![]() ![]() The rah-rah cheers and University of Notre Dame marching band, of course, have emerged synonymous with victory and hallowed tradition over the years. The Fighting Irish “Victory March” arguably features the best lyrics of any fight song, their relatively wordy content often serving as a filter separating diehard Notre Dame alumni away from casual followers of the program. Notre Dame Fighting Irish, “Victory March” Joe Robbins/Getty Images “Tribute to Troy” challenges all of USC Nation to stand tall and prepare for battle. “Tribute to Troy” features a steady drum march, rich horns, and crashing cymbals that are reminiscent of rallying the citizenry to guard the perimeter of the ancient Troy city-state. On the other side of the ball, the USC Trojans strike up “Tribute to Troy” after every defensive stand. “Fight On” is played after every single first down on the gridiron and has enraged the competition for generations through dominant USC dynasties. USC’s “Fight On” is a lighter composition that is more so a tribute to forward movement - particularly offensive football. On game day, the campus is often the setting for perfect weather, Hollywood celebrities, and above all else, winning. USC fight songs pay tribute to California cool. ![]() USC Trojans, “Fight On” and “Tribute to Troy” Stephen Dunn/Getty Images Over the years, legendary Vols Smokey, Tee Martin, Candace Parker, Robert Neyland, Phillip Fulmer, and Pat Summit have given the band plenty of opportunity to strike up the “Rocky Top.” Home sweet home to me. “Rocky Top” mocks the opposition with a fun-filled yet resolute revelry, as this song blares at every first down, interception, time out, field goal, halftime, and defensive stand. The booming horns, gaudy tuba, and whimsical woodwinds effectively hasten the pace of this country music hit and transform a Southern folk legend into a party atmosphere at Neyland Stadium. With lyrics that riff on failed relationships, moonshine, and the rejection of city life in favor of carefree, country living, this popular song was to quickly become synonymous with the state of Tennessee and Volunteer Nation. “Rocky Top” is not the official fight song of the University of Tennessee. In fact, “Rocky Top” is actually a bluegrass-styled hit originally written in 1967 to depict life in the Great Smoky Mountain region, and the term “is in reference to the summit of Thunderhead Mountain,” which is located at the Tennessee-North Carolina border along the Appalachian Trail. Tennessee Volunteers, “Rocky Top” Grant Halverson/Getty Images Most recently, the Florida State Fight Song and War Chant help drive the Seminoles toward victory in the 2013-2014 BCS National Championship Game, although it didn’t help them repeat in the new CFB playoff era. Florida State won two titles in 19 largely upon the strength of 85,000 rabid fans, thirsting for blood and war at Doak Campbell Stadium. Bobby Bowden’s Seminoles put together an outright football factory dynasty of Florida talent that was always in contention for the National Championship. The Fight Song and Chant became synonymous with speed, dominance, and aggression throughout the 1990s. ![]() The almost locomotive-like bass drum stomp and blaring firm horn section is a perfect soundtrack for the stifling intensity of Florida panhandle heat and humidity. The Florida State War Chant is a bold and gaudy display of arrogance. Florida State, Fight Song and War Chant Ezra Shaw/Getty Images Football, as America’s most popular sport, is often the common denominator binding wine and cheese alumni, sporting buffs, working class locals, giant student bodies, and drunken fanatics together. In unison, the marching band strikes up the composition, while rabid fans cheer on both academic and athletic success - particularly in regards to football. The best college fight songs are often identified with entire regions and particular ways of life. The college fight song commands fans and students alike to dance, lead cheers, march in-step with the band, and grow ten-feet tall to run headfirst through walls for their respective institutions. College fight songs are synonymous with the pageantry, spectacle, and above all, the boundless pride often reserved for one particular institution on game day. ![]()
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