Sunderland Fan Chants & Songs: The Complete How-To Guide

Introduction: Finding Your Voice in the Red and White Chorus

Being a Sunderland supporter is an experience defined by passion, history, and a profound sense of community. This is expressed nowhere more powerfully than in the stands, where generations of fans unite through song. Knowing the chants and songs is not just about memorizing words; it’s about understanding the heartbeat of Sunderland Association Football Club (SAFC), connecting with its soul, and adding your voice to a living tradition. This practical guide will equip you with the knowledge and confidence to participate fully on matchday, whether you’re in the Stadium of Light (SOL) roaring on The Lads or following an away fixture from afar. You’ll learn the essential anthems, their contexts, and how to deliver them with the conviction of a seasoned supporter.

Prerequisites: What You Need Before You Begin

To get the most from this guide and your matchday experience, a few foundational elements are recommended:

A Basic Knowledge of SAFC History: Familiarity with key moments like the 1973 FA Cup win and iconic figures helps you understand the emotional weight behind many chants.
Access to Audio/Visual Examples: While lyrics are provided, hearing the rhythm, tune, and crowd delivery is invaluable. Use reputable fan channels or the official club media.
The Right Mindset: This is about collective participation. It’s not a solo performance. Listen, join in, and feed off the energy around you.
Your Voice (Optional but Encouraged): You don’t need to be a great singer. You need passion. A raspy, heartfelt shout is worth more than a perfect, silent pitch.

Step 1: Master the Absolute Essentials – The Non-Negotiables

These anthems are the bedrock of the matchday atmosphere. If you learn nothing else, learn these.

#### "Ha’way the Lads"
The Tune: Original, simple chant.
When It’s Sung: Constantly. Before kick-off, during periods of pressure, to encourage a comeback. It’s the universal SAFC rallying cry.
How to Sing It: Slow, deliberate, and loud. Emphasize "HA’WAY." It’s not "come on"; it’s the Wearside "Ha’way."
Lyrics: "Ha’way the Lads! Ha’way the Lads! Ha’way the Lads!"

#### "Sunderland ‘Til I Die"
The Tune: Adapted from "Bobby Shafto."
When It’s Sung: Often pre-match and post-match, or during moments of defiant pride, especially in adversity.
How to Sing It: With solemn pride. It’s a statement of identity, not just a song. The final line is held long.
Lyrics: "We’re Sunderland ‘til I die, We’re Sunderland ‘til I die, We know we are, we’re sure we are, We’re Sunderland ‘til I die!"

#### "Daydream Believer" / "Cheer Up..."
The Tune: The Monkees' "Daydream Believer."
When It’s Sung: Primarily during the Wear-Tyne derby, aimed at Newcastle United supporters.
How to Sing It: Ironically cheerful and mocking. The clapping rhythm is crucial: clap on the beat.
Lyrics: "Cheer up, [Newcastle Manager's Name], Oh what can it be? To a club like Sunderland, And a history like yours?"

Step 2: Learn the Historic & Celebratory Anthems

These songs connect the present-day team at the Stadium of Light to the club’s glorious past and are used for celebration.

#### "The Sunderland AFC Song" (1973 FA Cup Final Song)
The Tune: "Lily the Pink" by The Scaffold.
When It’s Sung: To celebrate goals, big wins, or to honour the club’s greatest triumph.
How to Sing It: Joyful, triumphant, and at pace. The chorus is a roar.
Key Chorus Lyrics: "So drink, drink, drink, to Ian Porterfield, And the men who won the cup, For the lads who beat the Magpies, And brought the Cup back up!" (Verses detail the 1973 cup run).

#### "Can’t Help Falling in Love"
The Tune: Elvis Presley ballad.
When It’s Sung: Usually in the final minutes of a convincing victory, sung slowly and swayingly.
How to Sing It: With affection and a smile. It’s a love song to the club.
Lyrics: "Wise men say, only fools rush in, But I can’t help falling in love with you... Sunderland."

Step 3: Understand the Player & Manager Chants

These are more fluid and change with personnel. Here are classic templates and recent examples.

