Three Lions (song)
| "Three Lions" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single by Baddiel and Skinner and Lightning Seeds | ||||
| from the album The Beautiful Game – The Official Album of Euro '96 | ||||
| Released | 20 May 1996 | |||
| Genre | Britpop | |||
| Length | 3:44 | |||
| Label | ||||
| Composer(s) | Ian Broudie | |||
| Lyricist(s) | ||||
| Producer(s) |
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| The Lightning Seeds singles chronology | ||||
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| Audio sample | ||||
Sample of "Three Lions" by Baddiel, Skinner and the Lightning Seeds
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| Music video | ||||
| "Three Lions" on YouTube | ||||
"Three Lions" is a song by the English comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner and the rock band the Lightning Seeds. It was released on 20 May 1996 through Epic Records to mark the England football team's participation in that year's UEFA European Championship, which England was hosting.
The music was written by the Lightning Seeds singer Ian Broudie, while Baddiel and Skinner—presenters of the football comedy show Fantasy Football League—provided the lyrics. All three provided vocals. The title comes from the England team emblem.
Both the original version of "Three Lions" and the updated "Three Lions '98" reached number one on the UK Singles Chart. It regularly reappears in the UK singles chart around major football tournaments involving the England team. Its accompanying music video was directed by Pedro Romhanyi.
The song has been described as the de facto "anthem" of English football since 1996. Its chorus, with the refrain "It's coming home", has become a popular chant for fans at England games.