Clear Eyes, Full Hearts, Can't Lose!

In nearly every episode of Friday Night Lights, one of the Panthers or Lions players or Coach Eric Taylor belts out the team's rallying cry of "clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose." The meaning and purpose of the phrase adapts to the trials and tribulations of the players and their seasons. The phrase is used throughout the show in victory and defeat, thus it is more than a pep rally phrase for the players; instead, it encapsulates their growth as players and men.

The viewer first encounters the phrase during the show's first episode as Coach Taylor is about to lead his team out on to the field for their first game. Surrounding the slogan, Coach Taylor discusses the lofty expectations fans and media personnel have heaped onto the team. In the context of his speech, Taylor imparts the slogan to mean accountability, focus on one's self, and humbleness. If the players approach the game without the hype or expectations, but rather play within their own abilities (and presumably the game plan), then the team will succeed. Their coaches have taught them the proper techniques and are focused on the W. They must do what they have been coached to do--no more, no less--and they will be victorious. This makes it seem that the slogan is merely a rallying cry for winners.

Over the course of the show, though, the slogan means more than simply winning the game, but also imparts the importance of football to the lives of the players. In a montage of its use throughout the seasons, we see that the slogan is inspirational to the players not only to win on the field, but to win in life. By approaching life with honesty, heart, and accountability, the "loss" is not really a loss. Instead, the slogan imparts the value of doing one's best and accepting that it doesn't always mean a W. The important element, though, is that it does not mean that the non-winner is a loser, but rather that by upholding values of perseverance, humility, and dedication, the individual is a winner regardless of what the "scoreboard" says as time expires.

In this regard, the slogan encapsulates American culture's desire to win because it is a rallying call of the Panthers and Lions who win often during the show's five seasons, including two state championships for Coach Taylor at two Dillon high schools. The slogan also demonstrates sport's influence in teaching critical social values like winning, dedication, preparation, and others. Moreover, the slogan also critiques American culture's lament of the loss and rejection of losers. In this sense, the slogan is much more complex than viewers' first encounter with its usage in the first episode. Over time, viewers learn that winning isn't everything and that we need to appreciate the effort and dedication because everyone can't get the W every time. But winning is also fun.