Remembering the man behind “The Red & White Song”

On Tuesday, the Wolfpack community mourned the loss of one of its own. J. Perry Watson, former director of NC State’s music department and author of the lyrics to “The Red & White Song,” passed away.

When Watson wrote the lyrics to “The Red & White Song,” he anticipated students and fans would eventually replace words to the “Come over the hill, Caroline” part, suggesting a slightly warmer relocation for those pesky Tarheels.

The song debuted at a NCSU vs. Maryland basketball game on February 13, 1961, as an alternative fight song. Although it isn’t NCSU’s official fight song, it is definitely the most fun to sing and has remained a staple for many athletic events, especially when celebrating a win.

So whether you stick to the original lyrics, or shout “Go to Hell, Carolina” at the top of your lungs, let’s take a moment to remember J. Perry Watson for creating one of many Wolfpack traditions.

For a more detailed celebration of J. Perry Watson’s contributions to the NC State, check out the University’s website.

 

The Red & White Song
by J. Perry Watson

We’re the Red and White from State
And we know we are the best.
A hand behind our back,
We can take on all the rest.
Come over the hill, Caroline.
Devils and Deacs stand in line.
The Red and White from N.C. State.
Go State!

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  • #64215
    getlowder
    Participant

    On Tuesday, the Wolfpack community mourned the loss of one of its own. J. Perry Watson, former director of NC State’s music department and author of t
    [See the full post at: Remembering the man behind “The Red & White Song”]

    #64235
    Texpack
    Participant

    RIP J Perry Watson.

    I couldn’t begin to quantify the amount of sheer joy I’ve totaled over the years singing “The Red & White From State.”

    #64236
    pakfanistan
    Participant

    I like to think that if he had the opportunity he would make “go to class Carolina” the actual lyrics.

    #64237
    burnbarn
    Participant

    In the late 70s we sang “fred” and Dwight” from State….
    love the song

    #64238
    TheCOWDOG
    Moderator

    I heard it first on my last recruiting trip, under the South goal in Reynolds for a Duke game.

    I couldn’t get the damned thing outta my brain later that night…”Go to hell Caroline…”

    #64246
    PackofMac
    Participant

    that song has meant more to me in my 36 years than any other song. I know no other lyrics than “go to hell caroline”, my wife helps with keeping the song original with my two and three year olds. You better believe they learn the “correct” words from dad at every football game. GO PACK!!!! DESTROY THE DEACS

    #64547
    blpack
    Participant

    Carolina is getting probation,
    it’s a time of celebration.

    Mr. Watson would have run with the scandal and written something McCartney would be proud of.
    RIP, sir.

    #64286
    Adventuroo
    Participant

    As an alumnus of the NCSU Marching Band (before it became the Power Sound of the South or the Thundering Herd or whatever, I can say that Mr. Watson was a fine individual and true STATE fan.

    He and the other directors took up to the Independence Bowl in JKF Stadium in Philly in 1963. I think that with all the “Bowl Stuff” the “Bowl Community needs a suppository to “relieve the tension and get out all the festering fungus”…and I KNOW that the Independence Bowl would be WHERE it was inserted. It was so Cold that Al Gore would have declared a national disaster.

    Our slide and valve oil FROZE or had ice crystals from the mixture of saliva and the oil. They had to contact the local band directors and find a pharmacy with glyscerin and mix up a special “Low Temp” blend for us to perform. The two bands outnumbered the fans….and the freebies to children from the public housing areas were turned down.

    That was indeed a character building as well as an unforgettable experience. I have hunted Deer in sub zero weather and I have spent a LOT of time in Duluth, MN in the winter when I had a factory up there. I do NOT remember being as cold as I was that night…

    Dr. Watson was always upbeat and positive, no matter how many of we “tromboners” did not have our slides in the horizontal plane or the Susaphoners had their bells rotated incorrectly.

    There is a memorium where you can leave any thoughts….

    http://news.ncsu.edu/2014/12/watson-obit/

    I noted that Milton Bliss posted. Those are two names that I have NOT heard in a long time. Dr. Watson, may you RIP…NCSU has much to thank you for.

    GO PACK…

    #70318
    highstick
    Participant

    Adventuroo? You were there in 63 with me? Wow, you are freakin’ old! Like me!

    "Whomp 'em, Up, Side the Head"!

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