On the Ball, City

"On The Ball, City", 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. Today, the original words of the first line of the section still sung by fans, is generally modified by the insertion of the word "it", following "kick" and "throw":

Traditionally On the Ball City was sung as an anthem, and many a Norwich player has testified to its inspirational effect. In that form it reached its greatest use during Norwich's famous 1959 cup-run, when as a third-division side they reached the semi-finals of the FA Cup. The song was easily as important, and as great an inspiration to players and fans as 'You'll Never Walk Alone' has become to Liverpool. However sometime in the 1980s a younger generation of Norwich fans started to chant the words of On the Ball City, and to anyone familiar with the orginal, the present rather awkward and unmetred effort is greatly lacking in fervour and emotion compared to its predecessor. (see talk page)

: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.

City!, City!, City!

Lyrics

In the days to call, which we have left behind,

Our boyhood’s glorious game,

And our youthful vigour has declined

With its mirth and its lonesome end;

You will think of the time, the happy time,

Its memories fond recall

When in the bloom of your youthful prime

We’ve kept upon the ball

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.

Let all tonight then drink with me

To the football game we love,

And wish it may successful be

And in one grand united toast

Join player, game and song

And fondly pledge your pride and toast

Success 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.