Who sang ‘You’ll never walk alone’ first, Liverpool or Celtic?

It’s one of the most famous football anthems in the world, adopted by more than one club, but who sung it first?

“When you walk, through a storm, hold your head up high, and don’t be afraid of the dark…”

Spine-tingling lyrics can make the hair stand up on the back of the neck, and arouse a sense of pride and belonging. Just ask any supporter of Liverpool FC who has more than likely sung it in full throng, scarf defiantly aloft, before every home match. Whether on the Kop at Anfield, at a rival English ground, or further afield on a European trip, the feeling is just as strong for those that bleed this particular hue of red. Even watching on television or listening to the radio can somehow move the soul of a true fan.

You’ll Never Walk Alone is associated with Liverpool but other clubs have adopted it. At Celtic Park, thousands of home fans roar out a deafening version of YNWA as the teams took to the pitch. The two cities, Liverpool and Glasgow and the two clubs are closely linked and share a fraternal relationship. No one is sure how, when or where the bond between Liverpool and Celtic started – since the 1980s, it has been a common sight to see a few supporters wearing a green and white Celtic scarf, a half and half scarf or hat during home games at Anfield. The two clubs became practically inextricably linked in August 1977 when Kenny Dalglish signed for the recently-crowned European champions. For many, Dalglish is still regarded as the best player to have ever donned a Liverpool shirt.

So Liverpool fans have no problem with Celtic adopting their anthem. At Anfield and Parkhead, the pre-match rituals are actually different – while the Liverpool team take to the pitch to YNWA, Celtic take to the pitch to The Celtic Song – YNWA is reserved for European nights. It is believed that Celtic supporters first started singing You’ll Never Walk Alone after a European Cup Winners’ Cup semi-final tie against Liverpool on 19 April 1966. There was solid wall of green and white at the Anfield Road end with reports that a handful of travelling supporters dared to make their to the Kop with a banner – and were allowed to stay.

Curiously, Liverpool won the tie 2-1 and booked their place in their first European final where they would meet Borussia Dortmund – the only other club that has adopted You’ll Never Walk Alone in the mid-90s.

When was You’ll Never Walk Alone written?

It is, as hopefully you’ll have assumed from the title of this article, the opening line to the song, You’ll Never Walk Alone, which was written back in 1945 for the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical Carousel, the film released in 1956. For any younger fan that has never heard this original version, there is rather a striking difference to the one now sung on the terraces, in the streets and bars where the Reds’ faithful congregate.

The purpose of this powerful and emotional song in the musical is for one friend to comfort another for the loss of a loved one. Julie Jordan, the main character, is dealing with the death of her husband Billy Bigelow, and the words, sung to her by cousin Nettie Fowler, are seen to sooth her pain, made all the worse as she’d never told him that she loved him. In the scene above you can see how Jordan attempts to sing it herself as a sign of strength but is unable to continue, hence Fowler’s intervention. It’s later reprised as a song of encouragement for a class of graduates.

How did You’ll Never Walk Alone become part of Liverpool FC?

So, how does a Broadway musical hit arrive at an English football ground? It just so happens that a very young Gerry Marsden saw the film and really enjoyed the song. His band Gerry and the Pacemakers started performing it at the Cavern and in 1963 recorded their own cover version – their third single on Columbia. It was instantly taken up by the Kop, belted out by 25,000 fans on the famous terrace. The Kop sang all of the chart hits of the day, but YNWA resonated more than the rest. Gerry Marsden’s version is now played out over the tannoys at Anfield before every home game, slowly building before the record is faded out leaving the crowd signing a cappella.

What are the lyrics to You’ll Never Walk Alone?

When you walk through a storm, hold your head up high

And don’t be afraid of the dark

At the end of a storm, there’s a golden sky

And the sweet silver song of a lark

Walk on through the wind, walk on through the rain

Though your dreams be tossed and blown

Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart

And you’ll never walk alone, you’ll never walk alone

Walk on, walk on, with hope in your heart

And you’ll never walk alone, you’ll never walk alone

 

Why do Crystal Palace sing ‘Glad all Over’?

“Crystal Palace Glad All Over” is a song that has become synonymous with the English football club Crystal Palace. The club was established in 1905 and plays its home matches at Selhurst Park in South London. Over the years, the club has had its ups and downs, but the song has remained a constant, a symbol of the club’s unwavering spirit and its fans’ unwavering support.

The origins of the song are somewhat shrouded in mystery. It is widely believed to have originated from the 1960s, a time when the club was experiencing something of a resurgence. At the time, the club had a young and talented team, and the fans were eager to show their support. “Glad All Over” was a popular song at the time, and the fans at Crystal Palace adapted the lyrics to reflect their love for the club. The song quickly became a staple at Selhurst Park, and its popularity has only grown in the decades since.

The song is sung to the tune of “Glad All Over” by The Dave Clark Five, and the lyrics have been changed to reflect the club’s history and achievements. The chorus goes:

“Crystal Palace, we’re glad all over We’re the Eagles, and we’re flying high With our team, we’re full of power We’ll always see it through, till the end of time.”

These lyrics encapsulate the spirit of Crystal Palace, and they have become a rallying cry for the fans, who sing the song with passion and pride. The song has been passed down through the generations, and it remains just as popular today as it was in the 1960s.

Why do Bolton’s sing ‘Burnden Aces’?

Bolton Wanderers Football Club was founded in 1874, making it one of the oldest professional football clubs in England. The club’s original name was Christ Church Football Club, but it was later changed to Bolton Wanderers to reflect the team’s wanderings to different grounds in the town of Bolton.

Bolton Wanderers is a club steeped in history and tradition, with a loyal following of fans who have supported the team through thick and thin. The club’s most successful period came in the 1920s, when they won the FA Cup three times and also secured the First Division title in the 1924-25 season.

