The Premier League is a global phenomenon. Across continents, from bustling metropolises to remote villages, fans tune in weekly, cheering for their clubs. The league’s reach extends so far that it creates moments of raw, emotional connection between supporters and their teams—no matter the distance.
One such moment recently captured hearts when a Nottingham Forest fan from Chicago visited the City Ground for the first time.
Overwhelmed with emotion, she sang the club’s iconic chant, Mull of Kintyre, with the same passion as the fans that frequent the City Ground day in and day out, the likes of the locals and ultras. This was a moment where boundaries were forgotten, and it was pure passion and love for the club on display.
The fan, Olivia went on to talk about the atmosphere, saying, “You’ll will not find anything like that in the states.”
But why is Mull of Kintyre Nottingham Forest’s anthem? Where does it come from, and what does it mean to the club’s supporters? Let’s dive deep into the history of this chant.
The Story Behind Nottingham Forest’s Club Chant
For decades, Nottingham Forest fans have belted out Mull of Kintyre at the City Ground, their voices carrying through the stands before every home match.
The song, originally released in 1977 by Paul McCartney and Wings, was an instant hit, selling over two million copies in the UK and claiming the coveted Christmas number one spot.
Around the same time, Nottingham Forest, under the legendary Brian Clough, were making history. The club had just been promoted to the First Division and was on its way to an unforgettable title-winning campaign in the 1977/78 season. As Mull of Kintyre soared up the music charts, Forest fans took inspiration, adapting the lyrics to fit their club’s story.
Instead of McCartney’s original tribute to the Scottish coastline, the lyrics were reworked to reference the River Trent, Nottingham’s footballing journey, and the iconic City Ground.
The Lyrics and Their Meaning
Forest supporters turned Mull of Kintyre into their own anthem, keeping the structure of the song but injecting it with the spirit of the club. Here’s a part of the chant:
City Ground
Oh mist rolling in from the Trent
My desire is always to be here
Oh City GroundFar 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
The chant serves as a nostalgic tribute to Forest’s footballing adventures across England, capturing the essence of away days. Further verses also reflect the club’s golden era under Brian Clough, a time when Nottingham Forest dominated European football.
Even after decades outside the top flight, the song remained a symbol of hope. During the club’s long exile from the Premier League, fans continued to sing it, longing for the days when Forest would return to the grandest stage.
How It Became a Matchday Tradition
The Mull of Kintyre chant was already beloved among the Forest faithful, but it wasn’t always an official part of the matchday routine. That changed in 2008 when the club played the song before their crucial match against Yeovil Town, a game that saw them secure promotion back to the Championship.
The atmosphere inside the City Ground that day was electric, with fans singing in unison. Since then, the club has played the song before every home game, allowing supporters to create an unforgettable pre-match moment.
Sir Paul McCartney himself has acknowledged Nottingham Forest’s use of Mull of Kintyre. In a past interview with XFM, he was asked if he would ever perform the song at the City Ground, to which he responded, “Yeah, when’s that going to happen? Imminent? Good luck Nottingham.”
Sing Off With Charlton
Surprisingly, Nottingham Forest isn’t the only club to have adopted Mull of Kintyre as an anthem.
Charlton Athletic, a League One club, has its own version of the song. Instead of referencing the River Trent, their lyrics mention the mist rolling in from the Thames.
Matches between Forest and Charlton have even led to friendly’sing-offs’ between the two sets of supporters, each claiming the song as their own.
As Forest continue their brilliant season in the top flight, pushing for European football, the mist will keep rolling in from the Trent, and Mull of Kintyre will forever echo through the City Ground.
