This glossary covers the essential songs, anthems, and chants that define Sunderland AFC’s derby days, from the Tyne-Wear rivalry with Newcastle United to the Tees-Wear clashes against Middlesbrough. These sounds are part of what makes matchday at the Stadium of Light — and away trips — unforgettable for the Black Cats faithful.
The Sunderland Anthem (Prospect of Whitby / “Cheer Up Peter Reid”)
One of the most enduring songs in Sunderland’s repertoire is set to the tune of “The Prospect of Whitby,” a traditional sea shanty. The most famous version, “Cheer Up Peter Reid,” dates back to the late 1990s when Reid managed the club to successive seventh-place finishes in the Premier League. The chorus — “Cheer up Peter Reid, oh what can it mean, to a sad Mackem supporter and a shit football team” — is sung with ironic self-deprecation, but in derby contexts, it becomes a defiant, loud declaration of identity. The song has evolved over decades, with verses adapted to current players and managers, but its core remains a staple before kick-off and after goals.
“Wise Men Say”
This is perhaps the most iconic Sunderland chant, borrowed from the chorus of “The Day We Caught the Train” by Ocean Colour Scene. The lyrics — “Wise men say, only fools rush in, but I can’t help falling in love with you” — are sung slowly and passionately by the Roker End, creating a spine-tingling atmosphere before big games. In derby matches, the volume increases tenfold. It’s not a song about rivalry directly, but it’s a love letter to the club that becomes a weapon: a statement that Sunderland’s supporters are here, united, and louder than anyone else.
“The Roker Roar”
While not a song in the traditional sense, “The Roker Roar” is the name given to the legendary noise generated by supporters at Roker Park. It was famously measured at high decibel levels during a match against Newcastle in the 1960s, earning a place in the Guinness Book of Records. The roar was a physical, guttural sound that intimidated visiting teams. Today, the chant “We are the Roker Roar” is sung at the Stadium of Light, linking the current generation to the club’s past. In derbies, it’s a reminder that the spirit of Roker Park lives on.
“We’re the Famous Sunderland”
A straightforward, anthemic chant that repeats “We’re the famous Sunderland and we’re going to win the league” — often with ironic humour given the club’s recent history. It’s sung at the start of matches and during quiet spells to lift the team. In derby contexts, the word “famous” takes on extra weight, referencing the club’s six First Division titles and its status as one of England’s oldest and most-supported clubs. It’s a chant that says: we’ve been here before, and we’ll be here again.
“Mackem” Chants
The term “Mackem” — a demonym for Sunderland supporters — is used in numerous chants. The most common is a simple call-and-response: “We are the Mackems, the mighty Mackems, and we’ll support you evermore.” Another variation, “Mackem, Mackem, Mackem,” is chanted repeatedly during derby matches, often accompanied by clapping. These chants are about territorial pride and the working-class identity of Wearside. They’re simple, effective, and designed to be heard above the opposition.
“Newcastle, Newcastle” (The “You’re Not Singing Anymore” Variation)
In Tyne-Wear derbies, Sunderland fans have a specific chant aimed at silencing the away end. When Newcastle supporters fall quiet after a Sunderland goal, the home crowd sings “Newcastle, Newcastle, you’re not singing anymore” to the tune of “Go West” by the Pet Shop Boys. It’s a taunt that plays on the ebb and flow of matchday atmosphere. The chant is often followed by “Is this a library?” — a sarcastic question that mocks the quietness of the opposition.
“The Blaydon Races” (Sunderland Version)
“The Blaydon Races” is a Geordie folk song traditionally associated with Newcastle United, but Sunderland fans have their own version with altered lyrics. Instead of referencing the racecourse at Blaydon, the Sunderland version substitutes lines about the Tyne-Wear derby, often mocking Newcastle’s lack of recent trophies. It’s a clever piece of cultural appropriation — taking a song that symbolises Tyneside and turning it into a weapon of mockery. The chorus, however, remains recognisable, which makes it even more effective at winding up opposition fans.
“We Hate Newcastle”
This is a blunt, no-nonsense chant that gets straight to the point. Sung to the tune of “When the Saints Go Marching In,” the lyrics are simply “We hate Newcastle, we hate Newcastle, we hate Newcastle, and we hate Newcastle too.” It’s repeated over and over, building in intensity. While not the most creative chant, its simplicity makes it powerful. In the context of the Tees-Wear derby, the word “Newcastle” is replaced with “Middlesbrough” or “Boro,” but the sentiment remains the same.
“The Sunderland Boys”
A traditional terrace chant that celebrates the club’s history and the loyalty of its supporters. The lyrics include lines like “The Sunderland boys are in town, they’re drinking the bars dry” — a reference to the pre-match ritual of fans gathering in pubs around the Stadium of Light and in away cities. In derby contexts, it’s sung with extra gusto, especially when Sunderland are winning. It’s a chant that reinforces the idea of the travelling support as a force to be reckoned with.
“One-nil to the Sunderland”
A classic football chant that’s particularly effective in derby matches when the scoreline is tight. The simplicity of “One-nil to the Sunderland” (sung to the tune of “Go West”) allows the entire stadium to join in. It’s a chant of defiance and control, suggesting that even a slender lead is enough to win the day.
