By continuing to use this website you agree to our terms and conditions. If you don't agree with our terms and conditions, you are not permitted to continue using this website.
Table of Contents
Big changes are underway for the University of Tennessee Volunteers, and this time, it’s all about music.
The Vols have officially retired Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” as their go-to fourth-quarter anthem and replaced it with Morgan Wallen’s “The Way I Talk.”
The debut of the new song happened during the Volunteers’ home game against the Florida Gators on Saturday night (Oct. 12) at Neyland Stadium.
Keep reading for more details!
Goodbye Garth, Hello Morgan
For years, “Friends in Low Places” had been a staple during the fourth quarter, firing up fans as the Vols headed into the game’s most critical moments.
Brooks’ 1990 hit fromNo Fencesbecame a universal anthem for underdogs, which felt like a fitting choice for rallying a football crowd.
But the Volunteers decided it was time for a change—one that hit a little closer to home.
Morgan Wallen’s “The Way I Talk,” a song that celebrates his southern roots and pride in his Tennessee upbringing, is the new choice.
And the cherry on top? Wallen’s song even gives a shout-out to “cheering on the Volunteers,” making it a perfect fit for Neyland Stadium’s game day vibe.
Credit: Instagram/morganwallen
Fans Wanted Something Fresh
WhileGarth Brooks’ recent legal troubles (he’s facing allegations of sexual assault and battery) might make this switch look like damage control, that wasn’t the case.
According toKnox News, the decision to swap out Brooks for Wallen had been in the works long before the allegations came to light.
The real reason? Fans were asking for something new, something more modern, and something that felt personal to Tennessee.
The University of Tennessee responded by choosing a song from one of their own.
Wallen, who grew up just outside Knoxville, has deep ties to the area. Plus, Brooks doesn’t have any direct connection to the university, whereas Wallen is as Tennessee as it gets.
Morgan Wallen was born on May 13, 1993, in Sneedville, Tennessee, a small Appalachian town that played a key role in shaping his identity and music.
Growing up in a close-knitfamilywith strong ties to his community, Wallen’s father, a preacher, and his mother, a teacher, nurtured his love for music from a young age.
He sang in church and learned to play the violin, but it was his Tennessee roots that left the biggest mark on his style and sound.
Although he initially pursued baseball, an injury in high school brought him back to his first passion: music.
Wallen’s songs are filled withsouthernpride, a reflection of his upbringing and deep connection to Tennessee.
It’s this authenticity that made him the perfect choice to replace Garth Brooks as the University of Tennessee Volunteers’ fourth-quarter anthem.
Unlike Brooks, Wallen has a personal connection to the region and the Vols, making him a more fitting representative of Tennessee pride for fans.
Morgan Wallen’s Strong Ties to Tennessee
Morgan Wallen is no stranger to Neyland Stadium or the Volunteers.
Not only is he a huge Vols fan, but he’s also played back-to-back sold-out shows at the stadium this year as part of hisOne Night at a Timetour.
Those concerts were a big deal, with surprise guest appearances from Eric Church, Miranda Lambert, and evenPeyton Manning.
Manning, a Vols legend and former starting quarterback, made a memorable entrance by walking out with Wallen in full Tennessee gear, complete with his old college jersey and helmet.
On top of that, Wallen has given back to his community in a big way.
He just recently donated $500,000 to relief efforts forHurricane Helenevictims in east Tennessee.
He didn’t just send the money—he visited the area personally, talking to families affected by the storm and offering his support.
The Garth Brooks Controversy
Though the change was planned before Garth Brooks’legaltroubles, his recent headlines might make fans wonder if that played a part.
Brooks is currently facing a lawsuit filed earlier this month accusing him of sexual assault and battery, which could have soured his association with the university.
Still, the decision to switch to Wallen was primarily about finding a song that represented modern Tennessee and the fans’ connection to the Volunteers.
Despite the controversy, Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” remains one of the most iconic country songs of all time, but it doesn’t hold the same local significance as Wallen’s music for the current generation of Vols fans.
Source: YouTube/Morgan Wallen
Wallen’s Own Troubles
Morgan Wallen isn’t exactly a stranger to controversy, either.
Earlier this year, he made headlines for a bizarre incident involving Eric Church’s bar in downtownNashville.
Wallen was reportedly arrested for throwing a chair off the roof of the bar and was charged with multiple felony counts.
He’s due in court for a hearing on Dec. 12. This isn’t the first time Wallen’s found himself in hot water, but it seems his music and connection to Tennessee are enough to keep fans in his corner.
Vols Victory with a New Anthem
As for Saturday night’s game, it ended on a high note for Tennessee, with the Volunteers defeating the Florida Gators 23-17.
It’s safe to say that Wallen’s anthem made an impact, helping to energize thecrowdand lead the team to victory.
A New Tradition for Neyland Stadium
Switching up the fourth-quarter anthem marks the start of a new tradition at Neyland Stadium.
With “The Way I Talk” blasting through the speakers, the Volunteers have a new anthem that feels personal, modern, and perfectly in tune with Tennessee’s pride.
As Morgan Wallen’s star continues to rise, this choice seems to cement his status as one of the Volunteers’ favorite sons, giving fans ahometownhero to rally behind as the season continues.
Morgan Wallen: Bio Overview
Category
Details
Full Name
Morgan Cole Wallen
Date of Birth
May 13, 1993
Place of Birth
Sneedville, Tennessee, USA
Occupation
Country Singer, Songwriter
Musical Genres
Country, Country Pop, Country Rock
Instruments
Vocals, Guitar
Debut Album
If I Know Me(2018)
Breakthrough
Dangerous: The Double Album(2021)
Famous Songs
“Whiskey Glasses,” “Sand in My Boots,” “The Way I Talk,” “Last Night”
Awards
Academy of Country Music Award for Album of the Year (2022), Billboard Music Awards, etc.
Connection to Tennessee
Grew up in Knoxville area, lifelong Tennessee Volunteers fan, plays shows at Neyland Stadium
Philanthropy
Donated $500,000 to Hurricane Helene relief for East Tennessee (2023)
Tour
One Night at a TimeTour
This table offers a snapshot of Morgan Wallen’s career, personal life, and connection to Tennessee
Conclusion
The University of Tennessee’s decision to swap Garth Brooks’ “Friends in Low Places” for Morgan Wallen’s “The Way I Talk” signals a new era at Neyland Stadium—one that embraces a homegrown hero who proudly represents Tennessee roots.
While both Wallen and Brooks have faced their share of controversy, the switch seems to be more about connecting with the current generation of fans and celebrating a deep Tennessee connection.
As Wallen’s anthem rings through the stadium and the Volunteers continue their winning streak, this change reflects a fresh energy and pride in the local community, cementing Wallen’s status as a voice of the Vols.
With “The Way I Talk” setting the tone for the fourth quarter, a new tradition has begun, one that promises to resonate for years to come.
Last Updated: October 15, 2024
