For those of you dragged here by some mysterious fate or morbid curiosity about what sonic elements make cheerleaders twitch and turn, welcome to what might be either an enlightening ordeal or a torturous educational segment. Today, we delve into the world of cheerleading songs, those repetitive yet inexplicably catchy tunes that seem to infiltrate high school and college sports events with a relentless fervor.
Cheerleading songs, or as the music connoisseurs might begrudgingly admit, the “necessary evils of athletic events,” are crafted not merely to entertain but to synchronize and energize both performers and spectators.
What Are Cheerleading Songs, Really?
Cheerleading songs are those bombastic tunes that echo through gymnasiums and football fields, ideally invigorating both the team and millions of fans in the audience, though I suspect they mostly just rattle the eardrums. These songs are engineered to inject energy into cheer routines, often remixed into high-tempo, bass-boosted anthems that are as subtle as a brick through a window.
Let’s delve into a meticulously curated list of songs that have somehow climbed the Billboard charts, presumably because people love noise.
1. “Shake It Off” by Taylor Swift
This song has been used in countless cheer remixes. Its lyrics are deceptively simple, yet annoyingly catchy. Taylor Swift, who apparently never goes out of style, created this track which has been featured in movies and has won several awards, including at the MTV VMAs.
2. “We Will Rock You” by Queen
Written in 1977, this song is a timeless staple in sports and cheerleading arenas. Its stomping and clapping make it a perfect cheer routine background. Featured in numerous films and commercials, the song is a robust anthem of defiance.
3. “Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson ft. Bruno Mars
This funk-pop track is a modern favorite for cheer teams, likely due to its lively brass section and catchy lyrics. It won several Grammy Awards and has been essential in making family gatherings slightly more bearable since 2014.
4. “Can’t Hold Us” by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis feat. Ray Dalton
This song captures a sense of unstoppable momentum, ideal for high-energy cheer routines. Its relentless pace and rousing chorus have made it a favorite for cheerleading teams looking to pump up the crowd and elevate their performance. “Can’t Hold Us” has become a symbol of determination and triumph on the cheerleading stage, encouraging athletes during training and competitions.
5. “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten
This title is synonymous with empowerment anthems and has become a staple in cheer routines across the globe. Its inspiring lyrics make listeners feel invincible, echoing through gymnasiums with a mix of defiance and resilience. This song encapsulates the spirit of cheerleaders who, year after year, strive to perfect their craft and motivate their teams.
6. “Firework” by Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s explosive hit has lit up the cheer stage with its booming cheersounds and vibrant lyrics. It won the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year and has been featured in countless cheer mixes. The song’s message encourages individuals to leave their fears behind and shine brightly, making it a perfect anthem for pivotal moments in cheer performances.
And so on, I trust you get the gist. Moving on from these auditory experiences, let’s educate you a bit on the elements that make a song suitable for cheerleading.
7. “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” by Beyoncé
Beyoncé’s “Single Ladies,” with its iconic hand flips and a rhythm that begs for hip sways, not only dominated the Billboard charts but also became a cheerleading fixture. Its lyrics, which I’m sure were penned in mere minutes, are surprisingly effective for engaging audiences and encouraging synchronized dance routines. This song has scooped numerous awards, including the MTV Video Music Award for Video of the Year, and its cultural impact is bolstered by its memorable appearance in the TV show “Glee.
8. “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” might as well be considered an audio form of sunshine for cheer routines. Its relentless positivity and simplistic lyrical content (because who needs complexity in cheer music?) have made it a global hit, not to mention its leading role in the soundtrack of “Despicable Me 2.” It’s a song that feels like it’s on an eternal loop at every sporting event, possibly due to its Oscar nomination for Best Original Song.
9. “I Got A Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas
“I Gotta Feeling” by The Black Eyed Peas turned every event into a celebration with its mantra of nightly anticipation. Widely used in cheer routines for its upbeat tempo and repetitive lyrics (a common theme in cheer music, you’ll notice), this song not only reached the pinnacle of the Billboard charts but also won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. Its enduring presence in cheer routines is as persistent as it is in nightclubs around the world.
10. “Roar” by Katy Perry
Katy Perry’s “Roar” is a thunderous anthem of empowerment that seems tailor-made for cheerleading, with lyrics that practically scream motivation and resilience. Perfect for a cheer routine aiming to showcase strength and unity, “Roar” has not only climbed to the top of the charts but also snagged a Grammy nomination. Its appeal in cheerleading is magnified by its vibrant music video, which might as well be a pep rally in itself.
Essential Elements of Cheerleading Music
Cheerleading music isn’t just any old song you can download off some forgotten platform. No, it must have specific qualities. It needs to be loud, it must have a beat that even the most rhythmically challenged can follow, and it should be so memorable that it haunts you for days.
High BPM: A song with a high beats-per-minute count ensures that the energy stays elevated. Not that subtle musical nuances matter much in this context.
Catchy Hooks: The hook should be simple enough for the masses to remember and shout back during performances.
Lyric Content: The lyrics should be safe for a school environment but exciting enough to keep the crowd from dozing off.
In Conclusion
Cheerleading songs are a cultural phenomenon that reflects the energy and spirit of cheer routines. They create a vibrant atmosphere that encourages teams and entertains spectators, even if the latter sometimes wish for earplugs.
In the grand tapestry of musical endeavors, cheerleading tracks might not be the most refined, but they are certainly among the most enthusiastic. So, dear reader, next time you hear one of these tracks, try to appreciate the sheer, unbridled joy it brings to the cheerleaders, if not to your refined ears.
Ah, isn’t learning fun? Especially when it’s about something as delightfully trivial as cheerleading songs. Enjoy the noise, dear readers.