Saturday soundtrack: The perfect game day playlist

Music is an integral part of players’ pregame ritual. Watch any warm-up, from the pros to your local little league, and I guarantee you’ll hear something pumping from the speakers.

But you know who really needs the hype songs? The people choosing to stand and watch other people run around for hours on end.

Luckily for you, I’m an expert on the perfect playlist to keep you energized for when all the tailgate hot dogs start sending you into a food coma.

‘Delta Dawn’ — Tanya Tucker

Now, I know this isn’t exactly the hype song you were promised, but hear me out.

The song’s correlation to college football begins with a simple edit shared on Instagram, which quickly became a trend.

Content creators flooded to post scenic clips of college tailgates, players and stadiums, and very quickly, the two became linked.

Even though it’s not the most energetic song on the list, I think it deserves a spot. The song encapsulates the calm before the storm in such a beautiful way.

‘Baba O’Riley’ — The Who

If the Georgia Bulldogs know anything, it’s how to kick off a football game.

The synth blasting from any speaker, whether it’s massive ones of Athens or simply the radio in your car as you drive to the game, builds the anticipation college football was born on.

It’s impossible not to feel hyped up and ready to watch people run into each other for hours after screaming the lyrics: “Out here in the fields, I fight for my meals.”

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‘Mr. Brightside’ — The Killers

Another incredibly scream-worthy song, “Mr Brightside” has taken every college football game and bar by storm, specifically becoming a tradition at the University of Michigan.

It’s impossible to stand still while the crowd around you screams the chorus, and let’s be real, why would you want to?

The energy you get while the guitar plays the opening riff is powerful enough to give anyone a second wind.

‘Jump Around’ — House of Pain

Speaking of getting that second wind, how about a song that quite literally forces you from your seat?

Pack it up and pack it in, because when “House of Pain” begins, the entire tailgate gets up. It’s punchy, it’s fun and it demands to be obeyed.

‘Sweet Caroline’ — Neil Diamond

If you’ve ever been to any large event, you know the power “Sweet Caroline” holds over the general public.

You’re expected to join in for the rousing chorus or you’ll risk being shunned and kicked from the tailgate (trust me, I’ve seen it happen).

‘We Will Rock You’ — Queen

This classic is another one that gets you ostracized for non-participation; if you somehow find your feet staying still during the opening stomps, please also find your way out of my tailgate.

Queen is and has always been a staple of any event, and college football is absolutely no exception.

From the iconic stomps to the commanding vocals of Freddie Mercury, there’s no way you can ignore this banger.

‘Enter Sandman’ — Metallica

Once again, I am stealing from an already established college tradition.

Virginia Tech was absolutely on fire when they introduced this as a pregame tradition, and I encourage you to also add it to your personal playlist.

Enjoy screaming along to the raspy vocals and intense chorus, and get ready to watch your favorite team take the field.

Now, with this perfect playlist, you’ll be the talk of the tailgate.

Get up and get hype, because it’s officially college football season.

hannaer@miamioh.edu

Elise Hanna is the Digital Media editor and a sophomore strategic communication major. Alongside writing, she is involved in Kappa Alpha Pi, a Resident Assistant and enjoys the Detroit Lions, the Muppets and learning about the Watergate scandal.