I've grown up playing sports and being around events that revolve around athletics. Baseball games, football games, basketball games, and soccer are all sporting events I've been to, where music is essential. The genre and style of the music played at these places are different, but they all use music for the same reasons. For example, in all these settings, music is played while the teams are warming up to get them pumped up and ready to play. For example, a song many people know that is played when teams are warming up is one that I love and put in my last blog, Enter Sandman by Metallica. Rock is upbeat, preparing people to play and be in the “zone.” Other songs that many people know are played before a match or game are Thunderstruck by ACDC and Eye of the Tiger by Survivor. Rock music is fast-paced and loud, which I think is a great thing to listen to before you play a game. Another genre of music that is used before a competition or game is rap or pop. Rap is very popular; many younger people use it to focus and prepare for competition. Some songs typically on every rap playlist are Fight Night by Migos, Started from the Bottom by Drake, and Congratulations by Post Malone. Rap has solid beats and creative lyrics. These pregame songs pump the players up, keep the crowd on edge, and prepare them to watch and stay excited.
Music is also used for more than just warming up and getting ready to play. In baseball, they have walk-out songs. If you're unfamiliar with baseball, many people don’t know that each player chooses a piece that will play over the loudspeakers as they walk up to bat. These songs are unique to each player and can be any appropriate song of their choice. Another fundamental music-related part of baseball is celebrating the big moments, like when someone hits a home run. One basic song most people know and is played at a baseball field is take me out to the ball game and the song Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond. Everyone knows that Sweet Caroline is a song that people come together to sing, and the central part is the “dun dun dun.” Playing this song creates a sense of togetherness and unity among all fans because everyone screams that line at the top of their lungs; it is a super fun experience.
I've always noticed how the beat of a song can get a person more pumped up or calm down. It's interesting to see it incorporated into the sports world, and how so many different genres can come together. I do have a question though, do baseball players choose their walk-out song, or does someone else choose for them?
ReplyDeleteYes, each player chooses their own song.
DeleteThough I'm not an athlete myself, I love going to sporting events! You're right, there's always a surge of energy through the crowd when something like "Enter Sandman" or "Thunderstruck" plays. (BTW, I love these songs, too!) I actually don't really like the song "Sweet Caroline" but I also can't help from singing along when it comes on in public. Everyone seems to be having such a great time singing the chorus that it almost makes me forget that the song sort of gets on my nerves, haha.
ReplyDeleteI never knew about each player choosing a walk-out song and think it's such a cool little fact! (I'll have to start paying attention to what song each player chooses.) Also, I agree with you on music being essential to sporting events. There's nothing quite like the energy your classic "hype-up" songs give not only the players, but the crowd as well!
ReplyDeleteGrowing up in a sports environment I remember when is was on a little league team and we always had a music ritual by listening to the iconic song "we ready" its kinda bitter sweet looking back at these moments.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in sports, I have played lacrosse for 8 years, and it was nice reading this to take me back to my old high school days.
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