Latest Update- April 2024
This is the seventh page in this seven part series of an alphabetical collection of chants and songs from historically Black Greek letter organizations (BGLOs).
This page includes examples beginning with W-Z.
Click
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/03/examples-of-historically-black.html for Numbers to B
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/03/examples-of-historically-black_16.html for C-F
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/03/examples-of-historically-black_17.html for G-J
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/03/examples-of-historically-black_14.html for K-N
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/03/examples-of-historically-black_53.html for O-R
http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/03/examples-of-historically-black_75.html for S-V
****
The majority of these chants are from the nine university based, historically Black Greek fraternities and sororities that are informally referred to as "the Divine Nine". Click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Pan-Hellenic_Council for information about the fraternities and sororities which are referred to by this term.
Examples in this compilation that are given without attribution are from visitors to my now retired cultural website cocojams.com.
A few explanatory comments and/or videos are also included for some of these examples.
The content of this post is presented for folkloric, cultural, and aesthetic purposes.
Thanks to all those organizations whose chants and songs are featured in this collection. Also, thanks to all those who directly contributed examples of these chants & songs to my now retired website.
****
DISCLAIMER: This series is not meant to be a complete list of Black Greek letter organization chants and songs.
****
More information about these examples and additional selected examples of historically Black Greek organization chants, songs, and culture can be found in other pancocojams posts which can be assessed by clicking the tags found below.
****
Note: Greek letter organization chants should only be recited or performed by persons who are affiliated with the specific organization from which the chant comes.
****
EXAMPLES (W-Z)
Examples with the same title or first line are given in relative chronological order based on their posting date, their retrieval online or collection date by me, or the date that I recall learning or hearing the examples.
W-X
WE ARE LUNCHIN
We are lunchin
We are lunchin
Yes we are
Yes we are
We will not cross over
We will not cross over
No we won't
No we won't.
-from memories of a Q Pearl, Edinboro University, Pennsylvania, (1991)
Editor: My contributor shared that "When we messed up big time, whoever were pledging us told us that we had to sing this song."
"Lunchin" meant "taking a break, relaxing, not doing what you are supposed to do."
The tune of this song is the same as "Frère Jacques" (Are You Sleeping, Brother John"),
-snip-
The contributor also said that when she was pledging little sister (also know as being on line), a lot of what the pledges did was entertain their big sisters or the Qs that were pledging them. She also talked about the pledges doing skits. One skit that she remembers are from then popular commercials "Hefty Hefty Hefty/ Whimpy Whimy Whimpy" (where one pledge who was heavy set played the role of "hefty" and one pledge who played the role of "whimpy" played the role of "whimpy". Another skit that she remembers was "Hey Kool-Aid", In this skit, when other members of the fraternity visited or other big sisters visited, the big sisters or big brothers said to the visitors "Watch this". And the girls would come burst out of a curtain saying "Hey Kool-aid!".
****
WE ARE SORORS (Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority)
We are Sorors and we’re striving
We have to work
Sometimes we have to cry (we have to cry)
We have to hold on to Alpha Kappa Alpha,
And we’ll keep holding on until we die.
-snip-
Alpha Kappa Alpha, Alpha Chapter, Howard University Sp. 16: A.L.L.U.R.E.
Kevin Wilson, Published on Apr 10, 2016
The 2016 Plot Day presented by The ALPHA Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. at Howard University.
-snip-
"We Are Sorors" is sung around 1:46 to 2:09 in this video.
The 2016 Plot Day presented by The ALPHA Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. at Howard University.
****
WE ARE THE BROTHERS OF QUE PSI PHI
Examples with the title "WE ARE THE MEN OF QUE PSI PHI" are also given as versions of the same song.
WE ARE THE BROTHERS OF QUE PSI PHI (Version #1)
[1995 Probates, Howard University]
Refrain leader: Oh Oh Oh!
All: Oh Oh Oh!
Leader: Oh Oh Oh Oh!
All: Oh Oh Oh!
Leader: We are the brothers of Que Psi Phi
All: We are the brothers of Que Psi Phi
Leader: The Mother Pearl and that's no lie.
All: The Mother Pearl and that's no lie.
Leader: We're gonna live, we're gonna die
All: We're gonna live, we're gonna die
Leader: In the name of Que Psi Phi.
All: In the name of Que Psi Phi.
Leader: We've come from near we've come from far
Leader: first by lamp and then by star
All: first by lamp and then by star.
Refrain
Leader: In this place of pain and tears,
All: In this place of pain and tears,
Leader: I have learned to persevere.
All: I have learned to persevere.
Leader: Manhood and scholarship,
All: Manhood and scholarship,
Leader: and the meaning of uplift.
Leader: Cooper, Coleman, Love, and Just (varied rhythm) *
All: Cooper, Coleman, Love, and Just,
Leader: They are watching over us.
All: They are watching over us.
Refrain
Leader: I may not see my home again,
All: I'll wave good-bye to all my friends,
Leader: I'll tell my Mama not to cry,
All: I am pledging Que Psi Phi.
Refrain.
Leader: She said "Son along the way,
All: She said "Son along the way,
Leader: watch those cloudy skies of gray.
All: watch those cloudy skies of gray.
