Why do England rugby supporters sing "Swing Low Sweet Chariot".?

Question

Hi - went to Twickenham the other week, the ground and the supporters both were absolutely tremendous - our first time experiencing either.

Never heard a rugby crowd sing before, so it was truly amazing when the England crowd drowned out the Haka with "Swing Low Sweet Chariot".

But my question is - why do English rugby supporters sing _that_ song?

Why not hum the theme to Chariots of Fire, or Dam Busters, or the Parrot sketch by Monty Python - something more English?

I figure there must be a reason all the English rugby supporters sing that particular Swing Low song, but I'd like to know what it is.

Answer 1

Very middle-class, isn't it?

Answer 2

because it's the rules of rugby swing low so you don't hot any one and sweet chariot is the cup they want to win

duurgh !

Answer 3

Does seem strange to be singing a Af­ri­can-Amer­i­can spir­it­u­al song

Answer 4

It is sung in support of your team, it is indicating that the opposition does not have a chance to win on the day.

The NZ Haka is in it's own way, a challenge to their opposition to bring their best game because the Kiwi's mean business and don't expect to lose.

Answer 5

Dunno, but as a kid I lived in a rugby club and all the lads used to sing it when p1ssed, the Scots used to sing it too, it was a national rugby song sung by all, but for some reason the English have adopted it as their national anthem, may be coz "god save the queen" is not a singable song!

Same as us singing "bread of Heaven" etc!

What or Who are The Nigels?

Answer 6

The Nigels sing it to be even more annoying than they already

  are , their rugby players should do a wee maurice dance

  before a game , that would put the opponents of....

Answer 7

It goes back to Greek mythology when Apollo rides the sun as a chariot over the earth to win in battle and earn glory and power. There's a clear relation to the desire to win a game of rugby: with that comes pride and glory through blood sweat and tears!

Answer 8

Its has always been a favourite 'after rugby' song in every club in the land, long before it was taken up by the national team supporters. The inter action of the singers in the clubroom makes a fine spectacle !!! Obviously when it was started to be sung at Twickers the majority knew the words and since then it has been adopted as the team anthem.