Give credit to Mr. Brightside
I am not sure where to post this observation, so I am starting a new thread with it. Last night in the 4th quarter, after two quarters of offensive frustration and Michigan unable to expand on its one-touchdown lead, the Michigan crowd was clearly feeling down. The offense may have been also. Then, with about nine minutes left and Michigan taking over at the 20 after a Washington punt, the public address system began playing "Mr. Brightside." The Michigan fans all stood and joined in at the top of their lungs, and it changed the entire mood in the stadium. The team seemed to respond and quickly drove down for the TD that put Michigan up by 14. Its next possession was at the Washington 8 after Mikey's interception, and they scored quickly again.
Maybe it was just a coincidence. Or maybe not. When I mentioned after the game to the fans sitting near me the effect Mr. Brightside seemed to have. they all agreed that we owe him a debt of gratitude. So thank you, sir.
January 9th, 2024 at 11:40 AM ^
We were at the game and had the same observation. Maybe it was coincidence, but there is no denying that after playing Mr. Brightside the energy in the stadium shifted. Destiny was calling.
January 9th, 2024 at 1:15 PM ^
1000% agree. This is exactly what actually happened.
And it was incredible.
January 9th, 2024 at 7:36 PM ^
Any video links of it?
January 9th, 2024 at 11:41 AM ^
Poignant.
January 9th, 2024 at 11:45 AM ^
Indubitably.
January 9th, 2024 at 11:43 AM ^
Hey, if it caused the stars to align, and for our boys to seal the natty, I'll take it all day!
Go Blue!
January 9th, 2024 at 11:49 AM ^
Unfortunately -- because I hate the song :) -- I agree. The stadium felt different after Mr. Brightside and the ensuing Michigan stop.
January 9th, 2024 at 11:59 AM ^
unfortunate tune to have evolved into the programs anthem.
its cool that so many seem to enjoy the song and like singing it at games.
ill never understand the love, nor did i understand years ago as it took shape at the big house - still, michigan just won the national championship so who cares!
January 9th, 2024 at 12:11 PM ^
think of english soccer anthems - you'll never walk alone, blowing bubbles, blue moon, etc. none of these are songs you'd go out and belt with your friends on a drunken night.
mr. brightside might not be the most masculine song of all time, but it's a song that unites the fans and is 100% ours
January 9th, 2024 at 7:28 PM ^
It is fun as fuck to sing it with 100,000 fellow Wolverines. It doesn't need to be more than that.
January 9th, 2024 at 11:56 AM ^
We all need to stop complaining and love this song. It is a part of the greatest turnaround in program history.
January 9th, 2024 at 7:31 PM ^
It is indeed. It is the official anthem of the post-Covid turnaround in Michigan's fortunes. A turnaround that has now reached the ultimate heights.
I cannot hear this song and not see images of the 2021 Ohio State game in the snow in my mind.
January 9th, 2024 at 11:58 AM ^
Washington scored 10 points and we were scoreless while my dogs (Wheatley and Carter) were outside. It was 34-3 while they were indoors. I realized that at the beginning of the fourth quarter and kept them inside. You're welcome.
January 9th, 2024 at 12:16 PM ^
are your cats names Tyrone and Anthony?
January 9th, 2024 at 12:28 PM ^
my daughter has been begging for a puppy... may finally cave if she agrees to name it Blake
January 9th, 2024 at 11:59 AM ^
I believe it.
January 9th, 2024 at 12:04 PM ^
Coming out of my cage and I've been doing just fine...
Go Blue!
January 9th, 2024 at 12:04 PM ^
Coming out of my cage and I've been doing just fine...
Go Blue!
January 9th, 2024 at 12:05 PM ^
This time frame also seems to coincide with JJ talking to Greg Harden on the sidelines. But I don't recall the time left in the game - it was early in the 4th quarter, IIRC.
In any case, Mr Brightside is as good a song as anything else to credit for the offense calling the successful plays again!
January 9th, 2024 at 12:09 PM ^
Interesting that our last two championships both have a song associated with them. The 1997 team had "I hope you dance"
January 9th, 2024 at 12:23 PM ^
I got a text from a friend that said "wow the Defense got recharged on that commercial break" and I said "Mr. Brightside happened, that's all"
January 9th, 2024 at 12:28 PM ^
That's awesome. I didn't pick that up on the broadcast!
January 9th, 2024 at 12:28 PM ^
Honestly, I've never really been a big fan of the song, stand alone or as our football song. It just seemed kinda depressing and defeatist. But Bryan Mac framing it in the context of our long winding journey back from darkness and never losing hope really resonated with me. Watching the video of the kids belting it at the top of their lungs together on South U really brought it home for me last night, all the relief and euphoria of winning it all really hit me in that moment.
January 9th, 2024 at 12:31 PM ^
I was peeing and ran back in to catch the end. Fans were definitely getting antsy for some offense. As soon as McCarthy hit Loveland for the big gainer, the energy turned 180.
January 9th, 2024 at 12:40 PM ^
I had the same observation. As soon as that started playing I said “This is what we need!” and stood up to do my part in singing along.
Worth noting that the break before this one they play one of the “Washington” songs. I believe it was Smells Like Teen Spirit by Nirvana, the Seattle based grunge band of the 90’s.
Go Blue!
January 9th, 2024 at 12:54 PM ^
Coming out of third base
And they're stealing our signs
Gotta punt on fourth down
Because I don't know ball
It started out with a miss
How did it end up like this?
(It was only one half, it was only one half)
Now I'm calling jet sweeps
And Marv's running a drag
While McCord's getting smoked
While Sherrone's in his bag
Now they're going to win
And my fanbase is sick
And that team's in my head
But Blake's pounding his chest now
Rod Moore just called game now
Let me go
And they just won't lose, Zak's paving me
Jim's taking control
❌isery, cause my team is 0-3
Hiring a private eye
Signgate was a baldfaced lie
In spite of all the croots I pay
Buck-I-Guy is cursing me
Open up my beady eyes
'Cause I'm Mr. Tough Guy
January 9th, 2024 at 1:16 PM ^
Gold, Jerry! Gold!
January 9th, 2024 at 1:40 PM ^
smdh, this is awesome. Well done.
January 9th, 2024 at 3:13 PM ^
Bravo!!!
January 9th, 2024 at 7:34 PM ^
Holy fuck, is that good.
January 9th, 2024 at 2:56 PM ^
I believe it was the TV Timeout prior that they played Nirvana and the UW fans went nuts. It ticked me off a bit and I thought to myself, if we don’t get Mr. Brightside tonight, it’s a BAD omen.
I agree with the energy shift once it was played. There’s some great videos on twitter/x of people recording it in the stadium.
January 9th, 2024 at 7:25 PM ^
I LOVE Mr Brightside.
Not so much for what it is, but for what it does.
No, it makes no sense as a Michigan song . . . there are no Michigan connections to the song, nor is there a theme in the lyrics that realistically relates to Michigan football.
But what it does to the Michigan fan base when it comes on, and especially when they carry on acapella, is dramatic.
I do indeed believe that the song juiced up the fans and the team when it was played.
Thank you, Mr Brightside for fulfilling the destiny that called you.
January 9th, 2024 at 7:32 PM ^
It felt like the crowd needed to hear it. The crowd was getting anxious and restless. Washington was shutting down the offense and moving the ball. It was cathartic and rejuvenating. We got louder after the time out, almost like we were willing the team to finish the mission.