Leader: The sun is shining on the other side (ritardando)
All: The sun is shining on the other side
Leader; shining brightly Que Psi Phi"
All: shining brightly Que Psi Phi" (crescendo)
Refrain (resume previously tempo)
*These are the last names of the four founders of the fraternity
-from Soulstepping-African American Step Shows, edited by Elizabeth Fine
(University of Illinois Press; 2003) pg. 48-49
-snip-
Here's a quote from that book about this chant: "With shaven heads and gold paint glistening on their faces, the 1995 probates of Omega Psi Phi at Howard University stand at rigid attention, holding across their chest shields decorated with the fraternity insignia. In combat boots, tan trousers, blue sweat shirts, sunglasses, the young men stand with their chins and lower lips thrust out, a ritual facial expression known as the grit."
-snip-
In her landmark book on Black fraternity and sorority steppin,Soulstepping-African American Step Shows Elizabeth Fine described this song as being performed by "probates", meaning "new members of a fraternity or a sorority".
According to http://dos.cornell.edu/greek/about_our_office/definitions.cfm "Probate [is] A show used to introduce new members of the organization".
"Lamp” is a symbol for Que pledges; “Star” is a symbol for men who have passed the pledge process and become official members of the fraternity.
I've never heard the term "the grit" before reading it in Elizabeth Fine's book. However, I have definitely heard of "grittin" ("grittin on" someone).
In my opinion, the term "grittin" comes from the word "gritty" and refers to a harsh "stone faced" expression. "Grittin" is a term that is used to describe the exaggerated, bulldog like angry expression that is a signature facial expression for members & pledges of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. (meaning it is usually not done by other fraternities). I think that Ques put on this facial expression to show how tough & in control they are.
In everyday interactions - outside of the performance of "steppin" or its related fraternity/sorority movement "strollin" - a person who sees someone with this expression looking at him* might confront that person and say "Why you grittin on me?" The person with that grittin expression then has to make some choices. He could change that facial expression and deny that he was "grittin" (on that other person). Or he could keep that same expression or make his facial expression even sterner and say something that would escalate the confrontation. In other words, "grittin" is no joke.
I would advise people not to put on these facial expressions if they don't want to start some trouble that they may not be able to finish.
*Although the male pronoun is used in this comment, females also have been know to "grit on" other people.
Click http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ymKLymvwD2U "Willow Smith -Whip My Hair" for an example of grittin. The image facial expression that Willow Smith does at about 1:06 is a good example of that facial expression.
****
WE ARE THE MEN OF Q PSI PHI (Example #2)
We are the men of Q Psi Phi
Mighty Mighty Q Psi Phi
We come from near we come from far
First by lamp and then by star
Whoa oo Whoa oo
Whoa oo oo oo oh
I kiss my girl and made her cry
Cause I was pledgin Q Psi Phi.
I kissed my girl and made her cry
Cause I was pledgin Q Psi Phi
Whoa oo Whoa oo
Whoa oo oo oo oh
-posted by Azizi, 12/05 (source: step shows that I attended in the 1990s in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
-snip-
I believe that the implication of the lines "I kissed my girl and made her cry/cause I was pledgin Q Psi Phi" was that the girl cried because she knew that she'd have less time with her man now that he was pledging Q Psi Phi.
The line "I kissed my girl and made her cry" is lifted from the Mother Goose rhyme: "Georgie Porgy; Puddin Pie/ kiss the girls and made them cry". However, since Ques are known as real buff, macho men, the next lines for the Georgie Porgie rhyme "When the boys came out to play/ Georgie Porgie ran away" wouldn't fit the image of the Q's at all.
-snip-
UPDATE: August 5, 2016
"We Are The Men Of Que Psi Phi" has the similar two call & response verse structure and similar or the same verses as the military cadence "Mama Mama Can't You See". For example" both compositions have a "I told my mother not to cry" verse. And the Omega verse: ""they shaved my hair...they even took my jeans/now I'm wearing kelly green" is almost like the verse "now I'm wearing army green". However, the tempo of "We Are The Men Of Que Psi Phi" is much slower than the military cadence and the children's rhyme versions of "Mama Mama Can't You See".
Here's a video of that song:
Lincoln University Beta Chapter 2016 probate
Caasi Brim, Published on Apr 10, 2016
Lincoln University Omega Psi Phi Beta Chapter Spring 2016 "Apollo" leads bruhs in song
****
WE ARE THE BROTHER QUES [videos only]
These videos shows some of the signature step moves that are performed by members (brothers) of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. Some of these videos also shows the Ques' signature grittin facial expression and their signature tongue out "dog" gesture.
My guess is that "We Are The Brother Ques" (and "We Are The Dawgs" shown below) are more recent origin than "We Are The Brothers Of Que Psi Phi".
Unlike "We Are The Men Of Q Psi Phi", "We Are The Brothers Que" is chanted and not sung.
Example #1: Omega Psi Phi We Are The Brothers Que
Xay B, Uploaded on Dec 12, 2010
-snip-
I'm able to decipher some of what is being said in these videos, but I don't feel confident enough about it to post a transcription. However, I will say that part of this Q chant reminds me of the Howard University stomp and shake cheerleader battle chant "Sit Back Down", specifically when those cheerleaders say "You shake like this, You move like this." Instead of asking referring to others, in that chant the Ques say "we walk like this, we hop like this, we spin like this" or words that are close to those.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/01/stomp-shake-cheerleading-who-cheers.html
for a pancocojams post that includes that Howard University battle cheer.
