Newcastle United football chants: Lyrics of Blaydon Races, Howay the Lads, Black and White Army and more

Few clubs in English football can match the atmosphere created by Newcastle United supporters.

Whether it's inside the famous Gallowgate End at St James' Park or on away days across the country, the Toon Army are renowned for their passion, noise and unwavering loyalty.

From traditional Geordie folk songs to terrace anthems that have echoed around the stadium for generations, Newcastle fans have built a collection of chants that are instantly recognisable across the footballing world.

Here are the lyrics to some of the most popular Newcastle United football chants, including Blaydon Races, Howay the Lads, Toon Toon, Black and White Army and more.

Blaydon Races

No Newcastle United chant is more closely associated with the club than Blaydon Races.

Written by Geordie songwriter George Ridley in 1862, the song celebrates local culture and has become an unofficial anthem for both the city and the football club.

Often sung before kick-off and during major moments at St James' Park, it remains one of the most treasured songs among Newcastle supporters.

The opening lyrics are:

“I went to Blaydon Races
‘Twas on the 9th of June
Eighteen-hundred and sixty-two
On a summer's afternoon
We took the bus from Balmbras
And she was heavy laden
Away we went along Collingwood Street
That's on the road to Blaydon

Oh, me lads, you should've seen us gannin'

Passing the folks along the road
Just as they were stannin'
All the lads and lasses there
All wi' smilin' faces
Gannin along the Scotswood Road
To see the Blaydon Races.”

The song continues through several more verses and remains a defining part of Newcastle's matchday tradition.

Howay the Lads

Simple, loud and unmistakable, Howay the Lads is one of the most frequently heard chants at St James' Park.

Used to lift the team during key moments, it reflects the bond between supporters and players and can spread across the stadium within seconds.

The lyrics are:

“Howay the Lads,
Howay the Lads,
Howay the Lads,
Howay!“

Despite its simplicity, it remains one of Newcastle's most powerful terrace chants.

Toon Toon, Black and White Army

A staple of both home and away support, Toon Toon, Black and White Army is short, catchy and impossible to ignore once it gets going.

The lyrics are:

“Toon! Toon!
Black and White Army!

Toon! Toon!
Black and White Army!“

It often builds from one corner of the ground before sweeping across the entire stadium.

Who's That Team We Call United?

Dating back several decades, Who's That Team We Call United? is one of Newcastle's traditional terrace songs.

Sung to the tune of God Save Ireland, it celebrates the club's identity and the loyalty of the Toon Army.

The lyrics are:

“Who's that team we call United,
Who's that team we all adore,
Oh, we play in Black and White,
And we all know how to fight,
We'll support you ever more.“

It remains a popular choice during big matches at St James' Park.

When the Mags Go Marching In

Newcastle's take on the classic football anthem When the Saints Go Marching In has become a regular feature on matchdays, especially among travelling supporters.

The lyrics are:

“Oh, when the Mags
Go marching in
Oh, when the Mags go marching in
I want to be in that number
Oh, when the Mags go marching in.“

Its familiar tune makes it easy for the entire stadium to join in.

Who Put the Ball in the Mackems' Net?

One of Newcastle's most famous rivalry chants is aimed at Sunderland, known to Newcastle supporters as the Mackems.

An older version references former defenders Liam O'Brien and Andy O'Brien and goes as follows:

“Who put the ball in the Mackems' net?
O'Brien, O'Brien
Liam O'Brien, Andy O'Brien, any, any O'Brien.“

The chant remains a favourite whenever the Tyne-Wear rivalry comes into focus.

Sandro Tonali

Since arriving at Newcastle United, Sandro Tonali has quickly earned his own terrace anthem.

Sung to the tune of La Bamba, it has become one of the club's most recognisable modern chants and regularly rings around St James' Park.

The family-friendly lyrics are:

“Sandro Tonali,
Sandro Tonali,
He drinks Moretti and eats spaghetti,
Sandro Tonali.“

It reflects the affection Newcastle supporters have quickly developed for the Italian midfielder.