Why Do Nottingham Forest Sing Mull of Kintyre?
You can’t beat the atmosphere at the City Ground on matchday, especially when thousands of Nottingham Forest fans join together to sing Mull of Kintyre.
But where did this tradition come from, and why has it endured for so many decades? As a lifelong supporter, I’ve often been asked why this particular song means so much to us. It’s more than just music it’s identity, history, and pride wrapped into a pre-match ritual that still gives me goosebumps.
How Did Mull Of Kintyre Become Nottingham Forest’s Anthem?
The Origins of the Original Song
Mull of Kintyre was released in November 1977 by Paul McCartney and Wings. Written as a tribute to the remote Mull of Kintyre peninsula in Scotland where McCartney owned a farm, the song had a distinctive folk style, differing from mainstream pop and rock at the time.
The lyrics spoke of longing, beauty, and a deep emotional attachment to a place, a sentiment that resonated widely. Its catchy melody and warm instrumentation made it an instant classic, and it went on to become one of the best-selling UK singles of all time.
For Forest fans, this emotional tone and lyrical depth laid the perfect foundation for transformation into a football anthem.
Nottingham Forest’s Golden Era
At the same time Mull of Kintyre was climbing the charts, Nottingham Forest were ascending to the pinnacle of English football. Under the leadership of Brian Clough and assistant Peter Taylor, Forest had just been promoted to the First Division and went on to win the league title in the 1977–78 season.
This success marked the beginning of Forest’s most iconic era one that would include back-to-back European Cup victories in 1979 and 1980. The timing of the song’s release and the club’s rise was no coincidence in its adoption; both were seen as triumphs of passion, belief, and identity.
For many fans, the song became linked emotionally and symbolically with the highs of that period.
Organic Adoption by Supporters
Unlike some modern stadium songs chosen by marketing teams, Forest fans adopted Mull of Kintyre organically. The melody’s simplicity made it perfect for chanting, and its sentimental tone suited the club’s passionate and tight-knit fanbase.
Over time, supporters began to modify the lyrics to reflect their own football journey. References to the mist rolling in from the Trent, away days to rival stadiums like Anfield and Maine Road, and jibes at local rivals like Derby County gave the anthem a personalised Forest identity.
The song became more than a terrace tune and it was a personal narrative written by fans, for fans.
Connection to the River Trent and City Ground Identity
One of the most powerful lines in the Forest version is: “Oh mist rolling in from the Trent.” This lyric resonated deeply because it described not just a geographical feature, but the unique atmosphere of a Forest matchday.
The River Trent runs alongside the City Ground, and during cold weather, it’s not uncommon to see a real mist settling over the pitch and the stands. The lyric captured this image perfectly, turning it into a romantic and almost mythical part of the club’s lore.
By anchoring the anthem to their home ground and local surroundings, fans created an emotional landmark through the song, one that every supporter could relate to.
Why Is Mull Of Kintyre So Special To Forest Fans?
To understand why this song holds such significance, one must consider the deeper emotional connection between the anthem and the club’s identity.
Mull of Kintyre is not simply a nostalgic callback to glory days; it’s an enduring symbol of Nottingham Forest’s unity and pride.
Forest’s golden era under Brian Clough was more than just about trophies. It was about belief, transformation, and resilience. The supporters felt part of something monumental, and Mull of Kintyre became the soundtrack to that era. Each lyric echoes the fan journey, the away days, the fierce rivalries, the devotion to the City Ground.
The adapted lyrics themselves contain references that only Forest supporters truly grasp:
- “Oh mist rolling in from the Trent” speaks to the literal and symbolic fog often associated with matchdays at the City Ground.
- “Games when we sang in the Nottingham choir” pays homage to the vocal and passionate support that defines the fanbase.
- “Thrashed the sheep from Derbyshire” refers to their historic rivalry with Derby County.
These lines elevate the anthem beyond music and it becomes a declaration of belonging.
When Did Nottingham Forest Officially Start Playing The Anthem At The City Ground?
Although fans had been singing the adapted version of Mull of Kintyre on the terraces since the late 1970s, it wasn’t until 2008 that the song was formally played through the stadium speakers before matches.
This momentous occasion was the final home game of the 2007–08 season, when Forest faced Yeovil Town in a must-win clash to gain promotion back to the Championship.
Club officials decided to play Mull of Kintyre before kick-off, hoping to harness the emotional energy and tradition of the fan base to lift the players. The atmosphere was unforgettable. As the lyrics rang out and the entire stadium joined in, the City Ground was transformed into a wall of sound.
Forest went on to win the match and secure promotion, sealing the song’s place as an official part of matchday ritual. Since then, the anthem has been played before kick-off at nearly every home game, acting as a unifying chant that connects past and present.
What Are The Lyrics To Nottingham Forest’s Version Of Mull Of Kintyre?
Forest fans took creative liberty with the original song, inserting references to rival grounds, historic wins, and their beloved home. Here are the lyrics typically sung on matchday:
City Ground
Oh mist rolling in from the Trent
My desire is always to be here
Oh City Ground
Far have I travelled and much have I seen
Goodison, Anfield are places I’ve been
Maine Road, Old Trafford still echo to the sound
Of the boys in the red from the City Ground
City Ground
Oh mist rolling in from the Trent
My desire is always to be here
Oh City Ground
Passing the leather like Clougie’s great men
Please take us back to the days I knew then
Games when we sang in the Nottingham choir
When we thrashed the sheep from Derbyshire
City Ground
Oh mist rolling in from the Trent
My desire is always to be here
Oh City Ground
Smiles in the sunshine, Football like champagne
Still take me back to where my memories remain
Flickering embers growing higher and higher
And a new squad of players for us to inspire
City Ground
Oh mist rolling in from the Trent
My desire is always to be here
Oh City Ground
Do Any Other Football Clubs Sing Mull Of Kintyre?
