It was 2018. Minneapolis was freezing, but the Linc was shaking. When the clock hit zero and the Philadelphia Eagles finally secured their first Super Bowl title in franchise history, a city erupted. People weren't just screaming; they were singing. Specifically, they were belt-singing the "Fly Eagles Fly" fight song at the top of their lungs. If you’ve spent any time in Philly, you know the Philadelphia Eagles won the bowl song lyrics aren't just words on a page. They are a communal ritual.
Victory. Pure, unadulterated relief.
The anthem, officially titled "The Fight Song," has a weirdly formal history for something that usually ends with a bunch of guys in green face paint screaming "E-A-G-L-E-S!" It dates back to the 1950s, but it didn't really become the cultural juggernaut it is today until the 1990s. Even then, the 2017-2018 season changed the weight of those words forever. Before Super Bowl LII, the song was a prayer. After the underdog win over Tom Brady and the Patriots, it became a victory march.
What Are the Real Philadelphia Eagles Won the Bowl Song Lyrics?
Honestly, the lyrics are pretty straightforward. There’s no complex metaphor or deep poetic imagery here. It’s a call to action.
The standard lyrics used during every home game—and especially after the Super Bowl win—go like this:
Fly, Eagles Fly!
On the road to victory!
Fight, Eagles fight!
Score a touchdown 1, 2, 3!
Hit 'em low!
Hit 'em high!
And watch our Eagles fly!
Fly, Eagles Fly!
On the road to victory!
E-A-G-L-E-S!
Eagles!
It's short. It's punchy. It’s designed to be screamed by 70,000 people who have potentially had one too many beverages in the tailgating lots. But there’s a nuance people miss. Notice the "1, 2, 3" part? Some older fans still remember when the rhythm was slightly different, or when the tempo was more akin to a military march than the upbeat pop-orchestra version we hear today.
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Back in the day, the song was actually titled "Fight! Eagles Fight!" It was composed by Charles Borrelli and Roger Courtland. For decades, it sort of sat in the background. It wasn't until the late 90s, when the team moved toward a more modern branding era, that the management really leaned into the "Fly Eagles Fly" hook. By the time Nick Foles caught the "Philly Special" pass, the song was ingrained in the city’s DNA.
The Philly Special and the Lyrics That Defined a Generation
You can't talk about the Philadelphia Eagles won the bowl song lyrics without talking about the "Philly Special."
Fourth and goal. Lane Johnson looking like he’s about to jump out of his skin. Trey Burton taking the snap and tossing it to Nick Foles. It shouldn't have worked. It was a play designed for a high school team, not the Super Bowl. Yet, when Foles caught that ball in the end zone, the song started playing in everyone's heads simultaneously.
"Hit 'em low, hit 'em high."
It’s kind of funny because the lyrics talk about hitting people high and low, which is basically an invitation for a personal foul in today’s NFL. But in the context of the fight song, it’s about dominance. It’s about the "Broad Street Bullies" mentality bleeding over from the ice to the gridiron. When the Eagles won the Super Bowl, those lyrics weren't just about a single game anymore. They were about decades of heartbreak—the 1980 loss to the Raiders, the 2004 loss to the Patriots—finally being washed away.
Why the Lyrics "1, 2, 3" Matter
There is a weird debate among the fanbase about the "Score a touchdown 1, 2, 3" line. In the original version, the timing was different. Some people think it’s a bit childish. But if you’ve ever been at a parade on Broad Street, you know that "1, 2, 3" is the loudest part of the whole damn song. It provides a rhythmic bridge that leads into the "Hit 'em low" section, which is where the energy usually peaks.
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The Jason Kelce Factor: Changing the Anthem
We have to mention the parade. If the official fight song is the "textbook" anthem, then Jason Kelce’s Mummers-clad speech on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is the "unofficial" remix.
Kelce didn't sing the fight song in the traditional sense. He turned the entire concept of Philadelphia fandom into a manifesto. He shouted about underdogs. He called out every person who ever doubted the roster. While he didn't change the Philadelphia Eagles won the bowl song lyrics, he changed the vibe of the song. Now, when people sing "On the road to victory," they aren't just thinking about a scoreboard. They’re thinking about a hungry dog that runs faster.
The "Hungry Dogs Run Faster" mantra has basically been grafted onto the song in the minds of the fans. It’s a living document.
Common Misconceptions About the Eagles Fight Song
People get the words wrong all the time. Seriously.
- The "Fly, Eagles Fly" Title: Most people think that’s the name of the song. It’s actually "The Fight Song." "Fly, Eagles Fly" is just the opening line that became the catchphrase.
- The "Touchdown" Line: I’ve heard people sing "Score a touchdown, win the game." Nope. It's "1, 2, 3." Keep it simple.
- The Spelling: You’d be surprised how many people mess up the "E-A-G-L-E-S" chant at the end if they’ve had enough to drink. It’s a six-letter word, but in the heat of a Super Bowl victory, it feels like twenty.
The Musicality of Victory
Technically speaking, the song is written in a major key, which is why it feels so "parade-like." It’s meant to be played by a brass band. The Eagles Pep Band, which features a banjo and a saxophone, has been a staple at games for years. They play it after every score. During the Super Bowl year, they played it so much the fans' voices were gone by the fourth quarter.
If you listen to the recording played at the stadium, it has this soaring orchestral quality. It’s intentionally old-school. While other teams have tried to adopt modern pop songs or hip-hop anthems (like "Dreams and Nightmares" by Meek Mill, which became the unofficial secondary anthem of the 2018 run), the fight song remains the foundation.
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How to Properly Sing It (The Fan’s Perspective)
If you find yourself in Philly after a big win, you need to know the etiquette. You don't just sing it; you perform it.
- The Arm Motion: On the "Fly, Eagles Fly" lines, you have to do the "wing flap" with your arms. It's mandatory.
- The "E-A-G-L-E-S" Chant: You need to pause between each letter. Give it some space. Let the tension build.
- The "Eagles!" Shout: This should be the loudest thing you’ve ever said in your life.
There is a specific kind of magic that happens when the brass section kicks in after a 40-yard bomb. It’s a Pavlovian response. Your brain hears that first "da-da-da-DAAA" and you’re instantly six years old again, watching the game with your dad.
Beyond the Super Bowl: The Song’s Legacy
The Philadelphia Eagles won the bowl song lyrics represent more than a game. They represent a city that thrives on being the underdog. Philadelphia is a place where people wear "No One Likes Us, We Don't Care" shirts to weddings. The song is the soundtrack to that defiance.
When the Eagles won the Super Bowl, the song was played in churches. It was played at weddings. It was played at funerals for fans who didn't live long enough to see the win. It’s a piece of folk music, really. It belongs to the people now, not just the front office.
Actionable Tips for New Fans
If you're jumping on the bandwagon or just moved to the 215, here’s how to handle the anthem like a pro:
- Memorize the "1, 2, 3": Don't be the person who mumbles through that part. It’s the easiest part to remember, so don't mess it up.
- Respect the History: Recognize that this song survived the lean years. It survived the "Fog Bowl," the "Body Bag Game," and the 4th-and-26 era. It’s earned its place.
- Wait for the Score: Don't start the chant randomly in the second quarter when the team is down by ten. Wait for the touchdown. Or the field goal. Or a really big sack.
- Listen to "Dreams and Nightmares": If you want the full Super Bowl experience, you need to know the Meek Mill lyrics too. The fight song is the tradition; Meek is the energy.
The 2018 victory solidified these lyrics in the annals of sports history. They aren't just words; they are the sound of a city finally getting what it deserved. Whether they win another one this year or fifty years from now, the song won't change. It doesn't need to. It’s perfect exactly how it is.
Next Steps for Fans: To truly appreciate the anthem, watch the official 2018 Super Bowl highlight reel with the sound turned up. Pay attention to how the crowd noise mixes with the brass section of the song. If you’re looking for the official sheet music or the historical recordings, the Philadelphia Eagles' official website and the NFL Hall of Fame archives have the most accurate transcriptions of the original Borrelli and Courtland composition. For those attending a game at Lincoln Financial Field, make sure to arrive at least 30 minutes before kickoff to catch the full band performance and participate in the first "Fly, Eagles Fly" of the day.