O the warm, mellow sunlight is shining,
And the trees like great sentinels stand;
They are guarding our dear Alma Mater,
The pride of Virginia's Land
Alma Mater, O Mother so tender
Thy children beloved gather here
To drink from thy fount clear and sparkling,
And breathe thy pure atmosphere.

Forth we go to the world to do service,
Thy lofty command to fulfill;
“With they light, go dispel all darkness
And thus do thy Father’s will.”

Live on, Live on! Alma Mater,
To Thee we shall always be true.
Our vows we shall pay unto heaven
And Thee, our Orange and Blue.

Chorus

Hail State! Hail State! Hail, Hail, Hail!
We’re loyal sons and daughters true to Orange and Blue;
Our hearts beat warm with love for Thee
Though near or far from Thee we be!
Virginia State, Virginia State, Hail, Hail, Hail!

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Composed by Alston Waters Burleigh in 1930, the Evening Song was dedicated to John M. Gandy, VSU's First President.