First things first, I’m ripping the idea for this article straight from the airwaves of 104.5 The Zone’s 3HL. I heard the crew discussing the merits of John Denver’s “Take Me Home, Country Roads” vs. “Rocky Top” on the radio last week. But, I was enthralled by it, and thought, “this is something I need to examine for the SoBros Network dot com gimmick.” I just wanted to make sure that group got the credit they deserved for influencing this fine piece of journalism.
So, here we are, folks.
We’re only a few days away from the start of a new college football season. I’m stoked. You should be stoked. Everyone should be stoked. But, Saturday is a big day. It isn’t just the ho-hum start to college football season, it’s a veritable mega card of American football contests. One of those games is the Tennessee Volunteers vs. the West Virginia Mountaineers, LIVE from the confines of Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
While Dana Holgorsen and Jeremy Pruitt will by vying to win their first games of the season, I’m looking at this game from a different standpoint. I’m looking at the aforementioned football anthems, and I’m trying to determine which is better. That’s the journalism you came here for today.
“Country Roads”
Pros: Mass appeal, angelic voice of John Denver, sing-a-long chorus, heartfelt and meaningful, an auditory masterpiece, meme worthy:
Cons: Not really a hype song
“Rocky Top”
Pros: Exclusive to UT (on-brand), lit anthem, also great for sing-a-longs
Cons: Just sucks in general, played after every inch the Vols gain on offense, played on numerous occasions on any given bar in Nashville on any given night.
Decision
If we were talking about songs straight up, “Country Roads” is going to slaughter “Rocky Top,” but we aren’t talking about the songs straight up. So, I’m giving “Rocky Top” the edge here. You hear “Rocky Top,” and you think Tennessee Volunteers. I don’t think the same can be said for “Country Roads.” I also think there’s something to be said for how lit you can get singing “Rocky Top.” Like, it’s upbeat, and it’s hard-hitting – you sing it enough, and you’re ready to run through a brick wall. You sing “Country Roads” and it’s a struggle to stay awake. As much as I hate to give the Vols credit, I have to give ’em the credit here – they trounce West Virginia in terms of their songs.
What do you think, SoBros Nation? Which school has the better battle anthem?
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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