Steeler Nation

The nation is abuzz with excitement
Black and Gold altars assembled in every home
Flesh viewed as gods of steel, going to war
Fierce opposing tribes laid to slaughter on the green

Tribal colors seen at every stop, store and venue
Battle faces painted on the lives of old and young alike
Only the voice of the late John Facenda missing from the din
Along with the screech of Myron Cope*, calling all to arms

Six times they have rode en mass to places far away
Gathered on the sidelines as an ocean of black and gold
Five times they have returned from battle victorious
Once wounded by the silver and blue star only to rise again

Heroes of such magnitude appear once a millennium
Rarely do they command such respect, devotion, fervor
A bold tribe that dares to enter the enemy's camp fearlessly
There is certainly safety in numbers, the numbers are gargantuan

This will be the seventh world war in the past thirty plus years
Yet the multitudes assemble, fearless in their quest
Outnumbering the enemy on every street corner of the host city
Berzerkers each and every one, Mongols, hordes, pillagers

The tribe assured, confident, experienced, strong, determined
Tampa beware, blood will be spilled, the horde assembled, ready
The spectacle, shown live around the world as tribal members watch
From Afghanistan to Iraq, from China to Peru, from Alaska to Japan

Steeler Nation has infiltrated the world, the world may not be ready
From the boardroom to the sidewalk, from the rooftops to the gutters
Turn your head and you will realize that it has happened, there's no escape
Your hopes are dashed at the mere mention of the enormity of it all

The tribes have gathered, the time is nigh, Steeler Nation is on the move

* Myron Cope was a local broadcaster for many years in Pittsburgh noted for his gravelly/schreecy voice and favorite line of "yoi and double yoi". In addition he was a writer for Sports Illustrated, the Pittsburgh Post Gazette, Saturday Evening Post and television stations. Myron was also the inventor of The Pittsburgh Steelers "Terrible Towel" that has been viewed worldwide in the seven super bowls that the Steelers have participated in (W 6 - L-1). Myron was a local legend and was the first football announcer inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame. Sadly Myron passed away in February of 2008 at the age 79.