Newcastle United supporters possess some of the most recognizable and passionate terrace chants in English football, ranging from 19th-century folk songs to modern player tributes echoing across St James’ Park, according to the Football Ground Guide.
Blaydon Races
No Newcastle United chant holds a closer association with the club than “Blaydon Races.” Written by Geordie songwriter George Ridley in 1862, the song celebrates local culture and functions as an unofficial anthem for both the city and the football club, as reported by the Football Ground Guide. Supporters typically sing the tune before kick-off and during major moments at St James’ Park.
“I went to Blaydon Races
‘Twas on the 9th of June
Eighteen-hundred and sixty-two
On a summer’s afternoon
We took the bus from Balmbras
And she was heavy laden
Away we went along Collingwood Street
That’s on the road to Blaydon
Oh, me lads, you should’ve seen us gannin’
Passing the folks along the road
Just as they were stannin’
All the lads and lasses there
All wi’ smilin’ faces
Gannin along the Scotswood Road
To see the Blaydon Races.”
Howay the Lads and Matchday Staples
Beyond traditional folk music, simple and loud chants dominate the stands during fixtures. “Howay the Lads” serves as a primary tool to lift the team during key moments, demonstrating the bond between supporters and players, per the Football Ground Guide.
“Howay the Lads,
Howay the Lads,
Howay the Lads,
Howay!”
Similarly, “Toon Toon, Black and White Army” provides a short, catchy staple for both home and away support that frequently sweeps across the entire stadium from a single corner, according to the Football Ground Guide.
Traditional Terrace Songs and Rivalry Anthems
Historical chants continue to feature prominently during fixtures at St James’ Park. “Who’s That Team We Call United?” dates back several decades and is sung to the tune of “God Save Ireland” to celebrate the club’s identity, notes the Football Ground Guide. The lyrics state:
“Who’s that team we call United,
Who’s that team we all adore,
Oh, we play in Black and White,
And we all know how to fight,
We’ll support you ever more.”
Traveling supporters regularly adapt standard football numbers, such as “When the Mags Go Marching In,” which takes inspiration from “When the Saints Go Marching In,” according to the Football Ground Guide. For rivalry fixtures against Sunderland—whose supporters are known as the Mackems—fans turn to “Who Put the Ball in the Mackems’ Net?”, an older version of which references former defenders Liam O’Brien and Andy O’Brien, as detailed by the Football Ground Guide.
Modern Player Chants
Current squad members quickly earn dedicated terrace anthems upon joining the club. Since arriving at Newcastle United, midfielder Sandro Tonali has inspired a recognizable modern chant sung to the tune of “La Bamba,” which regularly rings around St James’ Park, according to the Football Ground Guide.
