Behind the Song: "Umass Ropes"

I read with great interest about a new ropes course opening up at UMass Amherst, here's the article: https://gazettenet.com/2025/09/05/umass-aims-to-take-leadership-to-new-heights/ wrote a song about it called "UMass Ropes"

Swing high with the "UMass Ropes Course Song," a vibrant American folk anthem celebrating the new Leadership Challenge Course at UMass Amherst. With acoustic guitar, violin, and mandolin weaving through heartfelt male vocals and soaring female harmonies, this track captures the thrill of teamwork and personal growth in Orchard Hill's treetops. Part of a collection of UMass-inspired songs, it echoes the campus's spirit of adventure and community, inviting listeners to climb, connect, and soar.

Purchase and download here: https://adamsweet.bandcamp.com/track/umass-ropes

Here are the lyrics:

(Verse 1)

Up in the trees where the sky meets the ground,

Orchard Hill's callin', hear the adventurous sound.

A zip line's a-soarin', platforms touchin' the stars,

UMass is risin' to new heights, no bars!

Eight hundred grand for a challenge so bold,

Teamwork and trust in the stories we're told.

From students to locals, we'll climb and we'll grow,

In the heart of Amherst, let the leadership flow!

(Chorus)

Swing high, reach far, on the ropes we'll climb,

Sky park's callin', it's our time to shine.

Buildin' our courage, together we'll soar,

UMass Leadership Course, we're openin' the door!

(Verse 2)

Alpine Towers buildin', October's the day,

Soft launch in spring, when we'll all come to play.

High ropes, low ropes, we'll conquer our fears,

Problem-solvin' skills that'll last through the years.

From The Notch to this haven, a new path we'll tread,

For students, for teams, where the future is led.

Jeff Smith's got a vision, a name yet to find,

A place for connection, for heart and for mind.

(Chorus)

Swing high, reach far, on the ropes we'll climb,

Sky park's callin', it's our time to shine.

Buildin' our courage, together we'll soar,

UMass Leadership Course, we're openin' the door!

(Bridge)

Orchard Hill Pavilion, with views all around,

Yoga in summer, where peace can be found.

But up in the treetops, we'll challenge the skies,

With teamwork and trust, watch our spirits arise!

(Verse 3)

Community's welcome, from near and from far,

Businesses, students, we'll raise up the bar.

Springtime's grand opening, the campus will hum,

A place for new leaders, where growth will come.

So grab a harness, let's swing through the air,

UMass is ready, adventure we'll share.

From wooden platforms to zip lines so free,

This ropes course is where we were destined to be!

(Chorus)

Swing high, reach far, on the ropes we'll climb,

Sky park's callin', it's our time to shine.

Buildin' our courage, together we'll soar,

UMass Leadership Course, we're openin' the door!

(Outro)

Orchard Hill's callin', the future's in sight,

With ropes and with heart, we'll take on the fight.

UMass, oh UMass, where leaders are born,

In the trees, we'll find strength, from dusk until dawn.