The Paul McGrath Song
Every season begins the same way. Normally, at the stadium of a lower league team, Villa fans will get the ritual underway of another season of following the claret and blue army underway with a chorus or two of our ode to Paul McGrath. A song that makes sure we carry the spirit of McGrath everywhere we go. A song that can be effortlessly adjusted to suit any occasion…ala Villa Park vs Bolton in the 2011/12 season, when Alex McLeish was reminded it was time to go. MOMS’s Elliot Sutcliffe gives a short tribute to God, that springs from one such away day memory.
McGrath’s Legacy
As Aston Villa went 3-0 down to Liverpool one Monday night in December, 2010, those who had made the two-hour journey north in the freezing cold, could have been forgiven for booing, screaming or even leaving. However, those travelling supporters held their drinks in the air and sung.
“Paul McGrath my lord, Paul McGrath” was the cry echoing around Anfield, louder than any noise the home fans could match. Fourteen years after his departure, McGrath’s name is still chanted.
So how is it, that one six-foot drunken Irishman can leave such a lasting impression on so many people?
McGrath arrived at Villa Park in 1989, after a seven-year spell with the red side of Manchester. At United, “The Black Pearl” had developed a serious drink problem, and was urged to retire due to his “eroding knees,” as one high-profile specialist described them. United even offered him £100,000 and a testimonial to end his career. McGrath refused. He continued to play on in the Midlands until 1996, unable to train midweek due to the serious swelling he would endure after a Saturday match day.
McGrath has always been hard on the exterior (he was brought up as an orphan after his mum gave him away at four weeks old) and despite all the off the field issues, McGrath still managed to win footballer of the year in 1993. The time he spent in Birmingham earned him legendary status with Villa fans, who have voted him the greatest player the club has ever had.
Two days prior to that away night in Liverpool. McGrath turned 51. Many cannot justify how he still walks despite his knee problems. Others still fail to believe he recovered from alcoholism and cheated death. Aston Villa fans seem to relate. To them, McGrath is a regular bloke, with exceptional talent. The Paul McGrath song will live on forever.
UTV
Paul McGrath My Lord
Paul McGrath my lord, Paul McGrath,
Paul McGrath my lord, Paul McGrath,
Paul McGrath my lord, Paul McGrath,
Oh Lord Paul McGrath…
On the p*ss my lord, on the p*ss ,
On the p*ss my lord, on the p*ss ,
On the p*ss my lord, on the p*ss ,
Oh Lord on the p*ss ,…
It’s your round my lord, it’s your round,
It’s your round my lord, it’s your round,
It’s your round my lord, it’s your round,
Oh Lord it’s your round…
The Paul McGrath song is one of many in the classic Villa Song book. If you have any suggestions please leave them in the comments section. UTV
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Anybody got any classic away game song memories? Even if they’re one-offs. Compiling a volume of away day Villa songs/chants.
In the tune of Johnny Cash’s “ring of fire”
du du du du duuu duuu duuuh
du du du du duuu duuu duuuh
you’re going down down down
we’re Aston Villa, we’ll send you down
du du du du duuu duuu duuuh
du du du du duuu duuu duuuh
came up with it at Burton Albion last week, only me and a mate singing it but I think it’s a goodun. spread the word!