(Photo courtesy of Spotify) “The Dropkick Murphys are responsible for perhaps the most iconic Boston song of them all.”
Nate Coady
Connector Staff
Boston is known for many things. There is no doubt that the historical city has made a name for itself. But what is it that makes Boston so great? That answer can be found on the walls of TD Garden and in the stands of Fenway Park.
The pride of Boston roars through crowds of people as the distinct power chords and banjo twang of “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” by Dropkick Murphys plays as the Celtics march out onto the court. The pride of Boston rises in the rows of people standing up for Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” as it plays on the loudspeakers in the eighth inning of a Red Sox home game. The pride of Boston ripples through waves of black and yellow jerseys as the Bruins score and the famous goal horn emanates in celebration. Boston sports are synonymous with the music that resonates with fans from the stadiums to the pubs. But it begs the question: What is the best Boston sports hype song?
“Anybody in Boston knows that song. Everybody does. Like, you grow up listening to that song,” says senior Owen Loiselle about “Sweet Caroline.” Having childhood roots in a song might give it more of a meaning. But to senior Olivia Barry, nothing can beat the first “dun dun” of “I’m Shipping Up To Boston.” “That gets everybody going,” she says. “The first two beats of the song— everybody will get so hyped. Sweet Caroline is like, chill, but Shipping Up To Boston has everybody fired up.”
At the outset of posing the question, it would seem that the contest is a matchup between Diamond and Dropkick Murphys. The two tracks are arguably the most recognized in the Boston subculture, yet they are two very distinct songs. “Sweet Caroline” is a slow, upbeat song with orchestral instruments that rise to a beloved chorus. “I’m Shipping Up To Boston” is an Irish punk-rock song about a sailor who has misplaced his pegleg. The two are mostly associated with the Red Sox and the Celtics, respectively, and they couldn’t be more different.
Despite the mountainous difference, deciding which is best is not an easy task. “I feel like it’s Shipping Up To Boston,” says senior Benafshay Merchant. “Shipping Up To Boston, easily,” her friend, senior Ashlyn Corso said. “It is the first song that comes to mind when thinking of anything Boston.”
Many Bostonians find themselves having Irish heritage by no coincidence at all; the Dropkick Murphys just make sense as a Boston hype song. But Loiselle, reminding them that there are other contenders for the top track, asked the question: “If you go to a Red Sox game, what do they play?” Senior Patrick Sheehan of Medford, Massachusetts, answered with confidence: “Sweet Caroline!” To this, Merchant changed her answer, as if she was being graded on accuracy, “Oh! Sweet Caroline! Sweet Caroline! I’m changing my answer to Sweet Caroline.”
It seems that the students at UMass Lowell have a tough time deciding what Boston sports song is objectively the best. Fortunately, there is a third contender. A dark horse, so to speak. It can be heard inside TD Garden, but not for The C’s. For those who have been to a Bruins game, immediately recognizable is the goal horn.
The cacophony of vocals over the buzz of a synthesizer is what senior Rachel Barrett claims might be “the best goal horn in the league,” she said. “I know it’s not a song, but the Bruins’ goal horn goes crazy.” For those who aren’t aware, the horn samples a German techno artist Zombie Nation’s track “KernKraft 400.”
Whether fans prefer a simple classic like “Sweet Caroline,” an edgy punk-rock song like “I’m Shipping Up To Boston,” or the Bruins’ unconventional goal horn music, Boston will deliver. However, it’s anyone’s guess which is the best.
