Used to be, you could just show up and start singing, and everyone around you would join in and praise your creativity and genius. But now that the league is popular, you have more established groups with established chants, and it’s tempting to stay with a set list.
So I’m all in favor of new chants, as long as we realize there’s always room for new chants. The set list should always be growing.
definitely in line with some of the sentiments expressed here. also funny was this tongue-in-cheek suggestion:
Therefore, I suggest the Supporters Song Draft. Each supporters group will participate in a random draw, and then use draft picks to choose which songs will be theirs. Groups will be able to trade picks, release songs, and make “discovery picks,” like DC United did with Andy Williams way back when. If you don’t get good songs in the draft? Well, scout the world for songs you can “sign,” or come up with them in your “homegrown signings.” Go to reserve games and try out potential new additions.
But in all seriousness, what can we do about the problem? I agree with Loney that singing and chanting don't seem to emerge as spontaneous or organic expressions of the masses as determined by the ebb and flow of the game. We seem to be just as guilty of any of following a set list. Is the culture of the South Ward such that it's impossible to change the status quo?
It seems like the majority of people are only willing to pick up a song if the capos start it. And no matter how easy and uncomplicated they are, rarely do songs from the outer sections seem to get picked up by the masses in the middle, like when the GSS tries "Hey Jude" and most everyone ignores it...it's so simple and catchy I don't see why everyone doesn't join in, but no one jumps in unless the people front and center are on board.
I dont even know what kind of point I'm really trying to make, other than asking if there's anything we can do to make things better. Since it's December, I figure now is as good as time as any to bring it up.