Liverpool Influencers Pick Their Favourite Fan Chant

Not always harmonious, rarely humble and just occasionally humorous, chanting at football games is a tradition that is just about still going.

The changing landscape of the Premier League may mean not everyone who has a ticket these days is keen to open their mouths and join in, yet there is still something special about fans uniting in song.

At Liverpool, the pre-match rendition of "You'll Never Walk Alone" remains a huge part of the whole experience of being at Anfield as a spectator. The Reds, though, are far from one-hit wonders.

Through the many ups and downs, the club's fans have developed a varied songbook that, through the years, has been heard all across Britain and Europe.

"Liverpool fans are very passionate about the lyrics to our songs, not only do they remind us of past triumphs home and abroad, but also of the many great individuals, who either wore the jersey or contributed to the immense success of the club," Carl Clemente of 5times.co.uk said.

So, what are the top chants for Reds fans? Bleacher Report asked a collection of Liverpool influencers (bloggers, journalists, podcasters and serial tweeters about LFC) to pick their personal favourites.

Please note: "You'll Never Walk Alone" wasn't as an option because, well, it's "You'll Never Walk Alone." To include it feels about as fair as allowing Usain Bolt to compete in the egg and spoon race at a primary school's sports day. It's just not a fair contest.

Josh Sexton, The Anfield Wrap

Twitter: jsexton24

Song: "Poor Scouser Tommy"

There's no better place to start than with a classic. There are a lot of lines to learn admittedly, but "Poor Scouser Tommy" is instantly recognisable when heard inside a stadium.

As explained by Michael Owen in a feature for Empire of the Kop, the chant was devised in the 1960s before being amended two decades later after Ian Rush dominated a Merseyside derby against Everton at Goodison Park on November 6, 1982.

"The song boasts about Rush's four goals in the game in an almost mocking way towards our counterparts across Stanley Park. This can usually be followed with a rousing verse of 'all you need is Rush' to the tune of The Beatles classic 'All you need is love'," Owen wrote in 2009.

The Anfield Wrap's Josh Sexton is a huge fan of a song that tells the story of a wounded soldier pledging his support to Liverpool before dying in the field of battle.

"I'm into the songs which point towards our history, as it is something to be proud of, as cliche as that has become, and the ending to 'Poor Scouser Tommy' in particular fills that quota," he said.

"The only problem with that song is the amount there is to remember, it's not the sort of song that really gets the atmosphere going and not everybody in the ground will know the (proper) words."

We do live in a faster-paced world these days, though, so current chants are less about the words and more to do with their ability to spread among the masses. It's more style over substance, sadly.

For example, the ode for Georginio Wijnaldum, Liverpool's Dutch midfielder, is not difficult to memorise. Sexton, however, believes it has already become a smash hit—and predicts it will continue to be heard during the 2017/18 campaign.

"In terms of songs that really get the atmosphere going and are great for an away day, the Fernando Torres one was ace until his move—though the ill-feeling towards him has all but disintegrated now—and the new Georginio Wijnaldum one is excellent," he added.

"It can really get the crowd going, even if there are still a few supporters yet to get on to it, and is definitely one to look out for more in the new season."

LFC Transfer Room

Twitter: LFCTransferRoom

Song: "We Won It Five Times"

Manchester United's prolonged success under Sir Alex Ferguson was tougher for the red half of Merseyside to stomach than milk a week beyond the use-by date. 

For so long stuck on 18 league titles, Liverpool were helpless as the Red Devils closed the gap, eventually drew level and, at the end of the 2010/11 season, moved ahead of their rivals. Their record now stands at 20, although thankfully a succession of managers since Ferguson seem determined not to add to that tally.

Yet, despite losing top spot domestically, the Reds remain the most successful English club in European competition.

A famous victory over AC Milan in 2005 saw Liverpool crowned champions of Europe for a fifth time. Whenever possible, they like to remind their counterparts at Old Trafford of their success overseas through the art of song.

With that in mind, LFC Transfer Room unanimously went for "We Won It Five Times" as their choice.

"It has to be our favourite. It's fun, enthusiastic and full of relevance regarding our great history," they said.

"This chant reminds us what a great club Liverpool is and the amazing history that we have, which no other club in England has, in this case winning the Champions League five times."

