Leafs Appear To Be Ditching New Goal Song After Complaints

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Austin Kelly
October 14, 2023 (9:47 PM)

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The Toronto Maple Leafs appear to be ending their new goal song after a single game following complaints made to the team, according to a report.

Leafs Getting Rid Of Goal Song

After debuting the song in their first game of the season, the Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly ending the use of 'Pursuit Of Happiness' by Rapper Kid Cudi, remixed by Producer Steve Aoki, after complaints over the song's lyrical content, according to Nick Alberga of 'The Leafs Nation'.

The Leafs decided to change the course after having the 80s Pop classic 'You Make My Dreams Come True' by Hall and Oates be the Leafs goal song, and much used thanks to Auston Matthews and the rest of the Leafs high-scoring offense. 'Pursuit Of Happiness', a psychedelic rap track from Kid Cudi's 2009 Album 'Man On The Moon : The Final Day', was set to be one of many tracks selected for the upcoming season, although it's time has come to an end after a single game.

It's unclear what the specific criticism over the song's language, but based on the lyrics of the song, one potential concern may be Kid Cudi's reference to drunk driving on the track.

Two AM, summer night, I don't care
Hand on the wheel
Driving drunk I'm doing my thang

The song, co-written by Kid Cudi, who's real name is Scott Mescudi, is meant to be in reference to the song's Alternate name, 'Nightmare', in which Mescudi explained the lyrics were meant to present a narration of a carefree individual who falls down the path of substance abuse, choosing to live to the extreme as opposed to being safe.

When I'm singing about driving drunk on «Pursuit of Happiness» on MOTM, you may remember that it was a nightmare. It was meant to be scary, the craziness, the fact that this person chooses to look for happiness in substances; and that's scary, that's a terrible combination, that's a terrible way to go about things. - Kid Cudi

The song's ending also reflects the subject matter of regret, returning to Mescudi's point on presenting the song as warning of the dangers of engaging in reckless behaviors such as drunk driving.

However, it appears despite Mescudi's intentions to present the song as a warning message, the song was met with criticism, seeing as part of the lyrics, the specific section used not referencing drunk driving, it's used in a celebratory manner, which would open up the Leafs to backlash. Of course, the more upbeat and danceable remix version may make it less likely to focus on lyricism, compared to Mescudi's darker, more psychedelic-influenced original, although the lyrics were clearly noted and subject to criticism.

The reason for the change has not been confirmed and until so can only be met with speculation. The Leafs are reportedly expected to have alternating goal songs throughout the season. It has not been stated if a new song will replace the remixed 'Pursuit Of Happiness'.