Picture this if you will. It’s a night game at Razorback Stadium on a crisp autumn night. The spirits are high as the Hogs lead a ranked opponent on national television at the end of the third quarter. Arkansas is a quarter away from a big win in front of a jam-packed crowd. But before that, there is some singing and dancing that needs to be done. It may not sound the best, but it is going to be loud and fun, and the energy will carry into the final quarter.
Wisconsin fans go nuts rocking to House of Pain’s “Jump Around” and the Crimson Tide faithful serenades the classic Lynyrd Skynyrd tune “Sweet Home Alabama.”
With new Hogs Coach Sam Pittman breathing life back into a stagnant program, wouldn’t it be a good time (when the pandemic is over) to start a new tradition? Especially, with the new coach’s mantra being “Turn that damn juke box on.” Turn that damn thing up after the third quarter, and let the fans set the stage for an energetic fourth quarter.
Below are some logical possibilities. I like a song that has a connection to Arkansas, so that’s what I am going with.
Obviously, there are other lively songs that could work, but we are looking for an anthem that can be a tradition at least for the Pittman Era and maybe for years to come. Even if you disagree on the selections, we can all agree a new rejuvenated era of Hogs football needs a new tradition.
“Point at You” by Justin Moore – There isn’t any artist that would be prouder about this distinction than Moore. The Poyen native and country music star is a rabid Hogs fan. Moore has played pregame concerts on “The Hill” and in Little Rock, and is a fixture at Hogs games. The song is fun and familiar, being one of the many big hits Moore has recorded. I can definitely see the crowd rocking out to this upbeat tune with a great video that could be played on the large board. Moore’s love for the Razorbacks and the catchiness of this song make it a no-brainer for consideration.
“Rhinestone Cowboy” by Glen Campbell – One of the Delight native’s biggest hits; this is a song that is a sentimental favorite to many Arkansans. Maybe this tune only appeals to fans of a certain age, but I could see many singing to this song like the Iowa State fans do to “Sweet Caroline” the classic upbeat ballad by Neil Diamond. Campbell is one of the great entertainers hailing from Arkansas, and this would be a nice tribute to him.
“Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash – One of the greatest hits by one of the greatest country music legends who happened to call Arkansas home. I would also argue that this song, despite its classic nature, transcends all eras and is recognizable from even the younger set. The song has a great beat and is easy to sing. The “Man in Black” would definitely approve.
“Arkansas” by Chris Stapleton – It was almost like someone told the young country star, “Hey, Chris can you write a song that we can play during an Arkansas football game?” The song, which, was just released last month, captures the state perfectly and even references Arkansas fans “calling the Hogs.” Because it’s a current it, the appeal among the entire fan base should be great. The “old-school” vibe Stapleton provides seems to jive with Pittman’s jukebox style.
“Tired of Being Alone” by Al Green – This may be a long shot, but this is one of the great songs by the R&B legend from Forrest City. The hook is memorable and catchy and would be fun at a stadium. It should definitely be on the playlist for some time during the game.
“Bring me to Life” by Evanescence – This hit from the Little Rock alternative rock band can be heard at stadiums and arenas nationwide. It starts slow, but has a very energetic middle. I could almost see this being a better song to run out to such as how Virginia Tech enters to Metallica’s “Enter Sandman.”
READ MORE: The Evolution of Sports Media
Image courtesy of University of Arkansas Athletics Department
