Leeds United: A Symphony of Chants

Leeds United, a club steeped in history and renowned for its passionate fanbase, boasts a rich tapestry of chants that resonate through the hallowed grounds of Elland Road and beyond. These aren't just simple songs; they are declarations of loyalty, expressions of pride, and sometimes, even a touch of wry humour reflecting the club's rollercoaster journey. Whether celebrating a star player, commemorating a historic triumph, or even acknowledging the occasional setback with characteristic resilience, the Leeds faithful have a soundtrack for every occasion. This article delves into the heart of these iconic anthems, exploring their origins, their lyrical content, and the enduring spirit they represent for the club and its supporters.

The Heartbeat of Support: Player Chants

A true measure of a player's impact on the Leeds United faithful can often be gauged by whether they inspire their own dedicated chant. Over the years, several players have earned this honour, their names sung with gusto to familiar tunes. The recent emergence of talents like Crysencio Summerville, Pascal Struijk, and Joel Piroe has been met with immediate lyrical creativity. Their chant, set to the tune of 'Rockin' All Over The World', is a testament to their current form and the hope they bring:

"And I like it, I like it, I like it, I like it,
Oooh Whoo, Oooh Whoa,
Here we go-ooh!
Summerville, Struijk and Piroe!"

This catchy tune highlights the fans' appreciation for the Dutch trio's contributions. Similarly, the midfielder Mateusz Klich, though no longer at the club, is fondly remembered for his goal-scoring prowess. The chant, born from a spirited response to a tough away defeat, showcases the unwavering support of the fans:

"It could be 20 yards or 30 yards, everywhere we go,
40 yards or 50 yards, Klich is scoring goals,
Klich is scoring goals!"

Another memorable player-specific song is dedicated to Luciano Becchio, affectionately known as 'Luciano'. This chant from the 2008/09 season playfully taunted rivals by highlighting Becchio's cost-effectiveness and scoring record compared to more expensive acquisitions:

"Luciano,
Lucianooooo,
Cost less than Berbatov,
and he scores more goals..."

Becchio's impressive record of 87 goals in 221 appearances certainly earned him a place in the hearts of the fans, and this chant immortalised his impact. More recently, Crysencio Summerville has been lauded with another personal anthem, celebrating his dynamism and skill:

"Oh he wears the number ten shirt,
He will lead us to victory,
And when he's running down the right wing,
He'll cut inside and score for Super Leeds,
He's a Dutchman, don't you know,
Just like Pascal and Piroe,
Ohhh, his name's Crysencio"

The dedication to Summerville, who has been in scintillating form, underscores his status as a current fan favourite. The club captain, Liam Cooper, also receives a special tribute, set to the tune of Billy Ocean's 'Love Really Hurts Without You'. This chant, celebrating his leadership and longevity at the club, reflects his importance:

"Cooper, Cooper, we’re not the same without you,
And the cross-field balls that you do,
You’re our skipper, our captain,
You’re Leeds through & through!"

Cooper's over 272 appearances and consistent leadership have cemented his legendary status.

Echoes of History: Iconic Anthems

Beyond individual player tributes, Leeds United's identity is intrinsically linked to anthems that recall significant moments and enduring club values. One such chant, though perhaps slightly aspirational, is 'Follow, Follow, Follow', which gained traction around the 2021-2022 season, referencing key players of that era:

"Follow, Follow, Follow,
We've got the best team in the world,
Bamford and Firpo,
Raph and Rodrigo,
Phillips the Yorkshire Pirlo"

While injuries and form fluctuations have made some lyrics less relevant, the adaptability of this chant means it continues to evolve, reflecting new heroes and future aspirations.

A poignant reminder of a controversial past comes with the chant, 'We Are Champions of Europe'. Although Leeds United have never officially lifted the European Cup, their 1975 final appearance against Bayern Munich is remembered by fans as a moment of injustice due to perceived poor refereeing decisions. This chant, simple yet powerful, voices that enduring belief:

"We are Champions,
Of Europe,
We are Champions,
Of Europe"

The sentiment behind this chant speaks volumes about the fans' conviction that they were denied glory on a European stage. In a display of classic 'gallows humour', a chant that perfectly encapsulates the club's more turbulent periods since the turn of the century is 'Leeds, Leeds Are Falling Apart Again'. Sung by the home support to the tune of Joy Division's 'Love Will Tear Us Apart Again', it reflects a shared understanding of the club's history of ups and downs:

"Leeds, Leeds are falling apart again..."

This tongue-in-cheek anthem highlights the resilience and dark humour of the Leeds fanbase, who have weathered relegations, administration, and points deductions with remarkable fortitude.

The Definitive Anthem: Marching On Together

Undoubtedly, the most iconic and unifying anthem for Leeds United is 'Marching On Together'. This song is more than just a chant; it is the club's de facto anthem, sung with unwavering passion before, during, and after every match. Its enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful lyrics and its ability to capture the very essence of the Leeds United spirit:

"Here we go with Leeds United,
We're gonna give the boys a hand,
Stand up and sing for Leeds United,
They are the greatest in the land,
Every day, we're all gonna say,
We love you, Leeds! Leeds! Leeds!
Everywhere, we're gonna be there,
We love you Leeds! Leeds! Leeds!
Marching On Together!"

Released as the B-side to 'Leeds United' in 1972, coinciding with the club's FA Cup triumph, 'Marching On Together' quickly surpassed its counterpart in popularity, even reaching number 10 in the UK charts. Its simple, heartfelt message of unwavering support has resonated with fans for over 50 years, and its legacy is set to continue for generations to come.

A Legacy in Song

The collection of chants associated with Leeds United paints a vivid picture of the club's identity. They are a reflection of the players who have worn the white shirt, the historic triumphs and near misses, and the indomitable spirit of the supporters. From the energetic player-specific tunes to the deeply ingrained historical anthems, these songs form an integral part of the matchday experience, creating an atmosphere that is both intimidating for opponents and incredibly uplifting for the Leeds faithful. The enduring power of 'Marching On Together', in particular, serves as a constant reminder of the shared journey and the unbreakable bond between the club and its fans. The vibrant and ever-evolving nature of these chants ensures that the voice of the Leeds United support will continue to be heard loud and proud for many years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main anthem of Leeds United?
The main anthem of Leeds United is widely considered to be 'Marching On Together'. It is sung before, during, and after every match and is deeply synonymous with the club.

Who sang the original Leeds United anthem?
The song 'Leeds United' was written by Les Reed and Barry Mason. While 'Marching On Together' became the more popular anthem, 'Leeds United' was the A-side of the single released in 1972.

Are there specific chants for current Leeds United players?
Yes, Leeds United fans create chants for their current players. Recent examples include songs for Crysencio Summerville, Pascal Struijk, and Joel Piroe, often set to popular tunes.

What is the meaning behind the 'Champions of Europe' chant?
This chant refers to Leeds United's controversial 1975 European Cup Final loss to Bayern Munich. Fans believe the result was unfairly influenced by poor refereeing decisions, and the chant expresses their belief that they should have won.

Do Leeds United fans sing songs about the club's history?
Absolutely. Chants like 'Leeds, Leeds Are Falling Apart Again' are a form of 'gallows humour' reflecting the club's periods of struggle, demonstrating the fans' resilience and unique way of supporting through thick and thin.