****
WE ARE THE BROTHER QUES (Example #2)
Beta Eta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi - We Are The Brother Ques
Published on May 14, 2012 by Xay90
****
WE ARE THE DAWGS [partial transcription]
Leader - I said we are the dawwwgs.
Group - Say what?
Leader - Oh yeah. We are the dawwwwwgs.
Group - Say whaaaaat?
Leader - Oh break it down!
[group chants/sings in unison]
Oh we are the dawgs of Omega Psi Phi.
???
We made a vow to do or die
??? to pledge Omega Psi Phi.
-snip-
"Dawgs" = dogs [an informal symbol/referent for members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.]
Here's that video:
Xi Psi Chapter of Omega Psi Phi sets owt We Are The Dawgs
Jamie Brunson Published on Apr 28, 2013
Settin it Owt after winning 6th District Undergraduate Chapter of The Year!
****
WE ARE THE ICE COLD BROTHERS OF A PHI A
We are the
ice cold brothers of-ah A PHI A.
We rock that black and gold until the day we die.
So when you see us in the street
Expect to be holified.
Ice ice baby,
WHAT!
Too cold too cold.
IT’S LIKE
[Begin step routine]
Aaaah
ICE!
[do another step]
Aaaah
ICE!
[do another step]
Aaaah
ICE!
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EajhKrRrlpk , sarkazm69, Uploaded on Mar 19, 2009
-snip-
This is my transcription of this video. * means that I'm not sure about that word.
"Holified" is a made up word based on the word "holy". In the context of this chant, it probably means something like "amazed".
A third member of that fraternity speaks to the audience and says “We are the ice cold brothers of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity inc. Alpha Phi Alpha was founded on an ICE COLD Tuesday of December 4, 1906 at Cornel University [the step team does a head down step move when saying "Ice cold"]
At the completion of the show the step team end with a routine and end by saying “ We are ice cold!”
In the context of this fraternity, being "ice cold" probably means to be determined, resolute, not letting anything “phase you”(deter you from your goals).
Here's that video:
Alpha Phi Alpha stepping
sarkazm69, Uploaded on Mar 19, 2009
Alpha's from Mu Chi, Gamma Xi and orgs. from Dominguez Hills spoke about college, education and the future to H.S. students.
-snip-
Notice the line "ice ice baby" in this example. Other examples of Alpha chants given in the "I" page of this collection are titled "Ice Ice Too Cold Too Cold".
****
WE ARE THOSE SMOOOOOTH BROTHERS (Version #1)
WE ARE THOSE SMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTH BROTHERS..
WE ARE THOSE SAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUVE BROTHERS!!!!!!!!!!
KAPPA'S STAND UP
-Guest PrettyBoy KAPPA; http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=103135&messages=85
Faternity & Sorority Chants and Songs ; July 15, 2011
-snip-
Members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. have the persona of being pretty boys [handsome men].
****
WE ARE THOSE SMOOOOOTH BROTHERS (Version #2)
(NUPE ABOVE) -u spelled "suave" wrong
WE ARE THOSE SMOOOOOTH BROTHERS!
WE ARE THOSE SUAVE BROTHERS!
...IS IT THE STYLISH CLOTHES WE WEAR??? -YUP! LOL
- Guest; Kappa Alpha Psi. http://www.mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=103135&messages=85
Faternity & Sorority Chants and Songs ; July 15, 2011
****
WE ARE THE SPHINXMEN
We are the Spinxmen
And we're moving up slowly
Cause we're pledgin Alpha
and we're bad muthas...shut yo mouth.
You see those Frats...YEAH.
I know you do.
Don't wanna be no Omega, Kappa, Sigma fool.
Come together
Pledging Alpha
On our way
Zoom zoom zoom
Well we're on our way
Zoom zoom zoom
(Repeat)
-Brian A. Jackson Alpha Phi Alpha collection, permission granted to post on Cocojams.com, 3/20/2010
-snip-
Read other examples of BGLO chants below that include the phrase "zoom, zoom, zoom".
The line "we're bad muthas...shut yo mouth." comes from the theme song of the movie "Shaft".
****
WHAT WE GOT
Chorus:
We got, we got; oh we got
Oh we got, oh what we got, we got
What-the Kappas ain't got;
Oh what we got, we got,
(Repeat)
What- the Q's ain't got;
Oh what we got, we got,
(Repeat)
What- the Sigmas ain't got,
Oh what we got, we got,
(Repeat)
(Back to the chorus and then chant)
We're cool, we're too much, we're out of sight.
(Repeat twice)
So listen Q's you'd better step aside.
But a lot of Q's didn't and a lot of Q's died.
Oh, A Phi A A Phi A
(Repeat twice)
-Brian A. Jackson Alpha Phi Alpha collection, permission granted to post on Cocojams.com, 3/20/2010
****
WE'RE PLEDGING K A PSI
We're pledging K A Psi
Oh Lord - Phi Nu Pi
Big Brother - Wanna be a Kappa Man before I die
We might even have to break down and cry
Gonna find the meaning of Phi Nu Pi
To all of the ladies who are so kind
and always lookin oh so fly
One of these dayz I'll be off this line
and 2 or 3 you are gonna be mine
-LogiK (Los Angeles, California), http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=99226&page=5 , December 31, 2009
****
WHAT IF
What if the Alphas weren't so cold,
messed around and lost their home,
would the Pink and Green give them a loan?
