As far back as 1960, Robin Hall and Jimmie MacGregor brought into popular consciousness the folk tune Football Crazy. Their hilarious version of the song became a cult favourite and one of the earliest examples of football-themed popular songs.
As Perky writes this article, in the middle of May, the domestic football season across Europe is reaching its crescendo. League titles are decided, play-offs unfold, and cup finals grip millions.
Amid all this footballing theatre, Perky was reminded of this song and its tongue-in-cheek celebration of sporting obsession by a grandfather. The first verse of this traditional Scottish folk song is as follows:
You’ve heard of a lad they call Jock MacGraw,
He’s lately joined a football club
For he’s mad aboot football.
He’s got two black eyes already
And teeth knocked frae his gob,
Since oor Jock became a member o’
That terrible football club.
Those of Perky’s readers who remember the regular broadcasting of this song in the early 1960s will be of a certain age. Perky is confident, however, that football fanatics of all ages who manage to access a recording of the song will be most entertained by its infectious humour and spirited charm.
But why does football possess such global power to enthral, enrage, and unite?
The answer may lie in football’s universality, but also, paradoxically, in its deeply personal resonance. Like the character in Football Crazy, whose life is consumed by his love of the game, millions across the world find their weeks shaped by matchdays, results, and the fortunes of their teams. Football is not just a sport, it is a rhythm, a ritual, and often a release.
There is something both comedic and profound about Football Crazy’s portrayal of Jock McGraw, the man who becomes so obsessed with the game that it “robs him o’ the wee bit o’ sense he had.” It’s satire, certainly, but it is also affectionate.
The song taps into the very real experience of football fandom, where passion frequently borders on irrationality. A missed penalty can ruin a weekend. A stoppage-time winner can spark tears of joy. What other entertainment can command such emotional investment?
Football captivates because of its drama, emotional depth, and universal appeal. Its slow build-ups and sudden brilliance create a narrative that draws in even casual fans, much like other spectator sports. Legendary players, iconic moments, and personal stories of triumph and heartbreak turn matches into more than just games, they become human stories.
Modern broadcasts enhance the spectacle with cinematic flair, and passionate commentary adds to the theatre. Football’s grip on fans is deep and personal, capturing both the absurdity and beauty of obsession. As the season ends each year, the spirit of “Football Crazy” reminds us that loving the game is part of who we are.