Carl Clemente, 5times.co.uk

Twitter: clemente_carl

Song: "Lucas Leiva"

(Video has NSFW content)

All good things must come to an end. This summer, Liverpool and Lucas Leiva look set to go their separate ways. There were times in the past when the relationship looked to be over, but this time, it's serious.

The midfielder is out of contract. While he was still used by manager Jurgen Klopp last season, it seems unlikely the club will extend his stay for another year. A decade on from his arrival, the loveable Lucas looks to be heading for the Anfield exit.

Gone, yes. Forgotten? Never. The angel-faced youngster who arrived in the summer of 2007 has grown up to become the angel-faced old pro. Few manage to concede needless fouls like Lucas, who mastered the surprised look when the referee caught him out.

At least we'll always have his song. The 30-year-old won't make many all-time XIs for ability, but he will always be welcomed back on Merseyside with open arms. Effort and energy will earn a player a lifetime of affection at Anfield.

Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images

While Clemente found it impossible to name his No. 1 chant from an extensive list that makes War and Peace look like a pamphlet about the French invasion of Russia in 1812, he did make reference to one in particular about a Brazilian who feels right at home on Merseyside.

"It would be impossible for me to single out an all-time favourite, as there are simply just too many to choose from," he said.

"Although many of the longer, more pensive songs would be at the top of my Anfield playlist, I particularly enjoy belting out many of the shorter, catchy, light-hearted chants. Some of my favourites while enjoying a pre-match pint would be 'Oh Campione,' 'Bertie Mee/Anny Road Aggro' and 'We have the best midfield in the world,' referring to when we had Xabi Alonso, Mohamed Sissoko, Steven Gerrard and Javier Mascherano.

"However, my preferred song from the current squad is the one for Lucas Leiva. A couple of times last season it was belted out in the concourse of away grounds.

"In my eyes, there is nothing better than fans queuing up for 15 minutes and paying around £4 to £5 for an ale and when the Lucas song sounds to just throw it all up in the air over your fellow fans while bouncing up and down to the name of one of Liverpool's greatest servants."

Ed Colenutt, Kopworld

Twitter: Liverpool_FC_

Song: "Blame it on Traore"

Michael Steele/Getty Images

The date: January 18, 2005.

The venue: Turf Moor, Burnley.

The occasion: One of the funniest own goals in the FA Cup's long and illustrious history.

There is a children's book by Watty Piper called The Little Engine That Could. Djimi Traore, however, was the large full-back who couldn't. In front of a televised audience, the Malian fluffed his lines when trying to deal with what appeared to be a relatively harmless cross into the box.

Like a ship suddenly lost at sea, Traore got his coordinates all wrong. Under no real pressure, he managed to forget where the ball was, resulting in him swivelling around in one swift movement to backheel it into his own net, as if that was his plan all along.

The error led to Liverpool's exit (by the way, does anyone remember Antonio Nunez getting sent off in that game? Nope? Thought not.) and manager Rafa Benitez was chastised for fielding a weakened team, leading to claims the Spaniard failed to understand the importance of the competition in England.

For Traore, it was a millstone he would forever carry around his neck, even though he finished the 2004/05 season by helping the Reds pull off the miracle in Istanbul. Yes, Djimi Traore is a Champions League winner. As well as that medal, he's also the muse for one seriously catchy terrace ditty.

All together now (to the tune of "Blame it on the Boogie" by the Jackson 5): "Don't blame it on Biscan, don't blame it on Finnan, don't blame it on Hamann, blame it on Traore. He just can't, he just can't, he just can't control his feet..."

"I think it's my favourite chant ever—just for the pure spontaneity of it," Ed Colenutt of Kopworld said.

Even in moments of deep despair, football fans can still find a way to see the lighter side.

Jordan J.K, The Liverpool Offside (SB Nation)

Twitter: Liverpool Offside

Song: "The Fields of Anfield Road"

Adapted from the Pete St. John song "The Fields of Athenry," the instantly recognisable "The Fields of Anfield Road" has long been a staple on matchdays, both before, during and after the action on the field.

With a chorus that is hauntingly beautiful, the chant has stood the test of time superbly well to remain a staple song in Liverpool fans' playlist.

For Jordan J.K. of The Liverpool Offside, the lyrics hit the spot every time. It is a poetic rallying call and a reminder that while players and managers come and go, Liverpool Football Club keeps on going.