What if, what if, what if?
What if a Kappa stepped on a crack,
dropped his cane and broke his back,
would their step shows still be wack?
What if, what if, what if?
What if the Ques were as they seemed,
messed around around and stepped out of the dream,
then they could really beat the football team,
What if, what if, what if?
What if the Iotas were nationwide,
what if the Iotas were statewide,
what if the Iotas were campus wide?
What if, what if, what if?
-Guest; http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=103135&messages=77, 2/23/2010
-snip-
This is an example of a Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc, dissin' (insult chant). The same chant is found on http://justoneminute.typepad.com/main/2007/02/the_second_duke.html.
The "Ques', "Kappas", and "Iotas" are references for other Black Greek lettered fraternities. "Pink and Green" is a reference to the historically Black Greek lettered sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, Inc., which is unofficially considered to be the sister sorority to the Alphas. This chant disses each fraternity by alluding to memes (widely held beliefs, opinions) about that specific organization.
****
"WHAT IS A ____"
WHAT IS AN AKA ? (Version #1)
Ummmm...the Delta Chant "What is a Delta" is an ORGINAL AKA chant.
"What is an AKA..."
AhhAKA is what a Delta ain't
what a Zeta want to be
what a Sigma can't
what the Ques like
what the Kappas love
what a APhiA can't get enough of.
-AKA Soror; 8/10/2006
-snip-
"What is a ____" is a sorority chant whose original composition is disputed among Black Greek lettered sororities. Each of the four Black Greek lettered sororities have multiple versions of this chant.
I've also found this video example of "What Is A Nupe" at ://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fX1ZEqZ6-cY although that example doesn't fit the same pattern as the "What Is A ___" sorority chants that I've collected to date. ("Nupe" is a referent for members of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. That referent comes from a previous
Greek letter name for that fraternity.
****
WHAT IS AN AKA? (Version #2)
AhhKA is what a Delta ain't
what a Zeta wants to be
what a Sigma can't
what the Ques like
what the Kappas love
what a APhiA can't get enough of.
-Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Sigma chapter http://orgs.tamu-commerce.edu/esig1908/chants.htm, Retrieved 3/7/2010
****
WHAT IS AN AKA (Version #3)
Let's kick it to the ivies in the Crimson and Cream.
To be an AKA was your founders' only dream.
See Delta Sigma Theta was perfectly made because all of your founders pledged...AKA.
I say "oops oops" you slipped, you went the wrong way.
You pledged DST but you're dreaming AKA.
Because an AhhKA is what a Delta ain't
what a Zeta couldn't
what a SGRho can't
what the Ques like
what the Kappas love
what APhiA can't get enough of.
Skeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee- Wee!
- reflection08, Greek Chant Off, http://onolympus.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=life&action=print&thread=, Feb 29, 2008
-snip-
"Skeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee- Wee!" is the AKA [Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, Inc. signature call> Only AKA sorors are supposed to do this chant.
****
WHAT IS A DELTA? (Version #1)
What is a Delta? What is a Delta?
A Delta is what an AKA ain't
What a Zeta wanta be
What Sigma Can't
What a Kappa likes
What a Alpha Loves
What a Que Psi Phi Can't get enuf of.
Ooo-oop Ooo-oop Oop oop oop.
-Anonymous; 4/27/2007
-snip-
This exact same chant was also posted on the fraternity/sorority thread that I started on Mudcat Cafe on July 8, 2007. The poster on that site used the screen name of "AWEthentic #1 - DST - Spring 2004"
-snip-
"Oop oop oop" is the Delta Sigma Theta signature call. Only DST sorors are supposed to say this call.
****
WHAT IS A DELTA? (Version #2)
The chant goes (or at least our version):
a DELTA is what an aka ain't,
what a zeta wanna be,
what a sigma* can't.
What the alphas like,
what the kappas love,
what a Que Psi Phi can't get enough of...OO-OOP!
-#3
Spr 08
Omicron Chapter
(fyi: i am a DELTA which is why I oo-oop'd at the end, but it is inappropriate for someone to repeat a call if you are not in their organization)
DSTLover1922 , 2009
* That commenter explained that "Sigma" here meant Sigma Gamma Rho)
-snip-
This is a transcription of a video that is no longer available on YouTube.
*****
WHAT IS A DELTA? (Version #3)
What is a Delta, What is a Delta?
Who ain't a Delta, Who ain't a Delta?
A Delta is what you can be
Anyone can join this sorority, just sign your name and they'll put you through
and then you can go Oo-oop too
-LejaLaMorena; http://www.stophazing.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000243, 09-29-2005, retrieved by Azizi Powell, 5/19/2010.
-snip-
This version of "What is a Delta" is obviously chanted by someone who isn't a member of that sorority.
****
WHAT IS A DELTA? (Version #4)
Sorority Chant -
What is a Delta?
What is a Delta?
