The Orlando Magic's victory song, 'Play the Song,' has become a viral anthem after wins, engaging fans on social media. Originally written in 1989, it has been reinvented and is now performed live at games.
Key points
Orlando Magic's victory song is 'Play the Song'
The song became popular in 1989, written by Glenn Gettings
It engages fans on social media after every win
The modern version is performed live at games
The song features highlights of the team's best plays
Team anthems have become a growing trend across sports, and the Orlando Magic have made their case that their song is the most viral across social media.
After every win, Magic (and even NBA fans) flock to the team's social media platforms to engage with today's reinvention of the team's 1989 theme song. Orlando posts a video featuring "Play the Song - Ayo version" with the score of the game and a backdrop that features the team's best plays from their victory.
The song first gained popularity in 1989 after being written by Glenn Gettings. Orlando led the way on the modern gameday experience by having a live performance of the song. After a lengthy hiatus, the song is back and better than ever. Fans, both virtually and in-person, at the Kia Center (from a massive boombox at center court, of course) can listen to the modern reinvention of Gettings' iconic song.
Here is the history of the "Play the Song" tradition, and how it has aged over time.
Ahead of the team's first NBA season in 1989, Orlando worked with Gettings Production on a track for the player introductions video and on-court dance performances. Glenn Gettings wrote the song before reaching out to a local performer from Disney to sing it.
While today's NBA arenas feature lights, sound teams, and other theatrics to boost the gameday experience, the Magic were ahead of their time in establishing this presence. However, the team eventually got rid of their theme song to the dismay of fans.
Q&A
What is the history of the Orlando Magic's victory song 'Play the Song'?
'Play the Song' was originally written in 1989 by Glenn Gettings and has recently been reinvented for modern fans after a lengthy hiatus.
How has 'Play the Song' become a viral anthem for the Orlando Magic?
The song has gained popularity through social media engagement and is featured in videos highlighting the team's best plays after each victory.
Where can fans hear the Orlando Magic's 'Play the Song' during games?
Fans can listen to 'Play the Song' performed live at the Kia Center, with a massive boombox playing the modern version during games.
Who wrote the original version of 'Play the Song' for the Orlando Magic?
The original version of 'Play the Song' was written by Glenn Gettings in 1989.
Related Articles
Sports
Pavan optimistic of return after lift shaft fall
Andrea Pavan remains hopeful about returning to golf after a serious fall.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
NBA·Recap
Spurs' Dylan Harper matches Kawhi Leonard NBA Playoffs record in 4-1 win vs. Blazers
Dylan Harper matches Kawhi Leonard's playoff record in Spurs' 4-1 win over Blazers
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Dodgers Fail to Get Bats Going, Lose Second Game of Series
Dodgers fall to Marlins 2-1 in second game of series.
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB
After Cora and Thomson Firings, Which Clubs Might Bid Farewell to Manager Next?
Cora and Thomson Fired: Which MLB Managers Might Be Next?
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
Sports
Optimus Prime marathon runner breaks world record
Matt Batchelor breaks world record running London Marathon as Optimus Prime
Yahoo Sports··1 min read
MLB·Recap
Dodgers miss Shohei Ohtnai’s bat, can’t get him off the hook for loss to Marlins
Dodgers fall 2-1 to Marlins, missing Ohtani's impact at the plate
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
In 2021, a tweet went viral reminiscing about the song's performance during the franchise's early days. Kevin Clark found the performance that was seemingly forgotten in the past. His tweet caught the attention of the Magic, who reposted the video and promised fans if their tweet got over 1,000 retweets, they would play the song in the arena the following day. 20 minutes later, the franchise had to hold its promise.
In January 2022, Orlando began posting different variations on social media around "play that song" or "hit the music." The Magic didn't use it in a post-victory meme format until December 2022 after a win over the Atlanta Hawks. The song was featured on TikTok with a graphic of the score and video in the background. On Nov. 2, 2023, the Magic began the tradition of posting the video after every win, and it took off.
Nowadays, the song has a more modern twist. AyoTheProducer, an Orlando native and Magic fan, created a remix with added drums, updated lyrics, and more of a trap beat compared to the song's 1989 original. Here is Stuff the Magic Dragon, the Magic's mascot, playing the song after a 2026 Game 4 first-round victory over the Detroit Pistons.
"It feels very 80s," Shelly Wilkes, the Magic's executive vice president of marketing and social responsibility, told ESPN. "And for some reason, it has just taken off."
On their social media platforms, the team posts the videos to get fans hyped up from wherever they are. The team asks, "You guys wanna hear the song?" before sharing an edit with the score of their victory and the best clips from that night's game.
There’s a spirit in Orlando, there’s a magic in our town
There’s a heartbeat pounding in the street
It’s so fantastic and out of control
You can feel the power under your feet
Abracadabra, razzamatazz
Slam dunk sesame
Hocus pocus, alakazam
Gonna set the spirit free
If you come to our [?] city and you try to take us down
If you think you’ll walk away with victory
You'd better think twice, consider this
Shazam, you’re history
You might also like
Guilty as Sin?
Taylor Swift
So Long, London
Taylor Swift
The Real Slim Shady
Eminem
[Pre-Chorus]
Abracadabra, razzamatazz
Slam dunk sesame
Hocus pocus, alakazam
Gonna set the spirit free