The Arsenalisation of Arsenal FC Is in Need of an Anthem

As described by the Arseblog, the Emirates Stadium is undergoing a bit of “Arsenalisation” lately in order to “make it more of a home.” That’s certainly a well-reasoned effort and a direct response to fans. So far the effort has included handing out scarves as well as including history and numbers along the stadium.

Now, as Arseblog states:

If I could choose any one thing to change though it’d be getting rid of that poxy Elvis song beforehand. It really has nothing to do with Arsenal, I’ve always thought if a club has its own anthem it’s something that has developed over time, and it’s little wonder the atmosphere is a bit subdued when you’re playing a sleepy old tune like beforehand.

Personally I’d go with something much more upbeat, something to get the crowd really worked up – like this. Or this (heh). Or maybe we could have a custom made song called ‘We are the Arsenal, let’s kick the f**k out of these cockgorgons today’. But there’s gotta be something better than Elvis. Like silence.

Well said as always. The only problem is that “London Calling” is an excellent choice, but apparently Fulham already took it. So, after the jump are a few other suggestions.

But first, for those who haven’t been to the Emirates, let’s take a look at the current choice, Elvis Presley’s “The Wonder of You.”

Yes indeed, compared to something like “You Will Never Walk Alone,” that is pretty pathetic. I’ve been in dentists’ waiting rooms that are more lovely.

Personally, my taste in stadium anthems leans heavily toward the rock, or rather THEE rock. I figure the point should be to get people out of their seats, get them pumped, get the atmosphere rollicking. But not, of course, in the mindless sort of way that occurs at American stadiums, where “The Macarena” and “Who Let the Dogs Out” still live on (shudder).

Okay, so here are my ideas for Arsenal’s new anthem:

First up, granted that holidays in Europe have nothing to do with anything, but this works for the classic intro and also because of the Lydon connection….

Sticking with punk, there’s this choice, which is especially appropriate for the prawn eaters with the line “You’re rich not poor, what are you doing it for?”

Or if you want to go with a cannon theme, there’s the Gun Club (get it?)

If it’s more of a classic downtempo number, than this certainly works better than Elvis the Pelvis (ignoring of course that Waterloo Station is miles away and on the opposite side of the Thames from Highbury).