No UT tailgate is complete without the perfect soundtrack. Blending country, classics and a bit of rock, here are some of the songs you should queue up next Saturday, curated with the help of fellow Vols fans.
“Dixieland Delight” by Alabama
Although the argument of whether this song is meant for Alabama or Tennessee fans seems to never end, its iconic call-and-response chorus can be heard every “Tennessee Saturday night.”
“Wagon Wheel” cover by Darius Rucker
“Wagon Wheel” is one song that can be heard at almost every tailgate. It’s a crowd-pleaser with a sing-along chorus that brings together friends, families and strangers much like Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline” and Rick Springfield’s “Jessie’s Girl.”
“Joker and the Thief” by Wolfmother
This rock banger feels like kickoff is right around the corner with its stadium-ready energy and driving riff.
“Tennessee Fan” by Morgan Wallen
Wallen has various songs worthy of making the list such as “Talkin’ Tennessee” and “Had Me By Halftime,” but “Tennessee Fan” is a must-have Vol anthem.
“Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi
Few songs bring together a crowd like “Livin’ on a Prayer.” Often heard in Neyland during suspenseful moments, this song is a key part of the Volunteer experience.
“I Go Back” by Kenny Chesney
Chesney captures the nostalgia of nights under football stadium lights, celebrating the good ol’ days we’re living out now.
“9 to 5” by Dolly Parton
Getting ready on game day can feel like a full-time job, making this song perfect for those noon games when you need extra motivation. “9 to 5” adds pep to every step, and a game day playlist would not be complete without a song from Tennessee royalty.
“Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
This electrifying song is meant to raise adrenaline levels. The opening guitar riff alone heightens the energy in any room.
“Tennessee Orange” by Megan Moroney
Even though Megan Moroney is a University of Georgia alum and fan, there’s something about this feel-good country song that captures the pride in Tennessee Orange.
“American Pie” by Don McLean
The timeless sing-along verses are ideal for the Fourth of July and Tennessee tailgates. It’s closely tied with other American classics “Chicken Fried” by Zac Brown Band and “Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” by Toby Keith.
“I Love Rock ‘N Roll” by Joan Jett & the Blackhearts
This head-banging throwback is instantly catchy and easy to sing along to with an added nostalgic feel.
“Orange and White” by Conner Smith
The familiar intro of this song is just the cherry on top of this exemplar of the Tennessee spirit. On Oct. 18, swap this track out for another Smith masterpiece, “I Hate Alabama.”
“Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
If you can make it through the slower build-up, the epic guitar solo can energize any audience. Get out your air guitar skills for this classic rock staple.
“Friends in Low Places” by Garth Brooks
The fourth-quarter tradition at Neyland was recently replaced by Wallen’s “The Way I Talk,” but it remains a favorite at tailgates.
“Rocky Top” by The Osborne Brothers
It wouldn’t be a Tennessee game day playlist without this legendary song. If you’re not listening to “Rocky Top” first thing on Saturday morning, is it even game day?
