Academy Fight Song

"Academy Fight Song"
Single by Mission of Burma
B-side"Max Ernst"
ReleasedJune 1980 (1980-06)
Genre
Length3:05
LabelAce of Hearts
Songwriter(s)Clint Conley
Producer(s)Richard W. Harte

"Academy Fight Song" is a song written by Clint Conley and originally recorded by Mission of Burma. It is also known for having been performed and recorded by R.E.M.

The song has been described as one of Mission of Burma's "more melodic, shout-along tunes". Conley has declined to elaborate on the meaning of the lyrics, and according to author Michael Azerrad, was "typically evasive when asked if the song was angry. 'Yeah, pretty angry,' Conley said. 'It's just a big conceit. A metaphor. ... I find the whole notion of talking about lyrics very embarrassing.'"

"Academy Fight Song" was released as a single in June 1980 by Ace of Hearts Records with "Max Ernst" as the B-side. "Academy Fight Song" received significant airplay on Boston's WBCN (FM) and sold out its initial pressing of 7,500 copies within weeks.