The song Sweet Carolina, by singer Neil Diamond, has become the unofficial anthem of the England football team. Fans and players are belting out the song, which was first heard during England’s successful run to the Euro 2020 final last summer.
Paul Carr, a professor in popular music analysis at the University of South Wales, wrote an article about what makes a great tournament anthem. He states, “The big thing is the simplicity of the melody, and there’s something in the lyrics. The song’s lyrics include the phrases “Good times never felt so good” and “Reaching out, touching me, touching you” before the build-up to the chorus and the words “Sweet Caroline, ba, ba, ba!”
However, Neil Diamond intended it to be a love song for his wife, Marcia, but because her name didn’t fit the tune, he changed it to Caroline. He was thrilled when he learned that England fans had adopted the song.
Webley DJ Tony Parry said he went with his instinct to play Sweet Caroline. He says, “I went with my gut. Even the German fans were belting it out in the end. It’s a song that all fans can enjoy. “
Paul Carr, a professor in popular music analysis at the University of South Wales, wrote an article about what makes a great tournament anthem. He states, “The big thing is the simplicity of the melody, and there’s something in the lyrics. The song’s lyrics include the phrases “Good times never felt so good” and “Reaching out, touching me, touching you” before the build-up to the chorus and the words “Sweet Caroline, ba, ba, ba!”
However, Neil Diamond intended it to be a love song for his wife, Marcia, but because her name didn’t fit the tune, he changed it to Caroline. He was thrilled when he learned that England fans had adopted the song.
Webley DJ Tony Parry said he went with his instinct to play Sweet Caroline. He says, “I went with my gut. Even the German fans were belting it out in the end. It’s a song that all fans can enjoy. “
