AN official FA Cup final announcement has been made ahead of Manchester United v Chelsea at Wembley.
AN official FA Cup final announcement has been made ahead of Manchester United v Chelsea at Wembley.
The FA have just confirmed that the traditional FA Cup final hymn Abide with Me will be led by representatives from 13 clubs across the football pyramid.
A number of clubs were invited following their exploits in contributing to a memorable season in the competition.
And those who accepted the invitation to take part were AC London, Bath City, Chelsea, Coventry City, Fleetwood Town, Framlingham Town, Hereford, Litherland REMYCA, Manchester United, Newport County, Notts County, Truro City and Wigan.
The individuals nominated by their clubs will form the ’For All’ choir and take centre stage on the pitch wearing their club colours before kick-off alongside four vocalists from the RAF.
Andy Ambler, The FA’s head of professional game relations, said: “The singing of ‘Abide with Me’ remains one of the iconic moments on Cup Final day and we wanted to use this moment to recognise clubs across the football pyramid who have made it such a special season in the Emirates FA Cup.
“We are grateful to the clubs who selected such deserving representatives and wish them a very special day.”
Why is Abide with Me sang at the FA Cup final?
The first and last verses of Abide with Me Since are traditionally sung at the FA Cup Final before the kick-off of the match, at around 2.45pm.
It was first sung at the 1927 FA Cup Final between Arsenal and Cardiff - and has been belted out ever since.
It is seen as one of the tournament’s great traditions.
What are the words to Abide with Me?
Abide with me; fast falls the eventide;
The darkness deepens; Lord with me abide.
When other helpers fail and comforts flee,
Help of the helpless, O abide with me.
Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day;
Earth's joys grow dim; its glories pass away;
Change and decay in all around I see;
O Thou who changest not, abide with me.
Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word,
But as Thou dwell'st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.
Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.
I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter's power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, abide with me.
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness.
Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.
Hold Thou Thy cross before my closing eyes;
Shine through the gloom and point me to the skies.
Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee;
In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me.
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