Football Chants: 10 Best Terrace Anthems
Love Will Tear Us Apart by Joy Division
Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart” kicks off our football chant list. Released in 1980, this iconic song from the Salford band is still sung in stadiums all over the country.
The song is mostly attached to Leeds United, as the opposing fans make sure to sing “Leeds are falling apart again” anytime the Whites have misfortune.
Clubs like Manchester United, Portsmouth and Derby have also used the chant in other variations in the past.
Mrs Robinson by Simon & Garfunkel
Up next is famous singing duo Simon & Garfunkel with their song “Mrs Robinson”. The tune was released in 1968 on their album “Bookends” but is also heavily associated with the movie “The Graduate”.
In football grounds, there have been many adaptations of this song depending on the club and player. Most recently it has been sung by Cardiff City fans for their forward Callum Robinson.
Just Can’t Get Enough by Depeche Mode
Despite releasing “Just Can’t Get Enough” in 1981, Depeche Mode would have to wait 28 years before the song made it into football terraces. Celtics famous Green Brigade began using the song in 2009 and it has remained in football stadiums ever since.
Depeche Mode keyboardist Andrew Fletcher commented on the use of the song by Celtic fans: “We feel honoured that the Celtic faithful are chanting our songs and are touched by it. The best thing is that they know the entire lyrics.”
Other clubs such as Burnley, Liverpool, Bolton Wanderers and Nottingham Forest have all used the anthem previously.
Blue Moon by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart
“Blue Moon” was written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart in 1934 although many musicians such as Frank Sinatra, Billy Eckstine, Rod Stewart and Mel Tormé have covered the song.
The anthem is closely associated with Manchester City, as it is played before kick-off at every home game at the Etihad Stadium. Despite this, it was actually Crewe Alexandra who first adapted the song to the terraces.
Rhythm Is a Dancer by Snap!
“Rhythm Is a Dancer” by Snap! Was released in 1992 and is a world famous dance anthem. It was just last season when this tune became prominent in football stands.
During the rise of former Manchester United talent Anthony Elanga during the 2021/22 season, Andy Mitten of the “Talk of the Devils” podcast decided to construct a chant dedicated to the Swedish forward.
It’s safe to say it caught on and was a massive hit in the Stretford End. United fans also sang the chant away at Atlético Madrid in the Champions League after Elanga equalised in a 1-1 draw during the campaign. The chant is a great example of how quickly a chant can take over the crowd at a club. Elanaga now plays his football at Nottingham Forest
Glad All Over by The Dave Clark Five
“Glad All Over” by The Dave Clark Five is a song associated with Crystal Palace. The ballad topped the charts in 1964, overtaking The Beatles “I Wanna Hold Your Hand”.
The tune has been a household name in Selhurst Park since its creation, with the band even playing the song live on the pitch in 1968. In 1990, the Palace squad even covered the song during their famous FA Cup run.
Waterfall by The Stone Roses
The Stone Roses have many songs that have been used by the Manchester United faithful. The Red Devils even walk out to the band’s song “This is the One”.
Although in recent times it was their rendition of “Waterfall” that was one of the biggest chants at Old Trafford. The famous “Ole’s at the Wheel” chant is an adaptation of the song, although one of the last times it was sung in Old Trafford was by Liverpool fans as they beat United 5-0.
Since Ole Gunnar Solskjær’s sacking, the chant has died out but many United fans will have fond memories associated with the song, such as their iconic Champions League comeback against PSG in 2019.
Seven Nation Army by The White Stripes
“Seven Nation Army” has one of the most iconic and recognizable guitar riffs in history. Since its release in 2003, the tune has been sung in football stadiums in the UK and across all of Europe.
It was first adopted by Belgian club Club Brugge KV who heard it being played in a bar in Milan before a Champions League fixture. The Italian national team also used the song as their unofficial anthem when they won the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
Sloop John B – The Beach Boys
Californian band The Beach Boys released “Sloop John B” in 1966 and it has been a staple inside UK football terraces for decades.
With multiple different adaptations of the song, fans of nearly every club in the English footballing pyramid have used this tune at some stage.
Phil Brown famously sang a rendition of the tune when his Hull City side avoided relegation in the 2008/09 season.
You’ll Never Walk Alone by Gerry and the Pacemakers
When it comes to iconic football songs, there are not many better than “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Gerry and the Pacemakers.
The band covered the song in 1963 and lead singer Gerry Marsden even gave a copy to the Liverpool manager Bill Shankley during a preseason tour.
Since then, the song has been strongly associated with Liverpool, with the tune being sung before kick-off at every home game. Celtic and Borussia Dortmund also have adopted the song over the years.
The song signifies unity, hope and togetherness when facing adversity. It’s safe to say that the ballad helps connect players and fans together before a match. It was recently sung by the Liverpool faithful as legendary manager Jurgen Klopp coached his final game at Anfield.
