By the time you read this the 2015 Rugby World Cup will be over, though the hype and gripes may continue until the next. Though I neither enjoy partaking nor watching sport, I’ve played along when quizzed about it, having picked up enough information from everyone else to hold half a conversation.
And despite my disdain for any recreation that requires physical activity, I can still appreciate the odd rugby themed song, such as Andy Snadden’s Spin It Wide.
Catchy, as all anthems are, Spin It Wide, is one of those songs that get caught in your head, and being part of the easy listening genre it’s the kind of song that isn’t like a cheese grater to the ear hole, like most noises at 4am, so is the perfect song to accompany an early morning rugby final.
It’s a particularly Kiwi song, maybe it’s accent, maybe it’s the style, but something in the song brings to mind that old farmer stereotype of gumboots and a black singlet. Written as an All Black supporter’s song, it’s definitely fitting. With the intention of bringing our boys-in-black home victorious, I can imagine this song fading into obscurity had the results of the final been any different.
Sadly, like Fiona McDonald’s appropriation of Fred Godfrey’s Bless/F*** ‘Em All for RWC 1999, or your mum’s Christmas compilation, seasonal/event themed songs are often doomed to be put away once the event is over. Here’s hoping the song is promoted more next time it’s relevant so more people get to hear it.
You can still listen to Spin It Wide on Soundcloud or YouTube. Save the link for the next international rugby match.
Andy Snadden is a New Zealand singer songwriter influenced by Joni Mitchell, Bob Dylan, Paul, Simon, James Taylor, The Beatles, and Fleetwood Mac.
Born and raised in Nelson, he now makes his living in Nagoya, Japan.
He recently released his full length all original debut CD entitled The River. The songs on this record represent a lifetime of dedication to the art of songwriting, and are highly melodic, and emotional, with deeply crafted poetic lyrics.