The singing of the St.Kilda theme song

[hungry for a premiership]

There is something that's been erking me for quite a few years now.

It's the way the boys sing the song. Stephen Milne makes a rhythmical error when he leads the boys into the call and response section of the song. He goes straight into "Oh WHEN THE SAINTS" on the beat immediately following the last line of the chorus, when in actuality he should wait two beats before he comes in.

It wouldn't be such a big issue, but it is, because this is what has happened as a result of it: Whenever we, the saints supporters, spontaneously break into singing the song at games, which, by the way, I am all for, as it would be great if we could invent more of our own songs and chants to hype up the players, but what happens is the song breaks down amongst the crowd when it reaches this point in the tune. I've heard it happen many times, and unfortunately for Milney it's all his fault, because half the supporters come straight in to the bridge section a la Milne, while the other half stick to the original, true rendition of the song, so the rythem of the song gets thrown out of whack.

I'm a full time muso, so may I be so bold as to suggest that even if Milney keeps singing it the same way, when we in the crowd sing the song, after the last "oh when the saints go marching in" of the first chorus, everyone WAIT TWO BEATS before the beginning of the call and response section of the tune. It has more impact this way. A two beat pause, followed by half the crowd each singing "oh when the saints" "oh when the saints" "go marching in" "go marching" in, and then everyone together again with a thunderous "OH WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN."

I just had to say this because it would be so great to hear the theme song echoing around the walls of etihad but everytime it gets to that call and response section half the crowd come straight in because they've heard Milne sing it that way so many times and the rythem gets lost and the song doesn't even make it to the end.

The original version is the way its meant to be.

[SunburySaint]

There is something that's been erking me for quite a few years now.

It's the way the boys sing the song. Stephen Milne makes a rhythmical error when he leads the boys into the call and response section of the song. He goes straight into "Oh WHEN THE SAINTS" on the beat immediately following the last line of the chorus, when in actuality he should wait two beats before he comes in.

It wouldn't be such a big issue, but it is, because this is what has happened as a result of it: Whenever we, the saints supporters, spontaneously break into singing the song at games, which, by the way, I am all for, as it would be great if we could invent more of our own songs and chants to hype up the players, but what happens is the song breaks down amongst the crowd when it reaches this point in the tune. I've heard it happen many times, and unfortunately for Milney it's all his fault, because half the supporters come straight in to the bridge section a la Milne, while the other half stick to the original, true rendition of the song, so the rythem of the song gets thrown out of whack.

I'm a full time muso, so may I be so bold as to suggest that even if Milney keeps singing it the same way, when we in the crowd sing the song, after the last "oh when the saints go marching in" of the first chorus, everyone WAIT TWO BEATS before the beginning of the call and response section of the tune. It has more impact this way. A two beat pause, followed by half the crowd each singing "oh when the saints" "oh when the saints" "go marching in" "go marching" in, and then everyone together again with a thunderous "OH WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN."

I just had to say this because it would be so great to hear the theme song echoing around the walls of etihad but everytime it gets to that call and response section half the crowd come straight in because they've heard Milne sing it that way so many times and the rythem gets lost and the song doesn't even make it to the end.

The original version is the way its meant to be.

As a muso I can see where your coming from, however when the boys sing it, they do it their way...... In any case more important things to worry about than the way the song is sung mate

[saintbrat]

Just glad when they can sing it.........

makes it original

[desertsaint]

I like milney's version - retire it when he does.

[tony74]

There is something that's been erking me for quite a few years now.

It's the way the boys sing the song. Stephen Milne makes a rhythmical error when he leads the boys into the call and response section of the song. He goes straight into "Oh WHEN THE SAINTS" on the beat immediately following the last line of the chorus, when in actuality he should wait two beats before he comes in.

It wouldn't be such a big issue, but it is, because this is what has happened as a result of it: Whenever we, the saints supporters, spontaneously break into singing the song at games, which, by the way, I am all for, as it would be great if we could invent more of our own songs and chants to hype up the players, but what happens is the song breaks down amongst the crowd when it reaches this point in the tune. I've heard it happen many times, and unfortunately for Milney it's all his fault, because half the supporters come straight in to the bridge section a la Milne, while the other half stick to the original, true rendition of the song, so the rythem of the song gets thrown out of whack.

