Newcastle United’s rivalry with Sunderland is as fierce as it gets in English football. The passion and intensity spill over into the stands, where the Toon Army belt out chants, each echoing decades of rivalry and regional pride.
Here’s a look at some of the best Toon chants directed at their Mackem rivals, including their lyrics.
1. We hate Sunderland
This chant is straightforward in its message, capturing the intense rivalry between the two clubs. The repetition of “We hate Sunderland” leaves no doubt about the feelings Newcastle fans harbour towards their neighbours.
Lyrics:
We hate Sunderland,
We hate Sunderland,
We hate Sunderland,
We hate Sunderland,
Continues…
See all the top current Toon chants
2. Stand up if you hate Sunderland
A chant that sees Newcastle fans rise to their feet, this is a call to show solidarity in their disdain for Sunderland. The stand-up gesture symbolises unity against their rivals.
Lyrics:
Stand up if you hate Sunderland,
Stand up if you hate Sunderland,
Stand up if you hate Sunderland,
Stand up if you hate Sunderland,
Continues…
There’s a variation on this too:
Stand up if you hate the sc*m,
Stand up if you hate the sc*m,
Stand up if you hate the sc*m,
Stand up if you hate the sc*m,
Continues…
3. The wings of a sparrow
With a more humorous tone, this chant imagines a scenario where fans could fly over Sunderland and show their disdain in a rather direct manner. It’s sung to a catchy tune, making it a favourite among supporters.
Lyrics:
If I had wings of a sparrow,
The dirty great arse of a crow,
I’d fly over Sunderland tomorrow,
And sh*t on the b*stards below, below
4. Back to Pennywell
This chant, mentioning the Pennywell area known for its high crime rates and socioeconomic issues, targets Sunderland fans directly. It’s a jab at the socioeconomic struggles of their region.
Lyrics:
F*ck off back to Pennywell,
F*ck off back to Pennywell,
F*ck off back to Pennywell,
F*ck off back to Pennywell,
Continues…
5. Sh*t of Tyne and Wear
This chant is a derogatory remark about Sunderland, suggesting they are the lowest of the low in the Tyne and Wear area. It’s a classic example of football banter, albeit with a sharp edge.
Lyrics:
You’re the sh*t,
You’re the sh*t,
You’re the sh*t of Tyne and Wear,
You’re the sh*t of Tyne and Wear
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6. Sunderland ‘til half time
Sung particularly when Newcastle is leading, this chant mocks Sunderland fans for their perceived lack of loyalty, suggesting they only support their team when they’re winning. You might hear it in response to Mackem fans singing ‘Sunderland ’til I die’.
Lyrics:
Sunderland ’til half-time,
You’re Sunderland ’til half-time,
You know you are,
You’re sure you are,
You’re Sunderland ’til half-time
7. Eddie Howe’s Black and White Army
A variation of a popular chant for Newcastle’s manager, this version includes “We hate Sunderland” as a response, blending support for their team with the rivalry theme.
Lyrics:
Eddie Howe’s black and white Army,
We hate Sunderland,
Eddie Howe’s black and white Army,
We hate Sunderland,
Eddie Howe’s black and white Army,
We hate Sunderland,
Continues…
8. Can you hear the Sun’lun sing?
This chant taunts Sunderland fans for being quiet, especially during defeats. “Sun’lun” is a playful take on the Mackem accent, adding a local twist to the chant.
Lyrics:
Can you hear the Sun’lun sing?
No, no,
Can you hear the Sun’lun sing?
No, no
Can you hear the Sun’lun sing?
Cos’ i can’t hear a f*cking thing!
Wooaahh
Ssshhhh
9. In Your Sunderland slums
Another chant that paints a grim picture of life in Sunderland, exaggerating for effect. It’s a common type of chant, heard up and down the country, where fans tease each other’s areas.
Lyrics:
In your Sunderland slums,
You’re always looking for something to eat,
You find a dead rat and you think it’s a treat,
In your Sunderland slums
10. Sunderland get battered
This chant teases the Mackems’ lack of success, asserting that, wherever Sunderland go, they end up losing.
Lyrics:
1, 2, 3, 4,
Sunderland get battered,
Everywhere they go,
Sunderland get battered,
Everywhere they go
11. Sunderland’s staying down…
A chant with a bit of history, especially poignant when Sunderland got relegated and Newcastle were promoted in 2017 – a year after Mackem fans had taunted Toon supporters. It’s sung to the tune of “Yellow Submarine” by The Beatles, adding a catchy element to the taunt.
A possible twist on the old favourite could be:
Sunderland’s staying down,
And the Mags are staying up,
The Mags are staying up,
The Mags are staying up,
Sunderland’s staying down,
And the Mags are staying up,
The Mags are staying up,
The Mags are staying up,
They’re staying down,
We’re staying up,
They’re staying down,
We’re staying up
See ‘When the Mags Go Marching in’ lyrics
12. The Fulwell End
A throwback chant about Sunderland’s old stadium Roker Park. Sung to “When the Saints Go Marching In,” it mocks the Fulwell End of the stadium, once a stronghold of Sunderland fans.
Lyrics:
The Fulwell end,
(The Fulwell end),
Is always full,
(Is always full)
The Fulwell end is always full,
(Full of what?)
Full of sh*t, full of p*ss, full of w*nkers,
The Fulwell end is always full
Each of these chants encapsulates the rivalry’s intensity, blending humour, regional pride, and football culture. Have we missed any? What are your favourite chants about the Mackems? Let us know in the comments below.