Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Dave Murray, also known as The Mackem Folk Singer, has been a busy man during the coronavirus lockdown.

Just last month, we told how he had built a whole music instrument – known as a cigar box guitar – out of pieces of junk.

And he also looked back on North East history in another of his projects.

Dave Murray who has created an anthem for Sunderland fans.

He created a ‘toilet roll shortage survival video’ during the pandemic to remind us of the days when we had no toilet paper – and had to use outside loos.

Now he is back on the music trail and he has created a musical tribute to SAFC.

It is called "Forever A Mackem Will Be I" and Dave described it as ‘my anthem to Sunderland.

"I have been a Sunderland fan forever since me dad took me in the 60s.

Sunderland captain Bobby Kerr lifting the 1973 FA Cup after beating Leeds 1-0 at Wembley. The memorable final is included in Dave's song.

"You know the saying ‘I bleed red and white’. Well that's me!

"I am so passionate about my team and sometimes when I am at the match, people shout out ‘love your songs mate keep them up’.”

Dave has big hopes for his new tune and said: “I really feel the chorus line should be sang by our fans, as it would should amazing sang by thousands and it will be our own chant written by a true Mackem.”

‘Forever A Mackem Will Be I’ includes lines such as;

How the Echo reported the 1973 Cup Final victory. Now Dave mentions it in his new anthem.

‘On the day I pass ower, to the other side,

‘I will call the Mackem angels to come and be my guide,

‘Tak me to the Sunlun ground way up in the sky.

"Where I can watch me Sunlun heroes,

"And hear the Mackem cry,

"And watch the Mackem Porterfield,

"Scorer of the goal,

"Who brought the Cup in 73,

"To a town of ships and coal.”

But what do you think? Could it be a Sunderland chant? Have a listen for yourself.

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.

Subscribe to the Sunderland Echo website and enjoy unlimited access to local news and information online and on our app. With a digital subscription, you can read more than 5 articles, see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Visit here to sign up. You can subscribe to the newspaper with 20% off here. Thank you.

Could this be a new anthem for Sunderland fans? Take a listen and judge for yourself

A message from the Editor:

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription.