Fight songs such as "The Victors" and "Notre Dame Victory March" have become part of the American music lexicon. Along with their sister songs, alma maters, they stir memories of carefree college days, elicit feelings of pride, and sometimes--especially fight songs--poke fun at athletic foes. They are the embodiment of tradition at U.S. colleges and universities. However, not all fight songs and alma maters are in perfect harmony with students, alumni, or the public. In recent years, some fight songs have devolved into fighting words, and alma maters have become lightning rods for controversy, demanding the time and attention of college and university alumni relations and public relations directors. Though no one plans for a controversy over a fight song or alma mater, having a crisis communications plan is essential for such circumstances. It helps leadership throughout the campus look at the issue from the eyes of how the media might interpret it.