17 Fantastic Songs About and Associated with Liverpool
17 Fantastic Songs About and Associated with Liverpool
As the years have gone by, songs about Liverpool and musicians from Liverpool have dominated the charts and filled football stadiums.
One of the greatest and most cultured cities in the world, it’s no surprise that the home of the Fab Four has shaped generations of musical talent.
So, we’ve put together a go-to playlist of songs about Liverpool, incorporating the most timeless hits associated with the city.
1) You’ll Never Walk Alone
Gerry and the Pacemakers
When you think of Liverpool, we suspect Gerry and the Pacemakers’ cover of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ (1963) springs to mind.
And if this version doesn’t ring a bell, the passionate choruses of Liverpool Football Club fans are likely to be ingrained in your memory.
One of the most famous songs associated with Liverpool, ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ has become a timeless anthem for the city.
Uniting generations of LFC fans over the decades, and a chorus of pride for Hillsborough campaigners, this unforgettable hit had to be at the top of our list.
2) Strawberry Fields
The Beatles
Arguably one of the best-loved Beatles songs, the dreamlike ‘Strawberry Fields’ (1967)was inspired by the scenic suburbs of John Lennon’s childhood. The red gatepost to Strawberry Fields is nestled away near Lennon’s childhood home in Woolton.
Lennon and his friends would spend hours of their youth playing in the wooded garden behind the iconic gates. And today, fans from across the globe continue to visit this special spot to pay tribute to their hero.
The nostalgic tune showcases the surrealism that went on to define The Beatles and their psychedelic sound.
“Nothing to get hung about, Strawberry Fields forever”
3) In My Liverpool Home
Pete McGovern
Undoubtedly one of the most quirky and humorous songs about Liverpool, there are few songs that capture the city quite like Pete McGovern’s ‘In My Liverpool Home’.
Written over the course of two nights in 1961, McGovern is renowned for the wit and humour underpinning his songs, something which can certainly be heard in this particular piece of writing!
“We speak with an accent exceedingly rare; we meet under a statue exceedingly bare. If you want a Cathedral we’ve got one to spare, in my Liverpool home”
4) Ferry Cross the Mersey
Gerry and the Pacemakers
Liverpool locals will know that taking the Mersey Ferry was an exciting day out as a child, and is still just as fun as an adult.
One of the best-loved songs about Liverpool, Gerry and The Pacemakers’ UK and US hit ‘Ferry Cross the Mersey’ (1989) encapsulates sentiment towards Liverpool.
The successful record was subsequently released as a charity version in 1989, in memory and aid of those affected by the Hillsborough disaster.
“So ferry ‘cross the Mersey and always take me there, the place I love”.
5) Let’s Dance to Joy Division
The Wombats
The three members of The Wombats joined forces when they met in 2003 at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts.
Following the success of their EP a A Guide to Love, Loss & Desperation, the band represented the city when they performed at the opening ceremony of Liverpool, European Capital of Culture at Liverpool Arena.
‘Let’s Dance to Joy Division’ was released in 2007. Inspired by a night out a Liverpool cult venue Le Bateau, the single reached number 15 on the UK charts.
“I’m back in Liverpool and everything feels the same”
6) Penny Lane
The Beatles
One of the best songs about Liverpool of all time, ‘Penny Lane’ (1967) was written by Paul McCartney in reference to a real street in the South Liverpool suburbs.
Loved by both Paul McCartney and John Lennon, McCartney revealed that he and John would often wait at Penny Lane’s bus terminus – the terminus covered a variety of main bus routes in Liverpool during the 1960s.
Both Lennon and McCartney would change buses at Penny Lane to reach each other’s houses.
“Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes, there beneath the blue suburban skies”
7) Heart as Big as Liverpool
The Mighty WAH!
Peter Wylie’s ‘Heart as Big as Liverpool’ (1998) is renowned for its heartfelt tribute to Liverpool and the victims and families of the Hillsborough disaster.
Often played by George Sephton, Liverpool Football Club fans have adopted Wylie’s track as their own, while Wylie himself has since expressed gratitude for the use of his song to honour the ninety-six.
One of the most emotional songs about Liverpool, there’s no doubt that Wylie’s masterpiece will continue to become a local classic.
“Heart as big as my hometown, Lay me down by water cool, Heart as big as the city, Heart as big as Liverpool”
8) There She Goes
The La’s
One of the most famous bands from Liverpool, we couldn’t forget The La’s. Best known for ‘There She Goes’ (1998), the band name came to Mike Badger in a dream. With musical connotations, the phrase “la” is also a Scouse term used casually as a substitute for “lads”.
One of the best loved songs associated with Liverpool, the first music video for the hit was directed by Jeff Baynes.
Filmed in the English countryside and in their home town, the video captures the raw talent of four local Liverpudlian musicians at its best.
9) Dreaming of You
The Coral
The Coral released ‘Dreaming of You’ in the year 2000. Making it to number 13 in the UK charts, the Merseyside rock band made an impressive debut.
The band’s self-titled album was recognised by NME Magazine as the fourth best album of the year, reestablishing their successful status in the music world.