One of the most notable events in the history of Bolton Wanderers is the “Burnden Park Disaster” which occurred on 9 March 1946. The club was playing a FA Cup quarter-final match against Stoke City at its home ground of Burnden Park, and the match was attended by a crowd of over 83,000 people, many of whom were standing on the terraces. Unfortunately, a crush occurred in one of the stands, and 33 people lost their lives as a result. This tragedy had a profound impact on the town of Bolton and the wider football community, and it led to major changes in stadium safety and the introduction of new regulations to ensure the safety of spectators at sporting events.

In the aftermath of the disaster, the club’s supporters formed a supporters’ group called the “Burnden Aces”. This group was created as a way for fans to come together and support the club, both on and off the pitch. Over the years, the Burnden Aces have become an integral part of the fabric of Bolton Wanderers, and they have played a vital role in maintaining the club’s traditions and heritage.

Today, the Burnden Aces are still an active group, and they continue to support the club through thick and thin. They are a vocal and passionate bunch, and they provide a fantastic atmosphere at home games, helping to create a vibrant and passionate match-day experience for players and supporters alike. The group also works to promote the club and to engage with the local community, helping to raise funds for the club and for local charities.

In conclusion, the Burnden Aces are an important part of the history and heritage of Bolton Wanderers Football Club. They were formed in the aftermath of the tragic Burnden Park disaster, and they have been a constant presence in the lives of the club’s supporters for over 70 years. The Burnden Aces embody the spirit and passion of the town of Bolton, and they are a testament to the strength and resilience of the human spirit.

Why do Chelsea sing ‘Blue is the Colour’?

The Chelsea Football Club was founded in 1905, and since then, the club has become one of the most successful and iconic teams in English football. The team’s colours have played a significant role in the club’s history and identity. The blues have always been a symbol of the club, representing its values, spirit, and heritage.

The origin of the Chelsea blue colour is not entirely clear, but it is believed that the club adopted the blue colours in 1905 when the team was founded. Before that, the team had a variety of colours, including pink and dark blue, but the blue colour quickly became associated with the club.

Blue Is the Colour is a terrace chant associated with Chelsea Football Club. It was performed by the squad and released in 1972 to coincide with the club’s ultimately unsuccessful appearance in the League Cup final of that year against Stoke City. The record was issued on the Penny Farthing Records label and reached number 5 in the UK Charts and number 8 in Ireland in March 1972. It has become one of the most well-known English football songs.

The song continues to be popular among Chelsea’s supporters decades after it was first released and it remains to be their main signature tune. The song is still played at every home game and any cup finals Chelsea compete in. The song has also been adapted by many other teams in various sport around the world.

Over the years, the shade of blue used by the club has evolved, becoming lighter and brighter. The current shade of blue used by Chelsea is a bright, vibrant blue, which is instantly recognizable and associated with the club.

The blue colours have been a part of many memorable moments in Chelsea’s history. From the club’s first ever FA Cup victory in 1970 to the Champions League win in 2012, the blue colours have been present on the pitch, representing the club’s spirit and determination. The Chelsea blue colours have also been featured on the club’s famous crest, which features a lion rampant, representing the team’s strength and power.

The Chelsea blue colour is not just limited to the club’s crest and uniforms, it can also be seen in the stands and around the club’s stadium, Stamford Bridge. The stands are often filled with blue and white banners and flags, representing the club’s passionate fans. The club’s supporters are known for their unwavering support and loyalty, and the blue colours play a significant role in bringing them together and creating a sense of unity.

The Chelsea blue colour is not just a symbol of the club, it is also a symbol of the city of London. Chelsea is a well-known and respected team in the world of football, and the blue colours are recognized and associated with the club and the city.

The history of the Football chant

Football (or soccer) chants have been a part of the sport for over a century and have evolved into an integral part of the match-day experience. The origins of football chanting can be traced back to the early days of the sport in the UK, when fans would sing songs to support their teams.

One of the earliest recorded football chants was “He Banged the Leather for Goals”, which was sung by fans of Aston Villa in the late 19th century. In the early 20th century, chants became more organized, with fans forming choir-like groups to sing songs in unison. This led to the creation of the “terrace chant,” which involved large groups of fans singing in unison.

During the 1960s and 1970s, terrace chanting became more sophisticated and included a greater range of songs, from humorous ditties to political commentary. The rise of the “hooligan culture” in the UK during this period also saw an increase in the use of chanting as a tool for intimidation, with rival fans using chants to try to unsettle their opponents.

The 1980s and 1990s saw the emergence of “ultra” groups in Europe, particularly in Italy, who brought a new level of organisation and creativity to the art of football chanting. These groups would choreograph their movements and create elaborate displays, including banners and flares, to accompany their chanting. This era also saw the rise of electronic sound systems, which allowed fans to amplify their voices and create a more powerful, synchronized sound.

In recent years, football chanting has become more sophisticated and inclusive, with many teams and fans groups creating their own unique chants and songs. The internet has also played a major role in the evolution of football chanting, allowing fans to share their songs and ideas with each other, and providing a platform for the creation of new chants.

Today, football chanting is a form of self-expression for fans and an important part of the match-day experience. Chants range from simple, repetitive songs to complex, multi-layered pieces that tell a story. Some fans use chanting as a way of showing their support for their team, while others use it to taunt their rivals. Some chants are light-hearted and humorous, while others are more serious and politically charged.

Football chanting has come a long way since its early days and continues to evolve as fans come up with new and creative ways to support their teams. Whether it’s a simple repetitive chant or a complex, multi-layered piece, football chanting remains an important part of the match-day experience and a celebration of the passion and dedication of fans.