“The Lads” Chants
Sunderland players are often referred to as “The Lads,” and there are several chants that use this term. “The Lads are on the march again” is a popular one, sung to the tune of “The British Grenadiers.” It’s a rousing, marching anthem that evokes the feeling of a campaign. Another is “The Lads in red and white,” which is a simple declaration of support. These chants are less about rivalry and more about unity, but in derby contexts, they become a rallying cry.
“The Stadium of Light” Chant
A relatively modern addition, this chant celebrates the club’s home ground. Sung to the tune of “Seven Nation Army” by The White Stripes, it consists of the repeated phrase “Stadium of Light, Stadium of Light.” The simplicity and the stomping rhythm make it perfect for creating a wall of sound. In derby matches, it’s often used to reclaim the atmosphere after a period of quiet.
“The Roker Roar” (The Official Song)
In the 1990s, the club released an official song titled “The Roker Roar,” which was played over the PA system before matches. It’s a pop-rock anthem with lyrics about the team and the supporters. While not sung by the crowd organically, it’s still played at the Stadium of Light before big games, including derbies. It serves as a pre-match ritual that gets the blood pumping.
“Sunderland ’Til I Die”
This phrase, popularised by the Netflix documentary series, has become a chant in its own right. It’s often sung as “Sunderland ’til I die, Sunderland ’til I die, I’m Sunderland ’til I die” to the tune of “When the Saints Go Marching In.” It’s a statement of unconditional support, regardless of results. In derby contexts, it’s a reminder that the loyalty of Sunderland fans is unshakeable, even in the face of defeat.
“The Black Cats” Chants
Several chants reference the club’s nickname, “The Black Cats.” The most common is “Black Cats, Black Cats, Black Cats,” chanted repeatedly. Another is “We are the Black Cats, the mighty Black Cats,” which is a variation of the “Mackems” chant. These chants are simple and effective, designed to be heard above the noise.
“We’ll Be There”
A chant that emphasises the loyalty of Sunderland’s travelling support. The lyrics are “We’ll be there, we’ll be there, we’ll be there, Sunderland, we’ll be there.” It’s sung during away games, especially when the team is losing. In derby contexts, it’s a promise that the fans will never abandon the team, no matter the score.
“The North East” Chants
In the Tyne-Wear derby, there are chants that claim superiority over the entire North East region. “We are the North East, the mighty North East” is one example. Another is “There’s only one team in the North East,” which is sung to the tune of “Guantanamera.” These chants are about regional pride and the idea that Sunderland is the true representative of the area.
“Middlesbrough” Chants (Tees-Wear Derby)
For the Tees-Wear derby against Middlesbrough, many of the same chants are adapted. “We hate Middlesbrough” replaces “We hate Newcastle.” There’s also a specific chant that mocks Middlesbrough’s lack of history compared to Sunderland: “You’ve won fuck all, you’ve won fuck all, you’ve won fuck all, Middlesbrough.” This is a direct reference to Sunderland’s six First Division titles.
“The 40,000” Chant
After the 2019 EFL Trophy final, when 40,000 Sunderland fans travelled to Wembley, a chant emerged celebrating that mass pilgrimage. The lyrics are “40,000, 40,000, we’re the Sunderland, we’re the Sunderland.” It’s a chant that highlights the incredible support the club commands, even in lower divisions. In derby contexts, it’s a reminder of the club’s massive fanbase.
“We’re Going Up” Chants
During promotion-winning seasons, “We’re going up” chants become a regular feature. In derby matches, these chants are revived with a twist: “We’re going up, we’re going up, we’re going up, we’re going up, Sunderland, we’re going up” — a reminder of the journey back to the top flight.
“The Referee” Chants
Derby matches often involve chants directed at the match officials. The most common is “The referee’s a wanker,” sung to the tune of “Go West.” It’s a universal football chant, but in derby contexts, it’s amplified by the intensity of the occasion. Another is “You don’t know what you’re doing,” aimed at the referee after a contentious decision.
“The Manager” Chants
Managers often have their own chants. During a given season, the current Sunderland manager may have a personalised chant set to a popular tune. It’s sung to show support and to boost morale. In derby matches, these chants become a way of backing the manager against the opposition’s tactical approach.
“The Academy” Chants
Sunderland’s academy has produced several first-team players in recent years. Chants celebrating homegrown talent are common, such as “He’s one of our own” when an academy graduate scores. In derby contexts, these chants emphasise the club’s connection to the local community and the development of young players.
“The History” Chants
Sunderland’s six First Division titles are a source of pride, and chants referencing this history are used to needle opposition fans. “We’ve won the league six times, we’ve won the league six times” is a straightforward chant. Another is “You’ve never won the league,” aimed at Newcastle United, who haven’t won the top flight since 1927. These chants are about legacy and the club’s place in English football history.
What to Check on Matchday
Before singing along to any derby chant, it’s worth checking a few things to ensure you’re part of the atmosphere responsibly:
- The matchday programme: The club’s official programme often features lyrics to popular chants, especially newer ones.
- Social media fan groups: Accounts like @WearsideReport and fan forums share updated chants and lyrics before big games.
- The Roker End: The main singing section at the Stadium of Light is where most chants start. If you’re unsure of the words, listen and join in gradually.
- Opposition chants: Be aware that some chants from away fans might be offensive. The club and police monitor this, and it’s best to avoid engaging with abusive behaviour.
- Timing: Some chants are best sung at specific moments — after a goal, during a lull in play, or as the teams come out. Pay attention to the flow of the match.
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