Phillies: Top 5 Songs We Miss Hearing at Citizens Bank Park
By Matt Rappa
2. High Hopes
“Next time your found
With your chin on the ground
There a lot to be learned
So look around
Just what makes that little old ant
Think he’ll move that rubber tree plant
Anyone knows an ant, can’t
Move a rubber tree plant
But he’s got high hopes
He’s got high hopes
He’s got high apple pie
In the sky hopes
So any time your gettin’ low
‘Stead of lettin’ go
Just remember that ant
Oops, there goes another rubber tree plant
Oops, there goes another rubber tree plant
Oops, there goes another rubber tree plant”
Late great Phillies broadcaster Harry Kalas provided fans the voice of summer for decades. His unexpected passing in 2009 left a tremendous hole in the hearts of generations of fans.
We were so used to turning on the television or dialing the radio to hear Harry’s voice when it came time for the Phillies game. Then, all of a sudden, it got taken away from us without notice.
While Harry is no longer with us, the Phillies have made a point to continue to honor his legacy. Along with his statue installed near the “Harry the K’s” restaurant in left field, the organization has made a tradition to play his iconic “High Hopes” rendition after every team win at Citizens Bank Park.
The lyrics of Harry’s rendition of the Frank Sinatra song speak true to the then-state of the team. Amid “Red October” postseason baseball, Harry made it a point to sing the song as a way to let fans know that he, too, had high expectations for the team. And, finally, they came through for the second time in franchise history in 2008, besting the Tampa Bay Rays.
The song says that even know everyone know ants cannot possibly move a rubber tree plant, the ant still has high hopes and confidence in the “sky.” The song urges you to never give up, and, instead of letting go, to just “remember that ant.”
Harry, we still remember that ant. We still remember you. We still remember the Phillies’ magical 2007-11 postseason run. And this song will forever be synonymous of a high hopes of the Phillies fan.