All Together Now

Album: Spartacus (1991)
Charted: 4
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was based on the descending chord sequence of Pachebel's "Canon In D Major."
  • The song was produced by Graham "Suggs" McPherson of the band Madness.
  • The lyrics were written by the band's vocalist Peter Hooton and they are about the German and English troops coming together to play a game of football at Christmas 1914 during World War 1. He has since said, "The song is about unity and humanity."
  • Everton football club used this as their 1995 Cup Final song, which peaked at #24. Ironically The Farm are fans of their local rivals Liverpool FC.
  • In 2004 a re-mix by DJ Spoony with the addition of a children's choir was the official England song for the Euro 2004 football tournament and this version peaked at #10 in the UK.
  • The song was once again remade by Atomic Kitten in 2006 as an official song for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in association with Goleo VI, the official 2006 world cup mascot. Their version wasn't released as a single in the UK but it was a hit in Germany where the World Cup was held. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England, for all above

Comments: 3

  • Chris from Hillburn, NyThe original version of this song "No Man's Land" by an earlier lineup of the Farm is included on their "Pastures Old and New" compilation of early studio and sessions material. That version has a more aggressive, frenetic ska-styled delivery and instrumentation, additional verses, and does not include the "Alltogethernow" chorus.
  • Pete from Tibshelf, United KingdomThis song is about the Christmas Truce of 1914 when German and British soldiers stopped fighting and came out of the trenches to celebrate christmas together, during which they exchanged gifts such as sweets, cigarettes and brass buttons and held games of football in no-mans-land. The songs message is about putting differences aside and coming together, even if its only for one day.
  • Jeff from Liverpool, Englandpete wylie of the mighty wah sang backing vocals on this hit
see more comments

Editor's Picks

N.W.A vs. the World

N.W.A vs. the WorldSong Writing

How the American gangsta rappers made history by getting banned in the UK.

Pete Anderson

Pete AndersonSongwriter Interviews

Pete produced Dwight Yoakam, Michelle Shocked, Meat Puppets, and a very memorable track for Roy Orbison.

The Girl in That Song

The Girl in That SongFact or Fiction

Billie Jean, Delilah, Sara, Laura and Sharona - do you know who the girls in the songs really are?

Brandi Carlile

Brandi CarlileSongwriter Interviews

As a 5-year-old, Brandi was writing lyrics to instrumental versions lullabies. She still puts her heart into her songs, including the one Elton John sings on.

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy Talent

Ben Kowalewicz of Billy TalentSongwriter Interviews

The frontman for one of Canada's most well-known punk rock bands talks about his Eddie Vedder encounter, Billy Talent's new album, and the importance of rock and roll.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.