Melissa Etheridge discusses the meaning behind her newest Chiefs anthem
Two-time Grammy winner Melissa Etheridge, a native of Leavenworth, Kansas, has a message for those who are weary of witnessing the Kansas City Chiefs’ victories. Etheridge, a rockstar adored by the Chiefs Kingdom, often gets feedback from NFL fans who express their exhaustion with the Chiefs’ streak of success. To address these sentiments, Etheridge introduced her latest Chiefs-inspired anthem, titled “Deal with It,” which serves as a playful nod to the dissenting voices.
Known for her engaging sing-a-long songs about the Chiefs in addition to her critically acclaimed rock music repertoire, Etheridge indicated that her passion for crafting these anthems dates back to the era when Alex Smith was leading the team at Arrowhead Stadium. In a snippet from her new song, she croons, “This one’s for my dad, who’d really love to see. Let me tell you something about the Midwest. We work hard and play hard and try to do our best.”
“Deal with It” humorously addresses the fans of other NFL teams who are voicing their dissatisfaction with witnessing the Chiefs advancing to their third successive Super Bowl. The song conveys a lighthearted message to these fans, suggesting that they need to get accustomed to the Chiefs’ dominance since Kansas City has the potential to clinch the title of the first-ever National Football League team to secure three consecutive Super Bowl wins if they emerge victorious against Philadelphia on February 9.
Etheridge’s quirky lyrics also warn fans of rival teams that the Chiefs’ era of success may persist as long as key players remain active, reassuring them with the words, “Until they all retire, you’re going to have to deal with it.” Though Etheridge and her family currently reside in Los Angeles, the sentimental attachment to Arrowhead Stadium remains deep-rooted. Her latest track not only conveys a sense of nostalgia but also hints at the continuation of this formidable football legacy.
Highlighting the rarity and significance of this monumental achievement in Midwest football history, Etheridge mentioned the thrill of potentially being immortalized in the annals of football history alongside the Chiefs. She expressed her exhilaration, stating, “You know, in the Midwest, we rarely get something this big with this kind of history at stake. We get to go down in the annals of football history, and that’s really exciting.”
Beyond her musical endeavors, Etheridge plans to grace the stage at Starlight Theatre in August alongside Indigo Girls during their U.S. tour, further showcasing her connection to the vibrant Kansas City sports culture. Etheridge’s songs are not only a form of entertainment but also a tribute to the enduring spirit of the Chiefs Kingdom and the fans who share her passion for the team’s success.