The Celtic songbook is legendary. It combines Folk, Rebel and football songs with those of wider social and political contexts.
In a decade not so distant, Hail Glorious St Patrick was an anthem for the fans. Many a supporter from games in the 60s and 70s will recall hearing this one. I believe the original Celtic twist on the lyrics were:
In the war against the Rangers in the fight for the cup
Jimmy McGrory put the Celtic one up
We’ve done it before and we’ll do it again
On Erin’s green valleys look down on Parkhead
In the early years of the club, fans would sing The Dear Little Shamrock. It’s an old traditional Irish ballad, but it’s not hard to see why it fell away as the years progressed!
Another memorable song which defined the support in the 50s was Faith of our Fathers – an old hymn.
