We have only three songs left, and all are so good for one reason or another. This was the toughest call so far.
I considered making it a draw, but draws still annoy me after 2010. So let’s plug away and call number three.
Back-story first – Richmond’s original song (or at least the one immediately pre-dating ‘Tigerland’) was ‘Onward the Tigers’, set to the tune of ‘Waltzing Matilda’. It’s not bad, but it lacks punch.
Also, ‘Waltzing Matilda’, with its sorrow, despair and grim lesson to avoid suicidal outlaws and their haunted billabongs has always creeped me out a bit, so I can understand their wish to move on.
In 1962, cabaret artist Jack Malcolmson, who was performing regularly at the Richmond Social Club around that time, was asked to come up with a new tune.
He settled on ‘Row Row Row’ (music by James Monaco, lyrics by William Jerome) from 1912, which was part of the successful Ziegfeld Follies Broadway productions.
A set of fresh lyrics later, and rumour has it that when Malcolmson performed it for the club for the first time, he received a standing ovation.
There’s so much to like about ‘We’re from Tigerland’. It’s jubilant, determined and instantly recognisable.
Great lines like “fighting fury” and “risking head and skin” (or “shin”, if you’re old-school) sit strongly alongside the loudest single moment of any of the club songs in “yellow and black”.
Actually, the “yellow and black” line deserves a comment on its own. It’s such a powerful single statement that it often induces a bit of a lull before and after it.
I’m not sure how best to explain this comparative lull. Why exactly is that line louder than the rest?
It’s either a) because it’s such a great line to sing, even those fans who normally sit quiet and smug throughout a victory chant will join for just that moment, or b) because it’s such a great line to sing, people hold out until it pops up.
If any Richmond supporters are reading, chime in and let me know what you think.
I don’t feel like there’s a great need to go into why this song is so good. You either know it is, or you’ll have your own reasons for disagreeing.
It seems to top polls and discussions on club song merits across web forums and pubs across the country. It’s a gem.
joe sznicer
Guest
Sure, great song and all that, but it makes me cringe and I desperately avoid hearing those supporters scream out "yellow and black!".. I feel sorry for them and embarrassed for them at the same time, the fact they are Richmond supporters and inevitably getting ahead of themselves.. and to see Jack Riewoldt strutting around signing autographs etc.. its just a sickening combination.. strangely saddening
Arlene Peggie
Guest
YELLOW & BLACK personifies the tiger in us all, that line gives you goose bumps when you YELL IT OUT!
Ian Whitchurch
Guest
Mark, Yeah. For my money, it's the best song of any team anywhere.
Mark Young
Roar Guru
As a died in wool Rugby League traditionalist.... this song makes me want to go and see a Richmond game. Have you seen the video of Joy Hodges singing Row Row Row from the Ziegfried Follies of 1912 - Funny stuff!
Floyd Calhoun
Guest
Oh no! It was going so well too! 'If we're behind, well never mind, we'll fight & fight & win'. A pretty hollow claim I know, but sheesh, Bronze medal only? I can't comment on the GWS ditty, because I've never heard it, but Tigerland beats the Swannies song hands down.
Troy
Guest
"It’s either a) because it’s such a great line to sing, even those fans who normally sit quiet and smug throughout a victory chant will join for just that moment, or b) because it’s such a great line to sing, people hold out until it pops up." A little from column a) and a little from column b).
Dylan
Roar Pro
GWS have an amazing song. It sounds old school and sums up everything that the kids strive to show and achieve. Great song. "and we will NEVER SURRENDER we'll fight until the end because we're better than the rest"
Azz Mac
Guest
Wow, are you the only person in Australia that doesn't think this is No.1? As mentioned above, even my Pies and Blues mates admit this is the best song in the comp. Each to their own I suppose.
Bridget
Guest
I was hoping this would be number 1! Oh well, it's still number 1 in my eyes. YELLOW AND BLACK!
JR Salazar
Guest
Boldly predicting that the Swans are at the top.
Sean
Guest
Writer's a Hawthorn fan.
Australian Rules
Guest
I've always thought that Richmond has the best *moment* ("yellow & black!") of any song...but it's not the best song. I'm predicting "Shake down the thunder" to be No.1.
Anthony
Guest
I can only imagine that the writer is from Sydney if they are the 2 missing songs. Richmond has the best song by far. I have a lot of friends who support Collingwood & even they agree that Richmonds is the best song. Most if not all commentators of the footy say Richmond has the best song. I know this is just his opinion but it is a stupid one.
Steve
Guest
Both Sydney teams.
ciudadmarron
Guest
GWS and the Swans.
Connor
Roar Rookie
Who is left?
JR Salazar
Guest
Iconic.