Cod Almighty | Diary

Up the Mariners, or If this doesn't get Retro Diary writing again, nothing will

17 September 2024

Great art - and let there be no mistake about this, Pisces' song Up the Mariners is great art - supports many interpretations.

On first hearing, it is a typical 1978 football song, tub-thumpingly bombastic and remembered at best with affectionate embarrassment, like footballers' perms and kipper ties. Behind the times, as though punk rock had never existed, it might be considered a parody, its outlandish claims for Town's stature ill-suited to a team who were then, as now, in the fourth flight.

And yet: it is that very contrast which gives the lyrics their poignancy, set off  touchingly by the tune; it could be played almost as a lament. No one really thinks we are the greatest in the land, but when it is almost full time and we are beating promotion rivals it does feel as though we are, in the Pontoon Stand. The confident assertion that "we're going to win the Cup" is undercut by "one day", that notorious signifier of wishful thinking. Up the Mariners must have made a powerful impression on visits to Blundell Park by Chelsea and West Brom for where Pisces led, David Baddiel, Frank Skinner and the Lightning Seeds followed with Three Lions.

All that was in my head last Saturday for a fortnight earlier Retro Diary and Newbegin Diary had crossed swords on the song. The only saving grace from the limp home defeat was the opportunity it would give to point out the profound nuances of Up the Mariners, making it suitable for any Town occasion. But when it came on I was disappointed, for of course an old studio recording cannot be adapted for the moment and there is always the risk that it will sound thin and inappropriate.

Newbegin Diary makes this suggestion with as much seriousness as it will bear. The moment the players enter the pitch can be choreographed, and I agree with Retro that the chorus of "Here's to the Grimsby lads" would be a fine, distinctive overture to the match. After the game though, we need a performance sensitive to what has gone before, and Grimsby has its share of musical talent.

A Pete Green, an Orphan Boy, or a Lloyd Griffith (to name a few) ready in the PA box and given artistic licence to perform Up the Mariners in a style suited to the events of the last 90 minutes would be perfect. Last week, it might have been a mournful, hesitant rendition, but perhaps if we put a hatful past Bromley on Saturday someone would be able to pound out with confidence that it really is Grimsby Town who rule OK.