Blaydon Races is probably the most iconic chant in the history of Newcastle United. Its origins date back to the 19th century, and it has been sung by generations of fans ever since.
You’ll hear the song before the start of every Newcastle home game which makes it one of the most recognisable football songs.
Blaydon Races full song lyrics
First verse
Ah went to Blaydon Races, ‘twas on the ninth of Joon,
In eighteen hundred an’ sixty-two, on a summer’s efternoon;
Ah tyuk the ‘bus frae Balmbra’s, an’ she wis heavy laden,
Away we went alang Collingwood Street, that’s on the road to Blaydon.
Chorus
Ah me lads, ye shudda seen us gannin’,
We pass’d the foaks upon the road just as they wor stannin’;
Thor wes lots o’ lads an’ lasses there, all wi’ smiling faces,
Gannin alang the Scotswood Road, to see the Blaydon Races.
Second verse
We flew past Airmstrang’s factory, and up to the “Robin Adair”,
Just gannin’ doon te the railway bridge, the ‘bus wheel flew off there.
The lasses lost their crinolines off, an’ the veils that hide their faces,
An’ aw got two black eyes an’ a broken nose in gan te Blaydon Races.
(Chorus)
Third verse
When we gat the wheel put on away we went agyen,
But them that had their noses broke they cam back ower hyem;
Sum went to the Dispensary an’ uthers to Doctor Gibbs,
An’ sum sought out the Infirmary to mend their broken ribs.
(Chorus)
Fourth verse
Noo when we gat to Paradise thor wes bonny gam begun;
Thor was fower-an-twenty on the ‘bus, man, hoo they danced an’ sung;
They called on me to sing a sang, aw sung them “Paddy Fagan”,
Aw danced a jig an’ swung my twig that day aw went to Blaydon.
(Chorus)
Fifth verse
We flew across the Chain Bridge reet into Blaydon toon,
The bellman he was callin’ there, they call him Jackie Brown;
Aw saw him talkin’ to sum cheps, an’ them he was pursuadin’
To gan an’ see Geordy Ridley’s concert in the Mechanics’ Hall at Blaydon.
(Chorus)
Sixth verse
The rain it poor’d aw the day an’ myed the groons quite muddy,
Coffy Johnny had a white hat on – they war shootin’ “Whe stole the cuddy.”
There wes spice stalls an’ munkey shows an’ aud wives selling ciders,
An’ a chep wiv a hapenny roond aboot, shootin’ “Noo, me boys, for riders.”
Blaydon Races video
What’s the history of the Blaydon Races chant?
The Blaydon Races chant can be traced back to a horse race that took place in the town of Blaydon – located just outside Newcastle – in 1862. The race was a major cultural event attended by thousands of locals, and Newcastle fans began singing the Blaydon Races chant as a way to show their support for the local jockey who won the race.
It was set to the tune of an earlier song called Vive la Compagnie and featured lyrics that celebrated the sights, sounds, and people of the race.
Over time, the chant became associated with Newcastle United, and it has been sung by fans at matches ever since.
Since its creation, Blaydon Races has undergone numerous adaptations and changes. When you hear the song belted out at St. James’ Park, you’ll probably be hearing the chorus.
Cultural significance of Blaydon Races
Nowadays the song is synonymous with Newcastle United, which itself is a crucial part of Geordie life.
For example, the song was referenced in Catherine Cookson’s novel “The Fifteen Streets,” which is set in the working-class neighborhoods of Newcastle upon Tyne during the early 20th century. The novel features a scene where the main character attends a Newcastle United match and hears the Blaydon Races song being sung by the fans.
The song has also been covered by a number of musicians over the years, including The Dubliners, The High Level Ranters, and The Unthanks.
In addition, the song has been featured on TV and in film. In the 1996 film “Brassed Off,” the Blaydon Races song is played by a brass band during a scene set at a mining festival in Durham. Meanwhile the song has also been used in episodes of the television show “Vera,” which is set in the northeast of England.