Lyrics & How The Proclaimers Song Became Hibernian Anthem

Ask anyone from Great Britain about The Proclaimers, and you might just be lucky enough to receive an impromptu rendition of their famous hit “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)”. But ask anyone in the vicinity of Easter Road, home of Hibernian, and you’re likely to hear a different song from the Scottish folk duo.

After an unlikely comeback win in the 2026 Scottish League Cup semi-finals against bitter rivals Hearts, the Hibernian fans were in full voice. Clad in green and white, they serenaded their victorious players with “Sunshine on Leith”, another track from the sprawling catalog of the Proclaimers.

The emotional outpouring from the travelling supporters has accrued millions of views online, being met with widespread admiration from football fans across the sport. But the wonderful clip now has many supporters wondering why the track has resonated so deeply with Hibernian’s faithful fans.

GIVEMESPORT has all the details on the Cabbage’s relationship with the song.

Sunshine on Leith Lyrics & Video

REUTERS/Russell Cheyne

The track was released by the Proclaimers in 1988 as the second single from their album of the same name. The song found limited success, peaking at no. 41 on the UK Singles Chart, but it has since found new life as the unofficial anthem of Hibernian. Whilst the Scottish folk duo would’ve hoped for greater chart success, finding a permanent home at the football club they support isn’t a bad consolation prize.

Why Hibernian Fans Sing Sunshine on Leith

Action Images via Reuters/Lee Smith

The song’s lyrics are an emotional tale of sorrow and revival, which may explain why they resonated with Hibernian fans in the 1990s. Willie Mercer, then chairman of fierce rivals Hearts, attempted a takeover of Hibernian. The club was on the brink of financial ruin and Mercer proposed a merger between the two clubs. However, Hibernian fans saw through his strategy, arguing that the merger would’ve seen Hibernian absorbed into their rivals and essentially ceasing to exist.

The outrage resulted in the “Hands off Hibs” campaign, in which the Proclaimers played a central role. The duo headlined a rally at Edinburgh’s Usher Hall, performing “Sunshine on Leith”. The track became forever linked to the club, defining the club’s battle for survival.

As well as hearkening back to a symbolic chapter in the club’s history, the song’s title has a geographic connection too. Leith is the historic port district of Edinburgh where Hibernian is rooted, with Easter Road Stadium sitting right on its edge. As well as being a celebration of the club, the adoption of the song references the working-class pride and community woven into the song’s lyrics.