Lions-Ravens Song of the Game: ‘Still Alive’

Following a devastating loss to the Baltimore Ravens, I couldn’t help but be reminded of another Detroit Lions loss a couple years back, and I apologize in advance for bringing these memories back. Many will remember how they felt following the heartbreaking loss at home to the Kansas City chiefs in Matt Patricia’s second year as head coach. We lost, but we went toe-to-toe with the biggest powerhouse in the NFL, and we were 2-1-1 heading into the bye week when many believed we would be 2-2 or worse. Fans were feeling optimistic.

I didn’t share those feelings, and if you remember, the Lions finished 3-12-1 that season. A loss is a loss. So when the Lions lost to the Ravens to move to 0-3 on the season, I couldn’t explain how I was feeling. Why does this feel so different? Why do I feel so... Good?

Lions vs. Ravens Week 3 Song of the Game: “Still Alive” by Jonathan Coulton, Ellen McLain

This was a triumph
I’m making a note here: “HUGE SUCCESS”
It’s hard to overstate
My satisfaction

The ending credits song for the game “Portal” is performed through the lens of the game’s antagonist GLaDOS, an acronym for “Genetic Lifeform and Disk Operating System.” Despite being destroyed by you, the hero of the story, GLaDOS couldn’t be more happy about the result.

The Lions played to the best of their ability against the Ravens—a team that should contend for the title this year—and like the Chiefs game, saw a 99.9 percent win probability at some point during the game. If not for the inhuman, Justin Tucker, this is a win. In fact, though technically not a win, this certainly feels like one to me. It’s okay to feel good about it. The Lions were never going to contend this year, and this only helps their draft position. One might argue it’s the perfect result.

I’m not even angry
I’m being so sincere right now
Even though you broke my heart
And killed me

Don’t get me wrong, that 66-yard field goal HURT. Is there any doubt that this would only happen to the Lions? Any other fan of any other team would have felt safe and snug on their couch waiting for that field goal attempt, knowing they would be fine, but Lions fans know all too well what was going to happen.

I wanted a win, of course, and I wanted to see Dan Campbell get his first W as a Lions head coach. But it’s okay, he’ll get his, and I’m still thrilled about the future of this team with him in charge.

And believe me, I am still alive
I’m doing science and I’m still alive
I feel fantastic and I’m still alive
While you’re dying, I’ll be still alive
And when you’re dead, I will be still alive
Still alive, still alive...

Each week, we’ll be providing a Song of the Game to create a full-season playlist. You can listen to previous year’s soundtracks right here: 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020

You can find the 2021 playlist here (or below):