She’s an imitator
A perpetrator
A wanna-be
Wanna-be like me
What Kappa don’t want
What an Alpha don’t need
What a Q-Psi Phi wished was a Skee Wee
-IvyProne08 ; 12/4/2007
-snip-
The name "IvyProne" is a dead giveaway that this blogger is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
"Skee Wee" is the AKA call. "Delta" is the name of another historically Black Greek letter sorority, while Kappa, Alpha, and Q-Psi-Phi are names of Black Greek lettered fraternities.
****
WHAT IS A DELTA? (Version #5)
I love this one, although its pretty common (I'm sure my sorors know it already)
In 1908, you thought YOU were the best
But my 22 founders wouldn't settle for less
In 1913 they envisioned something greater
YOUR president walked out, and founded DELTA SIGMA THETA!!
What is a Delta?
What is a DELTA?
A Delta is, what a A-KA ain't
What a Zeta wanna be
What a Sigma can't
What the Alpha's like
What the Kappas love
What a QUE PSI PHI can't get enough of!
OO-OOP, OO-OOP, OO-OOP OO-OOP OO-OOP, OOOOOOO-OOOOOOOOP!!
-crimsonendvy E-Greek Chant Off. http://onolympus.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=life&action=print&thread=..., Feb 29, 2008
-snip-
"OO-OOP, OO-OOP, OO-OOP OO-OOP OO-OOP, OOOOOOO-OOOOOOOOP!!" is the signature call for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc and should only be chanted by persons who are members of that sorority..
****
WHAT IS A DELTA? (Version #6)
Soloist: My sorors
Group: Yeah
Soloist: My sweet sweet sorors
Group: Yeah
Soloist: Tell me
Soloist & Group; What is a Delta
Soloist: I said
Soloist & Group: What is a Delta
A DELTA is
What an Ah-ka ain't
What a Zeta wants to be
What a Sigma can't
What an Alpha likes
What a Kappa luvs
What a QUE PSI PHI can't get enough of..
OOO-OOP!!!
- 1990s/1999 Black Greek Soundz(CD), re-posted on 3/21/2010 with permission from that website's editor
****
WHAT IS A SIGMA
What is a Sigma, What is a Sigma?
She's an imitator, a perpetrator
A wannabe, have frat like me?
What the ALPHAs don't like, what the QUEs don't need
what a KAPsi wish EE-I-KEEd
(and I ain't 4get about u Red)*
What is a Delta, What is a Delta?
Who ain't a Delta, Who ain't a Delta?
A Delta is what you can be
Anyone can join this sorority,
just sign your name and they'll put you through
and then you can go Oo-oop too
-LejaLaMorena, http://www.stophazing.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000243, Frat/ Sorority Chants, 9/29/2005
-snip-
* This isn't part of the chant but was posted to call out another blogger on that site who is a Delta.
-snip-
This is a dissin [insult] chant which was posted by a woman who clearly not a member of either Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. or Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
****
WHAT IS A SIGMA
I say my sorors?
Yes!
My sexy sorors?
Yes!
My fine sexy Sigma Sorors?
WE SAID YES!
A Sigma is...
What a Delta ain't,
What an Acky wanna be,
What a Zeta can't;
What Iota wants,
What Alpha loves
What K-A-Psi can't get enough of!
- from http://ms_quiet.tripod.com/chants.html,
retrieved on 12/8/2012
-snip-
This is a Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. chant.
****
WHAT IS A ZETA
what is a Zeta
A Zeta is what a Delta ain't
what a Sigma Rho wanna be
but an AKA can't
What a Kappa love
what a Q adore
what a Phi Beta Sigma can't get a enough of
Ritz got the crackers
Campbells got the soup
Zeta got the Sigmas, Alpha's Q's and the Nupes
Ow-Ow-Ow Z -Phi-B
Ow-Ow-Ow Oh so sweet
My chapter made this up Goes with Set it off by strafe Tall Tale Zeta Phi Beta Incorporated Gamma Nu chapter Fall 1997
-Tall Tale Zeta Phi Beta Incorporated Gamma Nu chapter Fall 1997; 8/14/2007
****
WHEN I WAS A LITTLE BABY
When I was a little baby and I started to cry
My momma told me stories
about the Q Psi Phi.
When I was just a young girl
with nothing to do
My daddy told me stories about the mighty Q.
- Anonymous, from Q Pearl Song Book, Edinboro University, 1991, posted by Azizi Powell
****
WHO AINT A DELTA
Soloist-Who ain't a Delta?
A Delta is what you can be
All can join this sorority
Just sign your name and they'll put you through
And then you can go "Ooooh, Ooooh" too.
Yeeeeeeoooooop!
Yeeeeeeoooooop!
Yeeeooop! Yeeeooop! Yeeeooop! Yeeeooop!
Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeoooooooooooop!
-1990s/1999, Black Greek Soundz, (CD)
re-posted on 3/21/2010 with permission from that website's editor
Editor: See Version #3 of "What Is A Delta" for another version of this chant.
This Sigma Gamma Rho chant is a putdown of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. Contrast the message of this chant with this chant with the message of the Delta chant below that is
entitled "You Can Not Slide". Also, contrast this chant with the examples of "What is a Delta" that are chanted by the Deltas.
****
WHO ARE WE (example #1)
Who are we
My sisters and me
We are the soul steppin sorors
Of DST.