#### Player Name Chant Template
The Tune: Often "Let’s Go (The Baby Elephant Walk)" or other simple, repetitive tunes.
When It’s Sung: When a player scores, makes a great tackle, or is introduced.
How to Sing It: Repetitive and loud. Insert the player’s name (usually two syllables works best).
Example (Template): "He’s here, he’s there, he’s every-fing-where, [Player Name], [Player Name]!"
Example (Specific): A song for a committed defender might be sung to "Yellow Submarine": "We all live in a red and white army..."

#### Manager Chants
These reflect the current mood. Under a popular figure like Tony Mowbray, chants were warm and supportive, often simply repeating his name to a rhythmic clap. During other eras, like that of Jack Ross in EFL League One, chants were more about backing the project. Stay attuned to the crowd’s sentiment.

Pre-Match & Walk-Out: "Ha’way the Lads," "Sunderland ‘Til I Die," general buzzing atmosphere.
Kick-Off & General Play: Spontaneous "Ha’way!" shouts, shorter player chants, reactions to play.
Sustained Pressure/Corners: The "Ha’way the Lads" chant builds in volume and tempo.
After a Goal: Explosion of noise, followed by "The Sunderland AFC Song (1973)", "Can’t Help Falling in Love," or the scorer’s chant.
Away Matches: Songs are sung louder, prouder, and more continuously to dominate the away end. "Sunderland ‘Til I Die" becomes a powerful declaration of presence.
The Wear-Tyne Derby: Intensity multiplies. "Daydream Believer" is deployed. Every chant is infused with extra venom and passion. Historical references are key.

The Red and White Stripes: Wear them with pride. The home kit is a symbol of unity.
Listen and Follow: If you’re new, stand near a loud, rhythmic section. Follow their lead on when songs start.
Stay ‘On-Song’: Avoid starting a niche chant when a stadium-wide anthem is in full flow. Unity is key.
Respect the Past: Mention of Roker Park in song is always treated with reverence. It’s the club’s historic home.
Engage with the Community: Read the Sunderland Echo for fan sentiment, follow trusted fan media to stay in tune with the supporter base’s mood regarding figures like owner Kyril Louis-Dreyfus (KLD) or the progress of the Academy of Light graduates.

Tip 1: Pronunciation is Key. It’s "HA’WAY" (to rhyme with ‘away’), not "How-way." It’s "Sunderland" with a strong ‘der’, not a mumbled ‘dland’.
Tip 2: Don’t Force Obscure Songs. Let the natural leaders in the stands dictate the playlist. Your job is to amplify it.
Tip 3: Volume Over Melody. Don’t worry about singing in tune. Worry about singing with conviction. A loud, ragged chorus is authentic.
Common Mistake 1: Singing at the Wrong Time. Never sing a celebratory, slow song when the team is defending a corner. Read the game.
Common Mistake 2: Ignoring the Wider Context. A chant about a EFL Trophy win might be sung ironically or proudly depending on the opponent and our journey. Context matters.
Pro Tip: Make it Personal. If you’re a season ticket holder in the South Stand, you’ll know its specific rhythms. If you travel to away matches, you’ll learn the unique camaraderie of the away end. Immerse yourself in your specific matchday routine.

[ ] Memorized the Core Anthems: "Ha’way the Lads" and "Sunderland ‘Til I Die" are second nature.
[ ] Learned the History: You understand the significance of the 1973 FA Cup Final anthem and can join in the chorus.
[ ] Know the Derby Songs: "Daydream Believer" is ready for the next Tyne-Wear derby.
[ ] Recognize Player Chant Templates: You can adapt the common tunes to current fan favourites.
[ ] Context Aware: You know to sing "Ha’way" during pressure and save the love songs for a secure lead.
[ ] Pronunciation Checked: You’re saying "Ha’way" and "Sunderland" correctly.
[ ] Voice Ready: You’re prepared to lose it for 90 minutes in support of SAFC.
[ ] Pride Worn: Your red and white stripes are on, connecting you to every fan from Roker Park to the SOL.

By following this guide, you’re not just learning songs—you’re learning the language of Sunderland Association Football Club*. You are becoming part of the story. Now, get to the ground, take a deep breath, and sing your heart out for The Lads. Ha’way!