come, cold blasts may chill
But friendship e’er will stay

When age has decked our heads with white
And youth has ceased to glow,
We’ll revel in one sweet delight
The times of long ago.
O then, Kazoo, shall beauties of the past
Enrich our souls anew,
And while our earthly vigils last,
The watchword is Kazoo.

Kalamazoo Fight Song – “All Hail to Kazoo”

Music by Donald R. Belcher, class of 1909
Words by Alfred G. Walton, class of 1911

Kalamazoo we hail thee!
Faithful to thee we’ll be
Though we may wander far and wide,
Our hearts will be bound to thee
Firm are the ties that hold us
Loyal to thee and true,
So let us give together the cheer,
Rah! Rah! Kazoo!

Kalamazoo we hail thee!
Faithful to thee we’ll be
Though we may wander far and wide,
Our hearts will be bound to thee
Firm are the ties that hold us
Loyal to thee and true,
So let us give together the cheer,
Rah! Rah! Kazoo!

Kalamazoo College Yells

Breck-ki-ki-kex! Ko-ax! Ko-ax!
Breck-ki-ki-kex! Ko-ax! Ko-ax!
Whoa-up! Whoa-up!
Paraballou! Paraballou!
Kalamazoo! Kazoo! Kazoo!

Hoo rah, hi ka, boom ah hoo!
Zip rah, hi boom, Kalamazoo!
Hoo rah, hi ka, boom ah hoo!
Zip rah, hi boom, Kalamazoo!

These sound recordings were originally made in 1957 for the College’s 125th anniversary, and sold for 75 cents.