Ally's Tartan Army Explained

Ally's Tartan Army
Border:yes
Type:single
Artist:Andy Cameron
B-Side:I Want To Be A Punk Rocker
Released:1977
Recorded:1977
Label:Klub Records
Composer:S Dennison
Lyricist:S Dennison

"Ally's Tartan Army" is a novelty record released by Scottish comedian Andy Cameron on the Klub Records (KRL) label to mark the Scottish football team's qualification for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.[1] [2] [3] The "Tartan Army" are Scotland's fans; "Ally" was team manager Ally MacLeod. The single sold over 360,000 copies and reached #6 in the charts.[4]

Overview

The tune of the chorus was based on the American Civil War song Tramp! Tramp! Tramp!. The tune has since been recycled by fans of many teams, altering the lyrics to incorporate their team and manager's name while replacing "Argentine" and "World Cup" with some more relevant location and cup competition (often Wembley and F.A Cup). It became "We're all part of Jackie's army" in Put 'Em Under Pressure, a Republic of Ireland song for the 1990 World Cup.

The B-side of Cameron's original record was "Ah want tae be a Punk Rocker", a satire of the then-current punk rock movement written by Peter Nardini.

References

  1. Web site: The five best World Cup songs (Three Lions not included) . The Telegraph . 2014-06-23.
  2. Web site: Argentina 78: When the nation went mad for Ally's Army . The Scotsman . 2014-06-23.
  3. Web site: Seven deadly sins of football: Pride - Ally MacLeod to Lord Cisse . The Guardian . 2014-06-23.
  4. Web site: Top Ten anthems . Sky Sports . 2011-12-20 . 2014-06-23.

External links