We came here
Across the sands
Over into Delta Sigma Theta land.
- from memory of step shows (Slippery Rock University step show in the late 1990s, early 2000s)
-snip-
Here's a video example of that song :
Delta Sigma Theta - Mu Omicron - All of My Love - Centennial
datdeucetz's channel, Published on Jan 14, 2013
The MOnumental Mu Omicron Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta from North Carolina State University, brings in the Centennial Founders Day, with thousands of sorors from around the world. On the campus of Howard University, where it all began ... Honoring the legacy of our 22 founders, with ALL OF OUR LOVE.
-snip-
"Who Are We" is sung in the beginning of that video until around .26. The Delta's version of the song "All Of My Love" is sung after that.
****
WHO ARE WE (example #2)
this is my favorite DST chant:
Who are we,
My sorors and me?
We are the soul steppin'
sorors of DST.
We have strived
to cross the sands.
Over into Delta Sigma Theta land.
Step on by step my Delta sorors.
Step on over to Delta Sigma Theta land.
Sequel #8
Spr '01
Sigma Xi
CCU, MBSC
-sequel_1913, location: Myrtle Beach, SC http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=8364&page=2, 08-14-2001, 09:33 AM
****
WHOOSH WHOOSH
Whoosh, Whoosh
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh to Alpha,
Go to hell with Omega Psi Phi!
Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh to Kappa,
Phi Beta Sigma’s passin’ by!
No Alpha, No Kappa, no Que Psi Phi,
I’m being faithful to Phi Beta Sigma till the day I die!
(repeat)
-Guest, http://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=103135, 23 Feb 10. The example was said to be retrieved from http://justoneminute.typepad.com/main/2007/02/the_second_duke.html on 2010-02-23, file title "Sigma_Chants.doc"
Warning: Some of those examples contain explicit language and sexual references.
****
WHO'S THAT KNOCKIN AT THE DOOR
Who's that knockin at the door
Well it's the Ques.
We're gonna break it on down.
[Repeat several times.]
-heard at various step shows in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 1990s, (posted by Azizi Powell, 12/2008)
-snip-
"Break it on down" has a dual meaning -1. breaking the door down [to come in], and 2. stepping (hopping) really well.
****
WOKE UP THIS MORNIN (Version #1)
Woke up this morning and got out of bed
Went to the mirror and I shook my pretty head
I'm conceited. Yeh, and that's no lie
I'll be an Ahh-ka 'till the day I die.
We don't die
We just intense, intense, intense, intense, intensify!
Woke up this morning and got out of bed
Went to the mirror and I shook my pretty head
We're not conceited. Nah, we're just convinced
Yah, we're not arrogant.
We're awesome
We'll take your man and boss 'em.
- 1990s/1999 Black Greek Soundz-(CD), Alpha Kappa Alpha chants, re-posted on 3/19/2010 with permission from that website's editor
-snip-
This is an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority chant. Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Soority, Inc. have the public persona [in the BGLO community] of being pretty girls who are conceited.
The line "we don't die/ we just intensify" is similar to another Black Greek lettered organization's line "They don't die/They multiple". That line was popularized by the African American movie "Bebe's Kids".
****
WOKE UP THIS MORNIN (Version #2)
Woke up this mornin' and jumped out of bed
Went to the mirror and shook my pretty head
Yes, I'm conceited and that's no lie
I'll be an AKA 'till the day I die
We don't die
We just intense, intense, intense, intense, intensify!
- Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Sigma chapter (Retrieved 3/7/2010)
****
There are no examples that begin with the letter "x".
****
Y-Z
YO SWEET NUPE (Request for words to the chant)
does any boyd [body?] know the KAY chant that goes "yo nupe (YO) sweet nupe (YO) yo playa (YO) yo pretty baby maker (YO)" i dont know the rest
-TOBE1ASK1; 7/2/2006
Reply:
YO SWEET NUPE/ ONE AND ONE
Yo Nupe Yo Nupe!
(Yo!)
Sweet Nupe!
(Yo!)
Kool Nupe!
(Yo!)
Fly Fly Nupe. (Yo yo yo yo!)
Yo Nupe!
(Yo!)
Sweet Nupe!
(Yo!) Kool Nupe!
(Yo!)
Fly Fly Nupe.
(Yo yo yo yo!)
1 and 1 and 1 is 3
You better watch your girl
Bekause your girl is watching me
2 plus 2 and 1 is 5
We are those Pretty Nupes of the K A Psi
And if at night You hear a noise
It's just your freaky girl with them Kappa boys!
-Devastating 2euce ; 7/2/2007
-snip-
The same words that are given above are found as #64 on
http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=99226&page=5
The lines 1 and 1 make three are found in several sorority chants that are given on page "O" of this collection.
****
YOU CAN NOT SLIDE
Soloist: you can not
Soloist & group: slide,
In my sorority,
You can not shake your little hips,
In my sorority,
You have to shed, A tear,
And have something up here,
You have to work, and pray,
And have a GPA,
You say we skate,
You say we slide,
Well you're the one with no 2.5
Your GPA means AKA,
Quiet as kept,
Come to DST when you learn how to...
STEP!
-1990s/1999 Black Greek Soundz-(CD), Delta Sigma Theta Sorority chant.
