BRACE your eardrums as we are winding down the clock for Chelsea's FA Cup final against Liverpool – and there is bound to be a lot of singing involved.
Leading up to kick-off, one of the most popular hymn's which goes by the name of 'Abide with me' is sang every year.
And it seems to be the perfect crowd pleaser before we witness the FA Cup conclude at Wembley.
But why that song in particular and how long has it been sang before the FA Cup final?
Why do we sing "Abide With Me" before the FA Cup final?
"Abide With Me" is a Christian hymn by Scottish Anglican Henry Francis Lyte most often sung to English composer William Henry Monk's tune "Eventide".
Lyte wrote the poem in 1847 and set it to music while he lay dying from tuberculosis; he survived only a further three weeks after its completion.
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The song forms a key part of the traditional build-up to the FA Cup Final as one of the most well-loved and enduring hymns in history.
How long has "Abide With Me" featured at the FA Cup Final?
"Abide With Me" was first sung before the 1927 Cup Final and has been ever present since.
Its traditional rendition is the heart and soul of the pre-match build-up and unites both sets of fans in the final moments before kick-off.
What is the main sentiment contained in this famous hymn?
It looks beyond the temporal things like football and points us towards the author and perfecter of our faith.
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"What but thy grace can foil the tempter's power?" asks the hymn. "Who like thyself my guide and stay can be?"
And when it comes to a climax, a simple plea: "In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me."
Full lyrics
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, oh, abide with me
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
I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless
Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness
Where is death's sting?
Where, grave, thy victory?
I triumph still, if Thou abide with me
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
Abide with me, abide with me
Songwriters: Henry Francis Lyte/Will Henry Monk
Abide with Me lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
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