I am so excited about the Olympics. For the next two weeks I’m going to wear an indent in my couch, getting up early and staying up late enough to soak it all up. While my anticipation is at fever pitch, there’s one thing that has managed to sour my mood. It’s that damned “Ready to Fly” song by Amy Pearson.
I’m sure she’s a really sweet girl. Her voice is pretty enough. But really, does that inspire anyone to get out there and win gold? I’ve been thinking about all the songs I’d much rather hear on the Olympics ads, and so I figured I’d put together this post to get you all into the Olympic spirit.
Channel Seven, if you feel like adopting any of these tracks I’d be thrilled.
“We Can’t Be Beaten” – Rose Tattoo
See this is what an Olympics song should song like. Empassioned vocals, crunchy guitars, and a message to spur our athletes on.
“Better” – The Screaming Jets
I’m a Novacastrian, so this song has a place close to my heart. When the Newcastle Knights faced off with the Manly Sea Eagles in the 1997 rugby league grand final, this song was all over the radio willing our boys to bring home the trophy. Then when they did, we continued to play it. I absolutely love it.
“Holy Grail” – Hunters & Collectors
I don’t know whether Mark Seymour was thinking about gold medals when he wrote “Holy Grail,” but this song works so well as an Olympic anthem that I just don’t care!
“(Simply) The Best” – Tina Turner and Jimmy Barnes
Yes Tina did it first, but it was Jimmy Barnes’ trademark rasp that really made this song. True story: when I worked at K-Mart as a high school student the bosses used to play this track every morning to inspire us. I think it works a lot better in a sports context!
“Playing to Win” – Little River Band
If you can listen to this song without getting fired up you’re just not Australian. Farnsy originally recorded this track with Little River Band, but it’s just as strong as a solo song. It also gives us a good excuse to see that infamous mullet again!