“I’m a Jayhawk,” written in 1912 by KU graduate George “Dumpy” Bowles, became popular with KU students in 1920. The lyrics remained unchanged until 1958, when slight revisions included rival schools in the Big Eight Conference. After longtime rivals Nebraska and Colorado in June 2010 announced plans to leave the Big 12 Conference, KU alumni asked the Alumni Association about adapting the lyrics after 50 years. Future conference changes will not automatically dictate further changes to the lyrics.

The songwriting contest’s winning entry, authored by Matt Schoenfeld, talks about the Sooners, the Cowboys and the seven other rivals that remained in the changing Big 12 Conference. A panel of judges selected Schoenfeld’s rendition from six finalists. His lyrics alter the first verse and one line of the chorus:

"I'm A Jayhawk" (October 2010)
by Matt Schoenfeld

Talk about the Sooners, Cowboys and the Bears,
Aggies and the Tiger and his tail.
Talk about the Wildcats, and the Cyclone boys,
But I’m the bird to make ‘em weep and wail.

Chorus:
’Cause I’m a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jay, Jayhawk,
Up at Lawrence on the Kaw—
’Cause I’m a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jay, Jayhawk,
With a sis-boom, hip hoorah,
Got a bill that’s big enough
To twist a Tiger’s tail,
Rope some ‘Horns and listen
To the Red Raiders wail—
’Cause I’m a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jay, Jayhawk,
Riding on a Kansas gale.

Listen to the fight song!

"I'm A Jayhawk"
by George Bowles

Talk about the Sooners, the Cowboys and the Buffs,
Talk about the Tiger and his tail,
Talk about the Wildcat, and those Cornhuskin' boys,
But I'm the bird to make 'em weep and wail.

Chorus:
'Cause I'm a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jay Jayhawk
Up at Lawrence on the Kaw
'Cause I'm a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jay Jayhawk
With a sis-boom, hip hoorah.
Got a bill that's big enough to twist the Tiger's tail,
Husk some corn and listen to the Cornhusker's wail,
'Cause I'm a Jay, Jay, Jay, Jay Jayhawk,
Riding on a Kansas gale.