One of the most hotly debated topics ahead of Atlanta United’s debut in MLS has been game atmosphere. From what type of music should be played at the stadium to what the supporters’ section should be called to what the mascot should be, everyone seems to have on opinion on how an Atlanta United game day should look, sound, and feel. The various supporters’ groups for Atlanta United all have their opinions on these matters, but one topic that everyone seems to agree on is the need for team specific chants and songs. In my humble opinion, chants/songs need to be simple, catchy, and to the point. The goal of them should be for as many people to sing them as possible, and if the chant/song is too long or intricate, it will be too difficult for a mass audience to catch on to. 3 of the groups (Terminus Legion, Footie Mob, and Resurgence) have submitted numerous chants/songs for consideration, and I’d like to share with you my favorite ones for each group:
Terminus Legion – We Hold It Down (To the tune of “The Ants Go Marching”) Listen Here
We are Atlanta
We hold it down A-Town (A-Town) A-Town (A-Town)
We are Atlanta
We hold it down A-Town (A-Town) A-Town (A-Town)
The city where the players play
We ride on them things like every day
We are Atlanta and we hold it down
First and foremost, I give Terminus Legion credit for variety. On their website, they have some 20 different chants/songs with some being player specific. Of all of them, this one is my favorite for a few reasons: First, it is a tune that everyone knows. We all sang this song in preschool in circles while trying to avoid cooties from the opposite sex. Second, there’s a great reference to the Jermaine Dupri/Ludacris song “Welcome to Atlanta” in it. Finally, it is well written and sounds very good. Now, of the 20 chants/songs they have submitted, there are some that are better than others, and some that I just don’t like period. That being said, props to Terminus Legion for providing lots of different options.
Footie Mob – Hootie Hoo (To the tune of “Hootie Hoo” by Outkast)
Hootie Hoo
United on the left, United on my right
Attacking all days, scoring always
Hootie Hoo
United on the left, United on my right
Attacking all days, scoring always
Hootie Hoo
This is one of my favorite rap songs of all time, so big ups to Footie Mob for turning it into an Atlanta United chant. This is also one that would be very simple to learn. While not everyone knows the song to begin with (unlike “The Ants Go Marching”, it is a tune that could be easily picked up after a few listens. The main reason I like this chant is because it represents one of the most influential music acts to come out of Atlanta, the original ATLiens themselves: Outkast. Those of you that listen to the Mouths of the South Podcast of which I am a part, you’ll know that I have been screaming for the Outkast song “SpottieOttieDopaliscious” to be used, and at least this is a step in that direction. Their website also has a few other chants, all of which are based on music from Georgia artists. My other favorite of theirs utilizes the R.E.M. song “Losing My Religion” and is about set pieces.
Resurgence – Lift Your Hearts (original tune)
Lift your hearts and spread the word,
(Sing it loud and sing it proud)
Raise your voices and be heard,
(Hail United, rule the South)
Atlanta, we’ll sing for you till the bitter end.
Our city, we’re here with you and we’ll never quit.
Atlanta, we’ll sing for you till the bitter end.
Our city, we’re here with you and we’ll never quit.
Hail United, rule the South!
All credit to Resurgence for originality. All of their chants are their own, original tunes and it seems like they put a lot of work into all three of them. That being said, it is going to be difficult to have an entire crowd learn completely made up from scratch tunes. I really like this one because it is so original and it could be a great song to be sung in bars/on the march to the stadium, but I’m not sure it will play in the larger crowd inside the Benz or at Bobby Dodd. The other two chants (all available on their website) from this group have naughty words in them, which I am fine with, but some might not be. There will be kids at these games after all…
I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all of the supporters’ groups for putting this kind of work in and wanting Atlanta United games to have an awesome environment. If you either aren’t in one of the groups or are but aren’t very vocal, I encourage you to maybe come up with some ideas for chants/songs and submit them to one or more of the groups. I am sure they would be very receptive, as we all are working towards a common goal: having the best and most awesome game day environment possible for Atlanta United.