Lions Week 5 Song of the Game: ‘I Put a Spell on You’

I ain’t lyin’.

The Detroit Lions haven’t won a football game since December 6, 2020 and something ain’t right about it.

In the span of three weeks, the Lions have managed to lose two games, both by the score of 19-17, and on field goals of 66 yards and 54 yards, respectively, as time expired.

Again, something ain’t right.

Vikings vs. Lions Week 5 Song of the Game: “I Put a Spell on You” by Screamin’ Jay Hawkins

“I Put a Spell on You” is a song I learned backward. As someone whose formative years were spent growing an appreciation for the classics of east coast hip-hop, this track was embedded into my brain when I first heard it sampled by DJ Premier for Notorious B.I.G.’s posthumous album Life After Death. The song, “Kick in the Door”, is not only vintage Biggie and Premier, but it’s also unmistakably Hawkins’ record with that stabbing saxophone sample plucked and placed over the hook on “Kick in the Door.”

No runnin’ around
I can’t stand
No put me down!

We get it—Jared Goff didn’t have a ton of help in this one. That stellar offensive line many were projecting to be one of the up-and-coming units in the NFL? Decimated. The projected starters at the beginning of the year won’t even play a single down together in 2021. In this one, Frank Ragnow was spelled by Evan Brown, and the Lions offensive line was clearly outmatched. Goff was sacked four times, lost a fumble, and threw an interception. Detroit’s front line of protection allowed 14 pressures in total.

I don’t care if you don’t want me
I’m yours right now

Heading into this season, many knew this rebuild was going to be tough sledding, and it was going to require patience. Virtually everyone is fine with all the tenets of a rebuild until they’re knee-deep in it, looking up from the bottom of the NFC North with an 0-5 record. Then things get loud. You’ve seen this team lose games by single scores, look way too competitive against divisional leaders. But again: this is a rebuild, and these things take time.

I put a spell on you
Because you’re mine!

Get used to it, Lions fans. There’s no going anywhere; you’re in this for the long haul—and this is just the beginning.

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):