SA Footy

No, this isn't another we had the song first argument from a sturt supporter, rather aquestion regarding the history of the song.
As you know the lyrics are......

It’s a grand old flag
It’s a high flying flag
It’s the emblem for me and for you
It’s the emblem of the team we love
The team of the Red and the Blue.
Every heart beats true for the Red and the Blue
As we sing this song to you
What do we sing?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the Red and the Blue.

Oh the team played fine in the year 29
The Redlegs that no-one could lick, lick, lick
From the crowds first yell to the final bell
The spirit of old forty six, six, six.
Every heart beats true for the Red and the Blue
As we sing this song to you
What do we sing?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot
Keep your eye on the Red and the Blue.

However, I've just started reading the book by George Giffen who kicked Norwoods first ever goal called The Golden Age of Australian Cricket and in it it states that Norwoods victory song, sung to the tune of Killarney contained the lines:

Giffen, dashing through the fray,
Kicked first goal for Norwood.

So when did this all change and does someone have the original lyrics to the song ?

It's was originally written for a stage show in the US

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/You%27re_a_Grand_Old_Flag

Norwood did steal the song off Sturt in the late 50's I think. Len Fitzgerald introduced to the Sturt Club at about the same time when he presented the current sturt jumper also.

kookas wrote:Norwood did steal the song off Sturt in the late 50's I think. Len Fitzgerald introduced to the Sturt Club at about the same time when he presented the current sturt jumper also.

Regardless Kookas, what I was trying to find out was what the original lyrics were that the author was talking about.

Giffen, dashing through the fray,
Kicked first goal for Norwood

These lyrics were part of the original Norwood victory song.
Anyone know the rest /?

(1)
All who love the noble game
Hear the story I proclaim,
How the Norwoods earn't their fame -
How they won their glory.
First against the Souths so strong.
Cheers went up, both loud and long;
Forward, Norwoods, red and blue.
Fair ones' smiles encourage you.
(CHORUS)
Cheer the bonny red and blue,
Cheer their colours fast and true,
Keep their colours still in view,
Forward! men of Norwood.
(2)
Who will e'er forget that day,
Sturdy Mac. led on the play,
Giffen dashing through the fray,
Kicked first goal for Norwood?
And from thousand throats that cried,
Cleft the air up to the skies.
Forward, Norwoods, red and blue.
Fair ones' eyes are watching you.
(Chorus)
(3)
When they met the sprightly Vics.
With their little marks and tricks,
People thought would be a fix,
Too much for the Norwoods.
Like the Souths the Vics were licked,
Traynor for us one goal kicked,
Forward, Norwoods, red and blue.
Wiry Vics you did subdue.
(Chorus)
(4)
Sturdy Port and Adelaides,
Little Parks-thise knowing blades-
Kensingtons, who love the maids,
All succumbed to Norwood.
So the first year passed away,
And our men still held the sway;
Forward, Norwoods, red and blue.
Beauty's lips are praising you.
(Chorus)

According to Mike Coward's "Red and Blue Blooded"(1978), it was sung throughout the streets of Norwood after their 1904 Premiership win.
Exactly when it was written I couldn't tell you, but the lyrics refer to the 1878 season, and mention the fellow SAFA clubs of that season - South, Port, Victorian, Adelaide, South Park and Kensington.

LL, you're a marvel.

Super stuff LL.
I never new Norwood had a song previous to the current one and curiosity got the better of me whilst reading the book on Giffen.
Many thanks.
What a marvellous resource this site and its users are.

Smithy

this site is normally where the advertiser and sunday mail get there stories from.

I quite like the first verse and chorus of that... I wonder what tune it went to?

Footy Chick wrote:I quite like the first verse and chorus of that... I wonder what tune it went to?

Stairway To Heaven ... Way ahead of our time

(Ssh Achmed .. I will kill you)

Leaping Lindner wrote:Kensingtons, who love the maids,
All succumbed to Norwood.

Obviously their minds weren't on the footy...