John Cofield
John Cofield's 'Oxford & Ole Miss' –– REBELS AT THE PEABODY
A long held part of Ole Miss tradition and history is the pep rally in the lobby of The Peabody Hotel in downtown Memphis before the Memphis State game. In the 1980s the tradition came back to the Rebel Nation. And if the Rebels ever play Memphis, Arkansas or Tennessee in Memphis or have a Liberty Bowl bid, then Rebels will cheer from the fountain once again. When I was a kid, my parents taught me “the song.” When I was on my way to see the Rebels play in Memphis in the 80’s, they reminded me of it. They didn’t need to remind me though. When that sea of red and blue gathered and the cheerleaders began to hand out printed fliers of “the song”, I waved them off. The tune was struck and I sang alone.
From Peabody’s lobby to Whitey’s Saloon, We’re doing the town tonight, The faculty will not interfere, They know we’re in the right, So take a cup, a lovin’ cup, And fill it full of beer, The drunkest Rebels from Ole Miss, Tonight are gathered here, Hey, I think we need another drink, Hey, I think we need another drink, Hey, I think we need another drink, For the glory of dear Ole Miss, For the Rebels are the best And to hell with all the rest Drink ‘um down Ole Miss Rebels, Drink ‘um down, down, down, For the Rebels are the best And to hell with all the rest, Drink ‘um down Ole Miss Rebels, Drink ‘um down! I called home to tell the folks we got it done and Dad and Mom both yelled…HOTTY TODDY! –John Cofield |