I'm a full time muso, so may I be so bold as to suggest that even if Milney keeps singing it the same way, when we in the crowd sing the song, after the last "oh when the saints go marching in" of the first chorus, everyone WAIT TWO BEATS before the beginning of the call and response section of the tune. It has more impact this way. A two beat pause, followed by half the crowd each singing "oh when the saints" "oh when the saints" "go marching in" "go marching" in, and then everyone together again with a thunderous "OH WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN."

I just had to say this because it would be so great to hear the theme song echoing around the walls of etihad but everytime it gets to that call and response section half the crowd come straight in because they've heard Milne sing it that way so many times and the rythem gets lost and the song doesn't even make it to the end.

The original version is the way its meant to be.

I have to concentrate in case I forget the words

[Eastern]

There is something that's been erking me for quite a few years now.

It's the way the boys sing the song. Stephen Milne makes a rhythmical error when he leads the boys into the call and response section of the song. He goes straight into "Oh WHEN THE SAINTS" on the beat immediately following the last line of the chorus, when in actuality he should wait two beats before he comes in.

It wouldn't be such a big issue, but it is, because this is what has happened as a result of it: Whenever we, the saints supporters, spontaneously break into singing the song at games, which, by the way, I am all for, as it would be great if we could invent more of our own songs and chants to hype up the players, but what happens is the song breaks down amongst the crowd when it reaches this point in the tune. I've heard it happen many times, and unfortunately for Milney it's all his fault, because half the supporters come straight in to the bridge section a la Milne, while the other half stick to the original, true rendition of the song, so the rythem of the song gets thrown out of whack.

I'm a full time muso, so may I be so bold as to suggest that even if Milney keeps singing it the same way, when we in the crowd sing the song, after the last "oh when the saints go marching in" of the first chorus, everyone WAIT TWO BEATS before the beginning of the call and response section of the tune. It has more impact this way. A two beat pause, followed by half the crowd each singing "oh when the saints" "oh when the saints" "go marching in" "go marching" in, and then everyone together again with a thunderous "OH WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN."

I just had to say this because it would be so great to hear the theme song echoing around the walls of etihad but everytime it gets to that call and response section half the crowd come straight in because they've heard Milne sing it that way so many times and the rythem gets lost and the song doesn't even make it to the end.

The original version is the way its meant to be.

Don't tell us, tell Jack Steven. He's probably gunna take over when Milney retires !!

[St Lenny]

Oh dear, go have a cup of tea.............

[avid]

There is something that's been erking me for quite a few years now.

It's the way the boys sing the song. Stephen Milne makes a rhythmical error when he leads the boys into the call and response section of the song. He goes straight into "Oh WHEN THE SAINTS" on the beat immediately following the last line of the chorus, when in actuality he should wait two beats before he comes in.

It wouldn't be such a big issue, but it is, because this is what has happened as a result of it: Whenever we, the saints supporters, spontaneously break into singing the song at games, which, by the way, I am all for, as it would be great if we could invent more of our own songs and chants to hype up the players, but what happens is the song breaks down amongst the crowd when it reaches this point in the tune. I've heard it happen many times, and unfortunately for Milney it's all his fault, because half the supporters come straight in to the bridge section a la Milne, while the other half stick to the original, true rendition of the song, so the rythem of the song gets thrown out of whack.

I'm a full time muso, so may I be so bold as to suggest that even if Milney keeps singing it the same way, when we in the crowd sing the song, after the last "oh when the saints go marching in" of the first chorus, everyone WAIT TWO BEATS before the beginning of the call and response section of the tune. It has more impact this way. A two beat pause, followed by half the crowd each singing "oh when the saints" "oh when the saints" "go marching in" "go marching" in, and then everyone together again with a thunderous "OH WHEN THE SAINTS GO MARCHING IN."

I just had to say this because it would be so great to hear the theme song echoing around the walls of etihad but everytime it gets to that call and response section half the crowd come straight in because they've heard Milne sing it that way so many times and the rythem gets lost and the song doesn't even make it to the end.

The original version is the way its meant to be.