"I'm a fan based in the United States. I got deep into that fandom not even 10 years ago now, and most of my chanting and singing experience comes from going to the pub in the mornings—the very early mornings—and singing along with other lunatics. To this day, I still get 'Luis Garcia's Sangria' and 'Fernando Torres—Liverpool's No. 9' stuck in my head at any given moment," Jordan said.

"But if I had to pick just one, it would be 'The Fields of Anfield Road.' It's always been special for me. There's power in it. It's about the club, not the players; the values, not the names; and the history, not the moment.

"It's the path and the journey. The glory that brought us here. It's the one that everyone knows will get the crowd going, will sweep everyone up. Sure, it's been shortened through the years, but the chorus is what it is: special.

"When I hear it, or even sometimes start it, that full voice ALLLL 'ROUND THE FIELDS OF ANFIELD ROAD opening, it is like a switch. A switch that says this is it, this is when our team needs us and this is what we can provide, maybe even 5000 miles away like I usually am. Remind them who they play for."

Hearing it belted out by thousands inside Anfield is enough to give any Red goosebumps, but just imagine how good it sounded back when thousands stood swaying together in unison on the Spion Kop.

Powerful stuff.

Alex Barilaro, Anfield Index

Twitter: Alex_Barra12

Song: "Torres Bounce"

Liverpool quickly fell in love with Fernando Torres, the assassin signed from Atletico Madrid in July 2007.

When fully fit, the Spaniard was sensational. Per the club's official website, he scored 81 times in 142 appearances and became the fastest to hit 50 league goals for the Reds in the 2009/10 season, needing just 72 games to reach his half-century.

Injuries hampered him at times, but what really hurt was the way he deserted a sinking ship—one former manager Roy Hodgson had steered into an iceberg—and set sail for Stamford Bridge.

For Alex Barilaro, the bitterness at the manner of Torres' departure to Chelsea has faded with time. Now all he remembers are the goals and one wonderful song LFC supporters once belted out for Liverpool's No. 9.

"As a young, impressionable teenager, this writer's early adolescent years were spent humming the tune as the Spaniard mesmerised, captivated and drove me into the wildest realms of excitement whenever he did indeed get the ball and score again," Barilaro revealed.

"At the time, Liverpool's new No. 9 came with a lot of pomp and circumstance, and he proved Rafa Benitez's side were going to contend with the old enemy—Manchester United—as they tried to secure that elusive Premier League title.

PAUL ELLIS/Getty Images

"Unfortunately, Fernando never did find the ultimate success with the club, but after a messy exit and deteriorating post-Liverpool career, he returned to Anfield for Steven Gerrard's tribute match, where the Kop sang that wonderful song again with thunderous voices.

"The smile on Torres' face was pure, genuine emotion, and as a young Australian from Melbourne who idolised the Spaniard—and whose diehard support of Liverpool stemmed from watching Torres work his magic in front of goal—that song is still being sung to this day."

Torres' return to Liverpool to take part in that charity game proved pivotal in rebuilding a relationship he had ruined by becoming a Blue in January 2011.

For the player, it was a moment to remember. "It was just very emotional," he said, per David Prentice of the Liverpool Echo. "I didn't know how to react because I was not expecting them to sing the song, which I still remember."

Dave O'Connell

Twitter: DaveOCKOP

Song: "Oh Campione"

Followers of Liverpool are always accused of living in the past, yet why shouldn't they be allowed to celebrate their club's illustrious history?

"Oh Campione" is a reminder of those glory days, referencing the great Bill Shankly's successful reign as opposing supporters are—no matter how fed up they might be of hearing about it—told once again how the Reds once dominated, both at home and abroad.

For Dave O'Connell, though, the jaunty number, originally sung by supporters of Greek club PAOK, according to FanChants.com, also provides hope for the future.

"For me, the song is special as when it is sung at Anfield, it seems to bring emotions out in fans from the glory days gone by. Many were in Paris, Rome and Istanbul, just some of the special places for Liverpool fans," O'Connell said.

"This chant recaptures the great moments of the past and brings hope of those special days returning to Anfield yet again. It is a song of glory days gone by and hope for the glory days still to come."

The majority of the club's supporters are serial optimists, for they believe the good times—no, actually the great times—will return again in the near future.

Next year will be our year, right? Right? Whatever happens on the field, Liverpool fans will make their voices heard off it.

Rob Lancaster is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise stated.