On the Ball, City

Updated on Dec 09, 2024

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"On The Ball, City" (sometimes abbreviated 'OTBC' in writing), the Norwich City F.C. song, is described as the world's oldest football song still in use today; the song is in fact older than the club itself having probably been penned for Norwich Teachers or Caley's FC in the 1890s, and used by clubs such as Swifians and Norwich CEYMS before being adopted by Norwich City. It is sung pre-match at Carrow Road and throughout the games that Norwich City play, home and away. Although the first use of the tune and song is disputed, it had been adopted by 1902 and it remains in use today in part if not the whole. With a few minor revisions, notably adding the word "it" into the phrases "kick off" and "throw in", what is currently sung is a modification of the original refrain:

Lyrics

In the days to call, which we've left behind,Our boyhood’s glorious game,And our youthful vigour has declinedWith its mirth and its lonesome end;You will think of the time, the happy time,Its memories fond recallWhen in the bloom of your youthful primeWe’ve kept upon the ballKick off, throw in, have a little scrimmage,Keep it low, a splendid rush, bravo, win or die;On the ball, City, never mind the danger,Steady on, now’s your chance,Hurrah! We’ve scored a goal.Let all tonight then drink with meTo the football game we love,And wish it may successful beAs other games of old,And in one grand united toastJoin player, game and songAnd fondly pledge your pride and toastSuccess to the City club.Kick off, throw in, have a little scrimmage,Keep it low, a splendid rush, bravo, win or die;On the ball, City, never mind the danger,Steady on, now’s your chance,Hurrah! We’ve scored a goal.

References

On the Ball, City Wikipedia

(Text) CC BY-SA