Need to know
- Historical origins: The hymn was first performed at the FA Cup Final in 1927 during a match between Cardiff City and Arsenal at Wembley Stadium. It was reportedly a personal favourite of King George V and Queen Mary, who requested its inclusion in the pre-match ceremony to add more gravitas to the occasion.
- Reason for composition: Henry Francis Lyte, a Scottish-born minister, wrote the lyrics in 1847 while he was dying from tuberculosis in the coastal town of Brixham. He completed the poem just three weeks before his death, making the lyrics a plea for divine companionship as his life came to an end; the accompanying melody was written by William Henry Monk in 1861.
- Eventide symbolism: While often mistaken for an evening hymn, the eventide mentioned in the lyrics is a metaphor for the approach of death and the passing of time. In the context of the FA Cup, it has come to symbolise the end of the football season and a moment of reflection for fans before the final battle on the pitch.
- Communal tradition: Since its debut in 1927, the hymn has been an ever-present feature, famously surviving the transition from the old Wembley to the new stadium. It is traditionally led by a solo artist or a military band before the national anthem.
- First verse: “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.”
- Second verse: “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.”
- Final verse: While the full hymn has other verses that are occasionally omitted, the song traditionally ends on the last stanza. “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.”
- Teams and kick-off: Chelsea will face Manchester City in the showpiece event on Saturday, May 16. The match is scheduled to begin at the traditional kick-off time of 3pm at Wembley Stadium.
- READ MORE: Chelsea fans to protest before FA Cup final with clear message for owners BlueCo
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