With a seventh album released in 2016, The Coral are one of the best loved local bands in Liverpool. A loyal local fan base and flourishing music culture in Liverpool follows the band, whether its members are together or pursuing solo projects.
Keep an eye out for some of the best gigs in the city over at Signature Live Events here. Hosted on the rooftop of The Shankly Hotel, the popular music night has hosted bands including Red Rum Club, The Farm and The Real People.
10) Allez Allez Allez
Jamie Webster
‘Allez Allez Allez’ has become a fan favourite on the Kop over the last few years. Though Liverpool’s new go-to chant was perfected and recorded by Jamie Webster, the song was first sung by a group of travelling LFC fans in Porto in 2018.
It may come as a surprise that the catchy tune is inspired by an Italian disco classic from the 80s, with Italian football fans first adapting the lyrics to their teams. Liverpool supporters followed suit and adapted the lyrics themselves as the tune gained worldwide attraction via YouTube.
It’s safe to say that ‘Allez Allez Allez’ became the go-to chant during the 2019 Champion’s League Final, when Liverpool bagged the winning trophy for the sixth time!
“We’ve conquered all of Europe. We’re never gonna stop. From Paris down to Turkey. We’ve won the f***ing lot. Bob Paisley and Bill Shankly. The fields of Anfield Road. We are loyal supporters. And we come from Liverpool. Allez, Allez, Allez”
11) Two Tribes
Frankie Goes to Hollywood
Leaving a lasting mark in the history books, Frankie Goes to Hollywood captured the headlines in a whirlwind 3 and a half minutes when they released ‘Two Tribes’ in 1984.
The political landscape of the ’80s saw the Cold War return to headlines and let the threat of nuclear war hover ominously over a generation.
Liverpool’s very own Frankie Goes to Hollywood cultivated the thoughts and fears of their time with musical conviction, selling close to 2 million copies in the UK.
12) Liverpool Lullaby
Cilla Black
One of Liverpool’s most famous faces, Cilla Black’s rendition of “Liverpool Lullaby” captures the working-class Liverpool known to many following the war.
A Cavern Club regular alongside the Beatles and Gerry & the Pacemakers, there’s no doubt that the late singer left a lasting legacy on Liverpool.
‘Liverpool Lullaby’ may not be one of the most happy songs about Liverpool, but it certainly paints a picture of the city’s history and its people.
“Perhaps one day we’ll have a splash, when Littlewoods provide the cash, we’ll get a house in Knotty Ash”
13) Valerie
The Zutons
The Zutons got their big break with the release of ‘Valerie’. Written by lead singer Dave McCabe in the back of a taxi, the hit was a favourite during the summer of 2006.
Amy Winehouse covered the song after taking a liking to it herself, recording it both for a project with Mark Ronson and as a jazzy, acoustic track in the Radio 1 Live Lounge.
A game-changer for the Zutons, the catchy hit certainly hasn’t faded away into the past. Just as well-known in 2017, it’s safe to say that McCabe’s 20 minute taxi ride was a game changer.
14) Whole Again
Atomic Kitten
Taking the girl band era by storm, pop queens Atomic Kitten danced their way into the UK singles charts with ‘Whole Again’ in 2000.
Following Kerry Katona’s departure from the group, Jenny Frost took to the microphone and the new line up of Liverpool ladies continued to dominate the pop craze of the noughties.
The re-release of their debut album peaked at number one in the UK and sold over 600,000 copies.
15) A Wondrous Place
Billy Fury
Born in a wond’rous place for sure, Billy Fury was born in Liverpool in 1940. Rising to success in the 1960s, Fury is remembered today as one of the biggest names in British Rock and Roll.
A natural talent and one of the best singers from Liverpool, Fury taught himself to write his own songs and play the guitar at a young age – so it’s no surprise that the Liverpool musician grew up to see his name in bright lights.
Fans and tourists in Liverpool will find a Billy Fury statue commemorating the legend at infamous Liverpool landmark the Albert Dock.
For music lovers planning a visit to the city, don’t miss our guide to the best music attractions in Liverpool.
16) Streets of Kenny
Shack
Regarded as one of the best bands from Liverpool, Shack formed in 1986, originally including brothers Michael and John Head, Peter Wikinson on bass and Mick Hurst on drums.
Following a split in the band, the brothers reformed the band in 1999 with H.M.S Fable. Featuring bassist Ren Parry drummed Iain Templeton, Shack were signed to Noel Gallagher’s Sour Mash label, under which they released The Corner of Miles and Gil in 2006.
“I’m looking for the boys again, Through the streets of Kenny”
17) The Killing Moon
Echo & the Bunnymen
Echo & the Bunnymen are one of the most iconic bands to have formed in our city. The band may have started with a cult fan base, but achieved mainstream success by the early 1980s.
One of their most famous hits to reach the top 10 is ‘The Killing Moon’, which also featured in cult classic movie, Donnie Darko. Notably, the band also released ‘Live in Liverpool’ in 2002, the cover of which featured Liverpool Cathedral.
So, there we have it! Some of the best songs associated with Liverpool.
