Da-Da-Da-Da-Da: The Story Behind Carlton's Famous Theme Song

Few traditions in Australian football are as recognisable as Carlton players and supporters singing “We Are the Navy Blues" after a victory. The song has become part of the club's identity, but its history includes evolving lyrics, disputed lines and a melody that dates back more than a century.

How the Song Began

Carlton's theme song is generally credited to Agnes Wright and her cousin Irene McEldrew, who wrote the football lyrics around 1929-31. According to club history, Carlton players reportedly felt the club lacked an official song, inspiring the creation of what would become “We Are the Navy Blues."

The melody came from Lily of Laguna, a hugely popular British music hall song written by Leslie Stuart in 1898. By using a tune people already knew that the song was easy for players and supporters to learn and sing.

The Lyrics Didn't Always Stay the Same

While the song has remained remarkably consistent for more than 90 years, early versions reveal the words were not completely fixed.

Two notable lyric variations emerged over time:

• "Good old Carlton town" is believed to have evolved into the now familiar “old Carlton knows."
• "They like to send us" and “they like to send up" both appeared in club records, memorabilia, song sheets, and recordings over the years.  

A popular supporter myth suggests Carlton has not won a premiership since the change from "good old Carlton town" to "old Carlton knows". However, the timing of that lyric change is unclear, and there is no evidence linking it to the club's premiership record. [blueseum.org]

Historical records also note that a 1934-35 version of the song contained slight lyric variations, suggesting the words were refined before the modern version became standard.  

Where Did the "Da-Da-Da-Da-Da" Come From?

The famous opening is not a separate song.

The instantly recognisable “a-Da-Da-Da-Da" introduction evolved from band arrangements of the song's melody and became a defining part of the match-day experience. Today, many supporters can identify the Carlton anthem from the opening notes alone.

A Song That Stood the Test of Time

Carlton had several songs and chants throughout its history before “We Are the Navy Blues" became firmly established as the club anthem. More than 90 years after its creation, it remains one of the most enduring and recognisable theme songs in Australian sport.  

The melody may have originated in an English music hall in 1898, but the words, the tradition and the famous “a-Da-Da-Da-Da" belong to Carlton.