The lyrics for the College song, “Lavender,” were written by Elias Lieberman, and the music by Walter Johnson (both Class of 1903). It was written in 1912 and the sheet music was first published in 1919.

The singing of “Lavender” concludes each commencement. After the College became fully coed, an additional verse, “Daughters Wise of City College,” was added in 1963. However, the verse did not appear in the Commencement Bulletin until 1975.

Black and lavender have been the college colors since 1866.