While the Bills will always make fans at Highmark Stadium want to shout, there’s a new team anthem in Western New York.
As Buffalo looks to win the first Super Bowl in franchise history, a new musical tradition has spread from its players throughout Bills Mafia. The result is a song that will be associated with Buffalo’s run during the 2024 regular season, the 2025 playoffs and possibly beyond.
The Killers’ 2003 hit “Mr. Brightside” is no stranger to being played over PA systems across the country, but it has taken on a deeper meaning for the Bills over the past year.
Here’s more to know about how the song became an anthem for the Bills over 20 years after its original release.
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Bills’ ‘Mr. Brightside’ tradition, explained
The tradition dates back to the Bills’ 31-10 victory over the Cowboys in Week 15 of the 2023 season. Late in the game, tight ends Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox were heard requesting to hear the song.
From there, things took on a life of their own.
The song blaring over Highmark Stadium’s PA system was met with a very warm reaction from Bills players and fans alike. Ahead of last season’s playoff matchup with the Steelers, the Bills debuted a hype video that begins with the tight ends’ conversation before playing the song.
During the 2024 season, the tradition took on new life. During Buffalo’s 37-point blowout win over Jacksonville on “Monday Night Football,” players and fans alike became very invested in a “Mr. Brightside” singalong.
Clearly, the tradition is now here to stay.
Star quarterback and MVP-hopeful Josh Allen remained subdued during the above singalong but is well aware of the tradition. In what’s become something of a victory cry, Allen uses it as motivation.
“Our goal is to get to the fourth quarter and have ‘Mr. Brightside’ be playing,” Allen said. “I know the fans love that, but that gives us a little shot of energy.”
Such was the scene during Buffalo’s 21-point win in the wild-card round.
Credit is owed to the Bills, their game operations staff and fans for creating a new tradition. It started out with a request but has evolved into so much more.
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The Killers ‘Mr. Brightside’ song and lyrics
[Verse 1]
Comin’ out of my cage and I’ve been doin’ just fine
Gotta, gotta be down because I want it all
It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?
It was only a kiss, it was only a kiss
Now I’m falling asleep and she’s calling a cab
While he’s having a smoke and she’s taking a drag
Now they’re goin’ to bed and my stomach is sick
And it’s all in my head, but she’s touching his
[Pre-Chorus]
Chest now
He takes off her dress now
Let me go
And I just can’t look, it’s killing me
They’re taking control
[Chorus]
Jealousy
Turning saints into the sea
Swimming through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibi
But it’s just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes
‘Cause I’m Mr. Brightside
[Interlude]
[Verse 2]
I’m comin’ out of my cage and I’ve been doin’ just fine
Gotta, gotta be down because I want it all
It started out with a kiss, how did it end up like this?
(It was only a kiss) It was only a kiss
Now I’m falling asleep and she’s calling a cab
While he’s havin’ a smoke and she’s taking a drag
Now they’re goin’ to bed and my stomach is sick
And it’s all in my head, but she’s touching his
[Pre-Chorus]
Chest now
He takes off her dress now
Let me go
‘Cause I just can’t look, it’s killing me
They’re taking control
[Chorus]
Jealousy
Turning saints into the sea
Swimming through sick lullabies
Choking on your alibi
But it’s just the price I pay
Destiny is calling me
Open up my eager eyes
‘Cause I’m Mr. Brightside
[Interlude]
[Outro]
I never
I never
I never
I never