Lumen Field was designed for a moment like Friday’s. Under a blue sky dotted with clouds, the US men’s national team celebrated their victory over Australia with a lap around the stadium to thank their fans for creating a worthy atmosphere.
I’ve reported from four matches so far at this World Cup and the set list remains largely the same, no matter the venue. You’ll hear Dai Dai and Seven Nation Army. The growing boos that accompany the onset of a hydration break will be drowned out by Livin’ On A Prayer.
After the game is where the venues can play their own favorites. In Vancouver, that meant Freed From Desire. On Friday, Seattle opened the Great American Songbook and turned to one of its most weathered pages: Take Me Home, Country Roads.
The song has, of course, been belted out by soccer fans around the world before. We can’t say for certain that Seattle was trying to reclaim the song for the co-hosts, but the reaction from fans, who sang along in unison, and players, who soaked in the moment, has driven home that it ought to be a staple at US games.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better artist to use for this purpose than John Denver. He’s a familiar figure across these 50 states, one of the first musicians schoolchildren are introduced to, a smiling soul flanked by mountains and the Muppets. My grandparents knew the song well. So, I’ve been told since Friday’s game, do my niece and nephews. It has endured since Denver’s tragic death in 1997.
I’ve reported from four matches so far at this World Cup and the set list remains largely the same, no matter the venue. You’ll hear Dai Dai and Seven Nation Army. The growing boos that accompany the onset of a hydration break will be drowned out by Livin’ On A Prayer.
After the game is where the venues can play their own favorites. In Vancouver, that meant Freed From Desire. On Friday, Seattle opened the Great American Songbook and turned to one of its most weathered pages: Take Me Home, Country Roads.
The song has, of course, been belted out by soccer fans around the world before. We can’t say for certain that Seattle was trying to reclaim the song for the co-hosts, but the reaction from fans, who sang along in unison, and players, who soaked in the moment, has driven home that it ought to be a staple at US games.
You’d be hard-pressed to find a better artist to use for this purpose than John Denver. He’s a familiar figure across these 50 states, one of the first musicians schoolchildren are introduced to, a smiling soul flanked by mountains and the Muppets. My grandparents knew the song well. So, I’ve been told since Friday’s game, do my niece and nephews. It has endured since Denver’s tragic death in 1997.
4 months ago