-snip-
"GPA"= grade point average. "Slide" and "skate" hee refer to getting into a sorority without putting in any work. "Step" in this context, means more than performing step routines. It also means those experiences by which a person earns his or her membership in a Greek lettered organization. Also, "shape your little hips" is a put down as (generally speaking in African American culture) women with big hips are considered more favorably by males then women with little hips.
Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/01/black-fraternities-sororities-chants.html for a pancocojams post about Black Fraternities & Sororities Chants That Mention Paper, Skating, & Sliding Into Their Organizations.
****
YOU GOTTA DIG FOR GOLD
Lead: Yoooou
Gooot
Tooo
Dig
[Lead mimicks digging deep in dirt with a shovel and throwing dirt over his shoulder]
Group – ah ah [group says the words in parenthesis while standing watching lead]
Lead - for gooold
Group- ah ah
Lead -to pledddge
Group -ah ah
Lead -to pledge I Phi T
Group joins lead in stepping & doing digging motion while chanting:
You got to dig
(ah ha)
for gold
(ah ah)
to pledge
(ah ah)
I Phi T
[repeat several times]
I
Phi
T
I.O.T.A
I
Phi
T
I.O.T.A
I Phi T
I Phi T
I.O.T.A
-http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2fH3_6DeuNU, published on May 6, 2012
[chant at 1:26-2:22] ; transcription from video by Azizi Powell, 1/2/2013; corrections/additions welcome
Here's that video:
Iota Phi Theta - Alpha Chapter: Mini-Yard Show
Atiba Sonnebeyatta,Published on May 6, 2012
On a recent college tour to Morgan State University, the bruhs put on a mini show for the students. My IYA boys were invited to perform the Centaur Walk.
****
ZETA TRAIN
Zeta Train is a slowly pushing, gotta keep on moving
Pink and Green you don't mean a thing
Red and White get out of my sight
'Cause you haven't seen a lady until you've seen a Zeta
She'll be wearing the lovely Blue and White...keep on
pushin...
It's a hard road, searching for my Beta
It's a hard road to Zeta Land
Don't wanna be no AKA, Delta just won't do
Don't wanna Ee-yip-yip for no SGRho
Just wanna wear that White and Blue...keep on pushin.
https://www.angelfire.com/al4/zetamu/train.html
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. - The Alluring Alpha Tau
Chapter's Spring 2024 New Member Presentation
Emory University Zetas, Mar 12, 2024
The Alluring Alpha Tau Chapter at Emory University presents
the Spring 2024 New Member Presentation! This is the Largest intake class in
the chapter's history!
-snip-
The neos sing "Zeta Train" during their probate from the beginning of this video until 1:17.
ZOOM GOLLY GOLLY, Example #1 & #2 - Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc.
"Zoom Golly Golly" is a Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity song that includes the word "zoom". The phrase "zoom golly golly" was first used in the Israeli folk song "Zum Gali Gali". It appears to me that except for the words "zoom golly golly", the lyrics and theme of that fraternity song/chant are completely different from that of the Israeli song or any English children's versions or choral versions of that Israel song.
I'd love to know how and when that phrase became the refrain of a historically Black Greek letter song.
I've found two examples of that Kappa song online. One of those examples https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10152719248074755 The New York Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi, is only .15 long. In that instagram video, a leader sings "look for that diamond in the sky" while holding up the Kappa hand symbol. He then begins stepping in a crouched position. The men around him join in with the words "Zoom, golly, golly, golly, zoom, golly, golly".
The second video shows a large group of men standing around one man who leads the chant. Unfortunately, I'm not able to transcribe what is being sung or chanted. However, like that .15 second instagram, the words "zoom, golly, golly, golly, zoom, golly, golly" are used as a refrain.
That video can be found at https://vimeo.com/7869397 "Homecoming 2009 at North Carolina A&T with the men of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. "Golly Golly".
Any video examples and the words for this fraternity song would be greatly appreciated for the folkloric record.
****
ZOOM GOLLY GOLLY, Example #3- Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Zoom Golly Golly Golly
Zoom Golly Golly
Zoom Golly Golly Golly
ZOOM ZOOM!
All of my
LOVE
PEACE and HAPPINESS
I'm gonna give to
ALPHA
A PHI A
APHIA AAAAAAAAAA!
-Timmothy M. Tibbs, Spring 95; http://walt384.wix.com/hp_09#!page-7
-snip-
This appears to be two songs combined together.
Warning: A Hip Hop sound file is automatically heard when you visit this website.
****
ZOOM, ZOOM, ZOOM (Example #1)
Some men pledge Kappa
[Another voice]-No!
Some pledge
Q Psi Phi
[Another voice]- Arf! Arf! ArfArfArf!]
But I pledged Alpha Phi Alpha
And I’ll be an Alpha Phi Alpha man
[perform two stomps]
Until the day I die
I said
Zoom Zoom Zoom, my brothers
I love my black & gold
[Another voice- (0 6!]
I got ah fever down in my body
Ah fever down in my soul
That Alpha fever
Zoom Zoom Zoom, my brothers
I love my black & gold
[Another voice- 0 6!]
I got ah fever down in my body
Ah fever down in my soul
Yeah, that Alpha fever.