Not much chance of changing current habits I'd say.
But in the cause of futile pedantry I'd also say this :
It bugs me the way they sing the second last line too -- "Oh how I long to be at St Kilda" with "St Kilda" shortened almost to SnKidda. It makes the last line of the song just drop off to nothing.
That last "St Kilda" should be long and proud -- extended and emphasised .
Then the last "SAINTS" - when the SAINTS go marching in -- could be hit loud and proud too.



Is anybody following me?

[kosifantutti23]

Did you consider Milney might be right and Louis Armstrong got it wrong?

[Sainternist]

I have always noticed this as well. Maybe if he got it right we'd win a Premiership?

But for now, Milney still has an accute case of WMD (white male disease). Another words, a bad sense of rhythm.

[Born in Moorabbin]

Listen to the Cats singing their song, and I think you'll agree our boys are streets ahead with their musicianship, not to mention enthusiasm!!!!!!

[SainterSoul]

Oh dear, go have a cup of tea.............

Was going to say the same thing. Surely there are other things worth worrying about?

[Junction Oval]

"Hungry for a Premiership" - you have a point. The problem will be in getting some action taken on it.

Send your comments directly to the Club - the Football Department and see what, if anything, happens.

Trouble is, I can't see Ross having singing lessons after their Thursday pre-match strategy meeting!!

[Dr Spaceman]

"Hungry for a Premiership" - you have a point. The problem will be in getting some action taken on it.

Send your comments directly to the Club - the Football Department and see what, if anything, happens.

Trouble is, I can't see Ross having singing lessons after their Thursday pre-match strategy meeting!!

Should singing skills be included in the Draft Camp?

[Junction Oval]

The Doc said :

Should singing skills be included in the Draft Camp?

Maybe that's what our Recruiters have been focusing on for the past few years, instead of kicking skills

[Cairnsman]

So what will happen I wonder when Milney retires. Will he hand over the duty to somebody else?

[hungry for a premiership]

Yeah, like I said in the OP, I dont mind the way the boys sing it, what really gets my goat is when the crowd sing it and never get to the end because they dont know whether to sing Milne's version or the original.

[True Blue Sainter]

Did you consider Milney might be right and Louis Armstrong got it wrong?

Quoted for truth!

[hungry for a premiership]

Did you consider Milney might be right and Louis Armstrong got it wrong?

Don't be dissin' Louis. The man had music flowing through his DNA.

[Jacks Back]

What about if we go back to singing

Oh! I do like to be beside the seaside
I do like to be beside the sea!
I do like to stroll upon the Prom, Prom, Prom!
Where the brass bands play:
"Tiddely-om-pom-pom!"
So just let me be beside the seaside
I'll be beside myself with glee

[evertonfc]

Milney has changed the club song...quite a legacy.

I prefer to hear the original among the supporters, but there's nothing quite like hearing his scratchy voice cackle out "Owenthesaints" to finish it off in the rooms.

[Jacks Back]

I like the Yee Hah part at the end.

[SaintDebi]

It sounds perfectly fine to me
.......then again I am tone deaf

[hungry for a premiership]

Well, I was sitting on the members wing tonight, and in the last quarter some people in the back yelled "KNOCK KNOCK," then came the response "WHOSE THERE" "OWEN" OWEN WHO?" "OWEN THE SAINTS" and the theme song got sung.

Lo and behold, when the call and response section came in, eveyone came straight on, ala milne, and got through the whole song without incident.

LOVE IT!!!

I wonder if this thread made a difference......

[PaytonPlace]

Well, I was sitting on the members wing tonight, and in the last quarter some people in the back yelled "KNOCK KNOCK," then came the response "WHOSE THERE" "OWEN" OWEN WHO?" "OWEN THE SAINTS" and the theme song got sung.

Lo and behold, when the call and response section came in, eveyone came straight on, ala milne, and got through the whole song without incident.

LOVE IT!!!

I wonder if this thread made a difference......

As a follower of all kind of Saints around the world, St Johnstone in Scotlands fanzine used to be called "Wendy Who?", a variation on that very Owen who reference...

I wouldn't criticise anything Milne does though, he's my hero, he could sing it in Swahili if he wanted...and I saw on Lunch with Lenny he can speak it!

Becca