England, and more specifically their fanbase, have an array of incredible chants and anthems, regularly using them to galvanise the squad and have done so with great effectiveness during Gareth Southgate's reign.
But what are the lyrics to Neil Diamond's classic hit, and exactly why do England fans sing ‘Sweet Caroline'? This article will reveal all.
Sweet Caroline: A beloved England anthem
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Who wrote ‘Sweet Caroline'?
The song was written by musical legend Neil Diamond and released in 1969. It is believed that the tune was originally produced for the singer's then-wife, although it has since been used in many ways and at multiple events, resulting in its meaning being diluted ever so slightly.
Why do England fans sing Sweet Caroline?
First and foremost, ‘Sweet Caroline' is incredibly popular. Almost everybody in the country has, at some point, heard the tune and is fairly familiar with the lyrics.
So, that is one huge box ticked for a good football anthem.
Secondly, its simple and catchy nature makes it the perfect song for a large group to sing. There are no troubling lyrics, the beat is uplifting, and the chorus can bring optimism to even the most pessimistic of supporters.
The lyrics themselves also make for excellent motivation – not just for the fans inside the stadiums and bars but also for the players on the pitch. Phrases such as “Good times never felt so good” and“Reaching out, touching me, touching you” are two of the most famous lines from the song and are excellent examples of that feel-good factor it brings.
Finally, clubs like Arsenal have played the song after FA Cup triumphs and their rivals, Tottenham Hotspur, regularly blast the tune from the speakers at their home ground.
A combination of popularity, a catchy tune, inspiring lyrics and influential clubs in England adopting the song have made it one of the best England fan chants out there at this current moment in time.
When did England fans first sing ‘Sweet Caroline'?
Entire England squad sing along to Sweet Caroline pic.twitter.com/SVPvb3q3P9
— Miguel Delaney (@MiguelDelaney) July 7, 2021
You may think that since Diamond released the song in 1969, the love affair between Three Lions supporters and the tune has been around for decades.
However, that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, the first sporting fanbase to adopt the song was that of the American baseball side Boston Red Sox.
Instead, it took until Euro 2020, which was actually played during 2021, for England fans to sing ‘Sweet Caroline' and adopt it as their own.
Although the tournament ultimately ended in tragedy, as Southate's side suffered a penalty shootout defeat to Italy, the mood and atmosphere were exquisite throughout, helping cement the song's place in the hearts of every Three Lions fan.
That status was then confirmed just a year later when the song was a key aspect of England Women's 2022 World Cup triumph, endearing itself to fans all over the country once more.
What are the lyrics to Neil Diamond's ‘Sweet Caroline'?
As alluded to, many of you reading this will be very familiar with the song and will not need the lyrics. However, for those that are perhaps less exposed to fan chants, here are the lyrics to ‘Sweet Caroline' so you can ensure you aren't left out next time it is sung.
They are as follows:
Where it began
I can't begin to know when
But then I know it's growin' strong
Was in the spring
And spring became the summer
Who'd have believed you'd come along?
Hands, touchin' hands
Reachin' out, touchin' me, touchin' you
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I've been inclined
To believe they never would
But now I
Look at the night
And it don't seem so lonely
We fill it up with only two
And when I hurt
Hurtin' runs off my shoulders
How can I hurt when holdin' you?
One, touchin' one
Reachin' out, touchin' me, touchin' you
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
I've been inclined
To believe they never would
Oh no, no
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
Sweet Caroline
I believe they never could
Sweet Caroline
Good times never seemed so good
If England start to click at Euro 2024, you will almost certainly hear this song echoing around the terraces and bars in Germany, so get learning those lyrics!
Do any other national teams sing ‘Sweet Caroline'?
Northern Ireland fans singing “Sweet Caroline” at Oktoberfest today 🍻🍻 pic.twitter.com/hJi5yIWaY6
— Deals Deals Deals (@giftidea01) October 5, 2017
We have already established that fanbases of Aston Villa, Arsenal, Tottenham and even the Red Sox have all sung the tune as their own over the years. But have any other national teams done the same?
The answer to that question, rather unsurprisingly, is yes.
Northern Ireland are the main nation also to adopt the tune and has actually been doing so since 2005, after, believe it or not, a victory over the Three Lions.
‘Sweet Caroline' has been part of football fan culture for a very long time, and that is unlikely to change anytime soon.