Walk into Paycor Stadium on a crisp October Sunday and the energy is unmistakable. It’s a wall of sound. But if you’re new to the Queen City, or maybe you’ve just been shouting along without really knowing the words, there’s a good chance you’re confusing the chant with the actual music.
People always talk about "Who Dey." It’s iconic. It’s the brand. But the official cincinnati bengals fight song is a different beast entirely. It’s called "The Bengals Growl," and honestly, it’s one of the few remaining "old school" NFL fight songs that hasn't been completely replaced by modern hip-hop or generic stadium rock.
The Weird History of The Bengals Growl
Most fans think the song just appeared in the 80s during the Super Bowl runs. Wrong.
It actually dates all the way back to 1968. That’s the very first year the Bengals took the field. The song was written by a guy named George "Red" Bird. Now, if that name sounds familiar to football historians, it’s because Red Bird was a close friend and former neighbor of the legendary Paul Brown. When Brown was getting the Bengals off the ground, he wanted that collegiate, big-band atmosphere. He wanted a song that felt like a punch to the gut of the opponent.
Red Bird delivered.
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The song has this distinct 1960s brassy, marching band vibe. It feels like something you'd hear at a high school pep rally, but when 65,000 people are screaming it after a Joe Burrow touchdown, it’s anything but small.
The Lyrics: No, You Aren't Hearing Things
If you've ever tried to sing along and realized you only know the word "Bengals," don't feel bad. The lyrics are actually kind of aggressive and weirdly poetic in a "tough guy" sort of way.
Here’s the breakdown of what they’re actually saying:
Hear that Bengal growlin', mean and angry. See that Bengal prowlin', lean and hungry. An offensive brute, run, pass, or boot, And defensively, he's rough-tough! Cincinnati Bengals, that’s the team we’re gonna cheer to victory! Touchdown Bengals! Get some points up on the board and win a game for Cincinnati!
It’s that "run, pass, or boot" line that always trips people up. Who says "boot" anymore? It’s such a 1960s football term for kicking. But that’s the charm. It’s a time capsule.
The "Who Dey" Confusion
So, where does the "Who Dey" chant fit in?
Basically, the fight song and the chant are like two different movements in a symphony. In the modern stadium experience, the "Bengals Growl" plays immediately after a touchdown. The band (or the speakers) blares the music, the fans sing the "rough-tough" part, and then—and only then—does the crowd transition into the "Who Dey" chant.
There is a huge debate that never dies: Did Cincinnati steal it from the New Orleans Saints?
Honestly, the "Who Dat" vs. "Who Dey" war is a rabbit hole you can get lost in for days. Local legend says "Who Dey" came from a mix of things: a 1980s commercial for Hudepohl Beer (where fans would yell "Gimme a Hudy!") and a local cheerleader chant. The beer connection is the most "Cincinnati" explanation possible, so most locals swear by it.
Is There a New Fight Song?
Every few years, someone tries to "update" the song. We’ve had the "Who Dey Rap" in 1989 (which is exactly as cringey and amazing as you’d imagine) and various rock covers.
The "Bengal Boys" on YouTube have done a fantastic job of keeping the spirit alive with newer, funnier versions, but the team always comes back to the original Growl. It’s the connective tissue between the Paul Brown era and the current "New Era" under Zac Taylor.
Why the Song Still Matters in 2026
You might think a 50-year-old song would feel out of place in a high-tech NFL stadium with drone shows and massive LED screens. It doesn't.
Football is built on ritual. When the Bengals made their Super Bowl LVI run, the song became a rallying cry for a generation of fans who had never seen a playoff win. It’s not just about the notes; it’s about the fact that your grandfather sang those same words at Nippert Stadium in '68, and your kids are singing them at Paycor today.
It represents the "Jungle" mentality.
How to Do It Right at the Stadium
If you want to look like a pro next time you're at the game, remember these three things:
- Wait for the "Rough-Tough": The loudest part of the song is always "Rough! Tough!"—people usually throw their hands up or a fist pump on these two words.
- The Tempo is Faster Than You Think: The recorded version is a bit slow, but the crowd usually speeds it up. Don't be the person singing three beats behind everyone else.
- The "Who Dey" Finale: The song isn't over until the stadium announcer or the crowd leads the "Who Dey" chant. It goes: Who dey, who dey, who dey think gonna beat them Bengals? NOOOOO-BODY!
If you’re looking to truly immerse yourself in the culture, start by listening to the original 1968 recording. It’s available on various fan sites and YouTube. Pay attention to the brass section—it's the soul of the track. Once you’ve got the rhythm of the "run, pass, or boot" line down, you’re officially ready to lead a section in the Jungle.
The next time the orange and black hit the endzone, don't just stand there. Growl.
Go download the official "Bengals Growl" track from the team’s website or a streaming service and memorize that second verse—hardly anyone knows it, and it’ll make you the smartest fan in your row.