TIP Anthem
The TIP Anthem was written and performed by David Sparks and Dane Wendell of the UGA 2009 instructional staff. The lyrics are intended to parallel the story of every TIPster, detailing the uncertain initial stages of the TIP experience through the final, tearful farewell. Lyrics and chords to the song are available [1], as is a video of the world TIP premiere [2] of the song. During term II at UGA, the fourth years attempted to sing the anthem at the end of the talent show. The effort was widely considered something of a fail due to the fact that few people knew the lyrics (largely due to the fact there was one sheet with the lyrics on it, which at best 7 people could see). However, in the video of the event, audio from the audience is heard clearly, and the response to the song was both warm and appreciated.
Lyrics:
//Verse 1//
Me and my pillow land in Atlanta,
Get on a bus, drive to the dorm.
Everyone else is happy to be here;
I'd rather be somewhere else.
I hate my roommate; he listens to screamo.
Put on my form that I don't.
For evening activity, we listen to iPods,
I could do that back at home.
Teacher is droning on about something,
He doesn't know we don't care.
I want a five, so I pay attention.
Daddy's four grand was well spent.
//Chorus//
It's Duke TIP and I'm a part of it,
And it's a part of me, and I'm happy to be here.
We're talented and bright, lonely and uptight,
Working a little, and playing a lot.
Three weeks a year,
I got nothin' to fear,
'Cause I'm never alone.
Cause this is my home.
I can't wait to come back again!
//Verse 2//
It's a new campus; the food here is good.
It's nice to be back with my friends.
They understand me, and love a good caper,
Like nobody seems to at home.
During my breaks, I'm practicing Frisbee.
I've almost perfected the flick.
This class is better, I feel like I get it,
But I'll be okay with a four.
//Chorus//
//Verse 3//
Look at my lanyard, you'll see I'm a veteran.
I've been through all this before.
We're good at Ultimate, but the staff is better,
I guess there's still something to learn.
I see we have talent, in spite of ourselves.
I fear I may cry at the dance.
But why be ashamed? This is my family.
I'll really miss my TA.
//Chorus outtro//
It's Duke TIP and I'm a part of it,
And it's a part of me, and I'm happy to be here.
We're talented and bright, lonely and uptight,
Working a little, and playing a lot.
Three weeks a year,
I got nothin' to fear,
'Cause I'm never alone.
How I wish I could come back again...