Nottingham Forest aren’t the only football club to claim Mull of Kintyre as their own. Charlton Athletic, currently in League One, also adapted the song to fit their fanbase and geographic location.
In Charlton’s version, the lyrics refer to the mist rolling in from the Thames instead of the Trent. This adaptation is significant because it shows how supporters across football can personalise songs to reflect their own club’s story. The core melody remains, but the meaning becomes uniquely theirs.
Matches between Forest and Charlton often result in good-natured musical battles, with each set of supporters trying to out-sing the other using their version of the anthem. While the rivalry isn’t one of the fiercest in English football, the shared use of Mull of Kintyre adds a cultural edge to these encounters.
Despite Charlton’s usage, Forest’s version is considered the more iconic due to its deeper historical roots and association with a period of unprecedented success.
Has Paul McCartney Ever Acknowledged Nottingham Forest’s Version?
Paul McCartney has, in fact, spoken about the Forest rendition of Mull of Kintyre. In an interview with XFM radio in 2010, he was asked whether he would consider performing the song live at the City Ground if Forest were promoted back to the Premier League.
His reply was both humorous and supportive: “Yeah, when’s that going to happen? Imminent? Good luck Nottingham.”
Though he has yet to perform at the City Ground, the fact that he was aware of the song’s use in a football context and acknowledged it publicly was meaningful for fans. It validated the tradition and created buzz about the possibility of a live performance, especially during seasons when promotion seemed within reach.
McCartney’s light-hearted blessing added an extra layer of connection between the song’s creator and the supporters who gave it new life.
Why Does Mull Of Kintyre Still Matter In Modern Football Culture?
In a modern football environment often driven by money, branding, and global commercial interests, traditions like Mull of Kintyre offer something authentic. They remind supporters that football isn’t just about goals and trophies it’s about identity, memory, and emotional connection.
The ritual of singing the anthem before kick-off acts as a collective reset. No matter the current form, league position, or result, fans join in unison to honour the club’s legacy. It becomes a moment of shared reflection and hope.
From young fans attending their first match to older supporters who lived through the glory years, the song unites generations. It’s one of the few matchday experiences that remains untouched by commercial influence a pure expression of community and pride.
The chant’s continued relevance also lies in its contrast to modern stadium music. While other clubs might opt for high-energy pop or rock before kick-off, Forest stay true to a slower, folk-inspired anthem that stirs emotion and reflection. It is, in many ways, the soul of the City Ground.
How Does The Atmosphere At The City Ground Compare To Other Stadiums?
The City Ground holds a special place in English football, and Mull of Kintyre plays a major role in setting it apart. The stadium, nestled by the River Trent, already boasts a unique location and history. But it’s the pre-match tradition that turns a regular fixture into something more.
When compared to grounds like Anfield, Old Trafford, or Villa Park all known for their atmospheres the City Ground may be smaller, but it punches well above its weight in terms of emotional impact. The song creates a slow-building anticipation, leading into a crescendo that reverberates through the stands.
There is a profound connection between the fans, the song, and the team. It’s not just about volume; it’s about unity. That unity carries into the match, often inspiring the players and intimidating visiting sides.
Fans from other clubs, even neutral visitors, often comment on how moving it is to hear the song live a testament to its power in shaping the matchday experience.
What Are Some Other Iconic Football Anthems And Chants In The UK?
British football culture is rich with club anthems. Liverpool have You’ll Never Walk Alone, West Ham sing I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles, and Celtic share Fields of Athenry.
But Forest’s Mull of Kintyre stands out for its unique origin and bespoke lyrics. It wasn’t chosen by marketing teams or stadium DJs. It grew from the terraces a grassroots expression of fan devotion.
| Club | Anthem | Song Origin | Fan Adaptation Style |
| Nottingham Forest | Mull of Kintyre | Paul McCartney & Wings | Regional lyrics added |
| Liverpool | You’ll Never Walk Alone | Gerry and the Pacemakers | Sung pre-match |
| West Ham United | I’m Forever Blowing Bubbles | 1918 Broadway song | Traditional chant |
Conclusion
For Nottingham Forest fans, Mull of Kintyre is more than a pre-match song it’s a symbol of unity, success, and unwavering passion. From its origins in the late ’70s to its emotional presence at every home game today, the anthem continues to echo through the stands and across generations.
While football may change, this tradition endures, reminding us of where we’ve been and where we hope to go. And every time it plays, we stand prouder, sing louder, and dream bigger.
FAQs About Mull of Kintyre
What Inspired Forest Fans To Change The Original Lyrics?
Forest fans modified the lyrics to reflect their own football journey, including away grounds, local rivals, and iconic moments, making it more meaningful and specific to the club.
Is Mull Of Kintyre Played At Every Forest Home Game?
Yes, the song is traditionally played before kick-off at every home match at the City Ground, especially during key fixtures and derbies.
How Long Have Forest Fans Been Singing Mull Of Kintyre?
Supporters have been singing it since the 1977–78 season, when the song’s release coincided with the club’s First Division title win.
Did Brian Clough Ever Comment On The Song?
There is no official quote, but many believe Clough appreciated the atmosphere it helped create, especially as it coincided with his team’s dominance.
What Makes Football Songs Like This So Impactful?
They create a sense of belonging and identity, bridging generations and giving fans a way to express passion and loyalty.
Are There Any Versions Of The Song On Record?
Yes, recordings of fans singing the anthem can be found on YouTube and social media, especially from key matches and playoff games.
Could Mull Of Kintyre Be Retired Or Replaced?
Unlikely. Its legacy is deeply rooted in Forest history, and any move to replace it would likely face significant backlash from supporters.
