Fan Song of the Week — Bristol Rovers’ ‘Goodnight Irene’
By: Nick | April 3rd, 2007League Two side Bristol Rovers took over 40,000 fans with them to the Millenium Stadium last weekend — and despite a heartbreaking loss, were in fine form. The fan’s song ‘Goodnight Irene’ was written by Louisiana born Huddie “Lead Belly” Ledbetter, who was a blues artist form the early 20th century.
Just how on earth did one of his songs inspire Bristol Rovers fans? Wikipedia reveals: “Opinions differ as to how this came about but it is thought to have become popular in the 1950s when a version of the song was in the British charts – the line “sometimes I have a great notion to jump in the river and drown” – seemed to be particularly apt when Rovers lost as the Bristol Frome flows alongside the old Eastville ground.
Another theory is that it was sung at a fireworks display at the Stadium the night before a Home game against Plymouth Argyle in the fifties. During the game the following day, Rovers were winning quite comfortably and the few Argyle supporters present began to leave early prompting a chorus of “Goodnight Argyle” from the Rovers supporters – the tune stuck and “Irene” became the club song.”
Just another brilliant example of football fan culture I reckon.
Category: League Two
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