-Fendialphaphi ; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YmHYZ8hDDg, Mar 12, 2008
-snip-
[transcribed from the video by Azizi Powell]
-snip-
The words or actions in brackets are sung in response to the lead singer's words. The sound of dogs barking is associated with members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc who are informally referred to as "Q dogs"
1906 was the year that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. was founded
"Zoom Zoom Zoom" uses the tune and much of the lyric structure of the pop song "Fever" that was first recorded in 1956 by Bluesman Little Willie John. A hit cover of "Fever" recorded in 1957 by Peggy Lee.
Here's that Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity video:
Siergio "Zoom Zoom" ("Fly" Alpha Phi Chapter)
Uploaded by Fendialphaphi on Mar 12, 2008
"Fly" Alpha Phi Chapter...NOT K APSI, OMEGA, SIGMA, IOTA...JUST ALPHA PHI ALPHA...THE OLDEST AND COLDEST...SIERGIO SINGING an alpha classic "Zoom Zoom". 42nd House...WE DONT RUN THE YARD, WE ARE THE YARD. (CAU)
-snip-
Editor: "CAU" is probably Clark Atlanta University.
For the sake of documentation, I'd love to add Siergio's last name to this post. If he or anyone else who knows it would send it in, I'd appreciate it.
-snip-
The musical inspiration for historically Black Greek letter organizations (BGLO) song "Zoom" is the 1956 R&B song "Fever" by Little Willie John. click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i93-hlwULUk for a sound file of that record.
Also, click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2015/03/examples-of-historically-black_39.html for a pancocojams post on some BGLO videos of versions of the song "Zoom Zoom Zoom".
BGLO versions of "Zoom Zoom Zoom" aren't related to Brazilian capoeira songs "Zum Zum Zum Mata Um". Click http://pancocojams.blogspot.com/2012/04/zum-zum-zum-mata-um-videos-lyrics.html for a pancocojams post about that song.
****
ZOOM, ZOOM, ZOOM (Example #2)
Zoom Zoom Zoom! I got the fever!
Zoom Zoom Zoom! That ALPHA fever!
Fever in the mornin'! Woo!
I got the fever all night long!
And as a matter of fact,
You can't take it back!
I got the fever for that A PHI A!!!
-FrozenMenace; http://www.stophazing.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=7;t=000, 9/39/2005
-snip-
Here's a video of A Phi A chanting the song "Zoom":
Zoom Zoom (Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity)
Uploaded by KrystalMauri on Apr 3, 2010
Went on a college tour & this man KILLED it I think his name is Sergio or Monte idk but I know he killed it. Oh yeah, this was at CAU(my future college(hopefully))
-snip-
The lead singer is identified as "Sergio". A video of Sergio singing this song is posted above. "CAU" is probably Clark Atlanta University.
****
ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM (Example #3) [Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. chant]
Writing letters for the big brothers,
having sessions down at the house.
Getting signatures in our red books,
trying to make us meek as a mouse.
Hold it steady right there while I hit it,
cuz I reckon that I ought to get it
cuz I'm pledging,
I'm pledging Kappa,
and I still got a long way to go...
zoooooom zoooooom zoom,
zoom zoom zoom, zoooooom zoooooom
zoom, zoom zoom zoom,
zoooooom zoooooom
zoom, zoom zoom zoom
-TazmaniaK, http://www.greekchat.com/gcforums/showthread.php?t=99226&page, Kappa/ Stroller Chants ; 3/1/2009
-snip-
I've not been able to find a video of Kappas singing "Zoom". If you know of such a video, please share its link in the comment section, and I'll add it to this post.
****
ZOOM ZOOM ZOOM [Example #4] Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. version
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zooma Zoom
Zooma Zoom Zoom
Zoom Zooma Zoom
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom
To all you Z Phi Bs
Wit your E I keys
See you shoulda been smarter
And pledged DST
We wouldn’t have you
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zooma Zoom
Zooma Zoom Zoom
Zoom Zooma Zoom
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom
Oh!
Sigma Gamma Rho
There’s something you should know
See Delta Sigma Theta
Is the only way to go.
We are the sorors
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zooma Zoom
Zooma Zoom Zoom
Zoom Zooma Zoom
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom
Zoom Zoom
Whoo!
See Alpha Kappa Alpha
You are loved by only a few
But Delta Sigma Thetas
We’re loved by the Alphas, Kappa, Sigmas, and Ques
We are the sorors
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zooma Zoom
Zooma Zoom Zoom
Zoom Zooma Zoom
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom
To all you interested ladies
If you want to pledge DST
Oh ,you betta get your act together
Or a Delta you’ll never be
We are the sorors.
Oh-hey
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zooma Zoom
Zooma Zoom Zoom
Zoom Zooma Zoom
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zooma Zoom
Zooma Zoom Zoom
Zoom Zooma Zoom
Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom Zoom
-1990-1999 Black Greek Soundz (CD), Jack Horntip Collection, used by permission
-snip-
Here's a video of "Zoom Zoom Zoom" sung by members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
DST Delta Zeta Chapter 2009 [Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.]
Uploaded by iseeFLICKS on Sep 30, 2009
The Ladies of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, Delta Zeta Chapter *& all that they do...
****
Thanks for visiting pancocojams.
Visitor comments are welcome.
No comments:
Post a Comment