The Complete Guide to Sunderland AFC Fan Chants and Songs

If you've ever stood in the Stadium of Light and felt the roar of the crowd, you know it's more than just noise—it's a language. For fans of Sunderland AFC, the chants and songs are a vital part of the matchday experience, weaving together the club's history, local identity, and raw emotion. This guide is your key to understanding that language, from the anthems that echo around the stands to the quick-fire chants that spur the team on. Let's dive into the glossary of sound that defines being a Mackem.

"Ha'way the Lads"

The quintessential Sunderland AFC chant. It’s a rallying cry, a greeting, and a badge of honour all in one. Derived from the local dialect for "Come on the Lads," it’s sung at every match, in every situation, and is the most immediate identifier of a Sunderland supporter.

"The Sunderland Anthem" (Sunderland 'Til I Die)

Often considered the club's unofficial anthem, this passionate chant declares lifelong loyalty. The simple, powerful refrain of "Sunderland 'til I die, I know I am, I'm sure I am, I'm Sunderland 'til I die" is a heartfelt pledge of allegiance from the fanbase.

"Daylight Upon the Tyne"

A traditional folk tune adapted by Sunderland fans, this song celebrates the club and its home region. It speaks of pride in Wearside and is often sung with a sense of defiance and local pride, especially in derby contexts.

"Can't Help Falling in Love"

A unique adaptation of the Elvis Presley classic, sung by Sunderland fans to show affection for their club. It’s typically sung at a slower, more heartfelt pace, usually during moments of reflection or overwhelming support, symbolising unconditional love for the team.

"The Blaydon Races" (Sunderland Adaptation)

A famous Geordie folk song that Sunderland fans have cheekily adopted and altered with their own lyrics. It’s a classic example of the football fan tradition of taking an opponent's song and making it your own, often sung in a spirited, mocking tone during derbies.

"We Are the Sunderland"

A straightforward, powerful chant used to dominate the atmosphere. It’s a statement of identity and presence, often building in volume and intensity to encourage the players and unite the stands.

"Red and White Army"

A marching, rhythmic chant that is ubiquitous in English football, but feels uniquely passionate on Wearside. It’s a chant of unity, sung while clapping in time, visually and audibly demonstrating the strength of the supporter base.

"One Kevin Phillips"

A tribute chant for the club's legendary striker, Kevin Phillips, who scored 130 goals for Sunderland. Sung to the tune of "One Bobby Charlton," it’s a nostalgic celebration of a past hero and his goal-scoring exploits.

"Super Kev"

Another chant dedicated to Kevin Phillips, this one is simpler and more direct. It’s a chant of pure adulation, often erupting spontaneously when his name is mentioned or when a current striker finds the net.

"Cheer Up Peter Reid"

A famous chant aimed originally at former manager Peter Reid during a successful period. It’s sung to the tune of "Daydream Believer" and is now used more generally as a playful, teasing chant towards opposing managers or figures.

"Who's That Team They Call the Sunderland?"

A call-and-response chant that engages the whole crowd. A leader will shout "Who's that team they call the Sunderland?" and the rest of the stand responds with "SAFC!" It’s a great builder of atmosphere, especially before kick-off.

"We Love You Sunderland"

Sung to the classic "We Love You" tune (from the song "Can't Take My Eyes Off You"), this is an expression of pure, unwavering support. It’s often heard when the team is putting in a strong performance or needs a lift.

"The Lambton Worm"

Based on a local folk song about a mythical beast from the River Wear, this chant connects the team directly to Wearside folklore. It’s a longer, more narrative song that showcases the deep cultural roots of the support.

"Keep the Red Flag Flying"

A socialist-inspired anthem that has been adopted by several clubs, including Sunderland. It speaks to the working-class history of the city and its fans, representing solidarity, resilience, and community spirit.

"You're Not Singing Anymore"

A classic football taunt directed at silenced opposition fans. After Sunderland scores or takes control of a game, this chant rings out to mock the suddenly quiet away section, celebrating a shift in momentum.

"Howay Man, Get a Grip"

A chant steeped in local dialect, often directed at the referee or an opposing player perceived to be diving or wasting time. "Howay" (or "Ha'way") is a versatile Wearside term, here used as an exasperated plea for fairness.

"We're by the Sea"

A simple, proud chant referencing Sunderland's coastal location. It’s a point of local identity, distinguishing the club from inland rivals and celebrating the unique character of the city.

"The Roker Roar"

While not a chant with specific lyrics, this term defines the legendary atmosphere generated at the club's former home, Roker Park. It now refers to any deafening, intimidating, and supportive wall of sound created by Sunderland fans at the Stadium of Light.

"Do the Ayatollah"

A unique celebration where fans pat their heads and then make a waving motion. It originated in the 1990s and is performed en masse after goals or big wins. It’s a visual and cultural signature of the Sunderland support.

"All Around the Town"

A chant that lists areas and landmarks around Sunderland and County Durham. It fosters a sense of inclusive, regional pride, uniting fans from all the towns and villages that make up the SAFC community.

"We're the Best Football Team in the Land"

A boastful, confident chant sung to the tune of "She'll Be Coming 'Round the Mountain." It’s used to express supreme confidence in the team, often with a tongue-in-cheek bravado that is part of football fan culture.

"One Niall Quinn"

A tribute chant for the beloved former striker and chairman, Niall Quinn. Like the Phillips chants, it honours a club icon, recognising his contribution both on the pitch and in the boardroom during a transformative era.

"We Hate Newcastle"

The most direct expression of the Tyne-Wear derby rivalry. Sung with fierce passion, it’s the foundational chant for derby days, encapsulating generations of sporting and cultural competition.

"Ha'way Man, Let's Be Having You"

A motivational chant derived from the classic "Ha'way the Lads." It’s a more specific rallying call, often used when the team is pushing for a goal or needs to defend resolutely in the closing minutes.

"Sunderland, Sunderland AFC"

The simplest chant of all, just the name of the club repeated. Its power lies in its simplicity and the volume with which it is delivered. It’s a pure, unadulterated declaration of who the fans are there to support.

From the historic "Roker Roar" to the modern "Ayatollah," the chants and songs of Sunderland AFC are the living, breathing soundtrack of the club. They tell stories of heroes, express local pride, and fuel the relentless passion that defines the Mackem spirit. Learning them is more than memorising words; it's about connecting with the very soul of Wearside football. For more on what makes this club unique, explore our complete guide, or learn about the club's community work through our disability team and scholar leadership team.

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