You’re standing in the middle of a packed pub near Anfield, or maybe you’re squeezed into the Upper Main Stand, and suddenly the rhythm starts. It’s simple. It’s primal. It’s just a bunch of "nas" followed by a name that carries the weight of a dozen trophies. When people search for the na na na nananana liverpool song, they aren't usually looking for a complex musical composition. They are looking for the anthem of a defensive revolution. We are talking about the Virgil van Dijk chant, set to the tune of "Dirty Old Town" by The Pogues (originally by Ewan MacColl). It is the kind of song that gets stuck in your head for three days straight, and honestly, that’s exactly why it works so well.
Football songs are weird. They shouldn’t work. You’ve got thousands of people, most of whom couldn't hit a high C if their lives depended on it, trying to harmonize in a cold wind. But when the Virgil chant kicks off, the simplicity of those "na na" syllables creates this wall of sound that is basically impossible to ignore. It’s not just a song; it’s a vibe.
Why the Virgil van Dijk Chant Took Over Anfield
Most people think football chants are just random noise, but there is actually a bit of a science to why the na na na nananana liverpool song became the definitive sound of the Klopp era. It replaced the more complex, wordy chants of the past with something anyone—even a tourist visiting Liverpool for the first time—could scream at the top of their lungs.
The song goes:
"He’s our center-half, he’s our number four... watch him defend, and we watch him score. He can pass the ball, calm as you like... he’s Virgil van Dijk, he’s Virgil van Dijk."
Then comes the "na na na" part. That's the hook.
It’s iconic. It’s catchy. It’s intimidating. When a striker hears 50,000 people singing about how "calm" the guy they are supposed to be beating is, it does something to the psyche. It’s psychological warfare disguised as a folk song. The choice of "Dirty Old Town" as the melody was a stroke of genius by the fans. It’s a song about industrial heritage and grit, which fits the city of Liverpool like a glove.
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Liverpool fans have a history of adapting great tunes. We’ve seen it with "Poor Scouser Tommy" and the countless iterations of "Fields of Anfield Road." But this one felt different because it coincided with the moment Liverpool stopped being "heavy metal" and started being "invincible."
The Evolution of the Lyrics
While the core of the na na na nananana liverpool song stays the same, you’ll hear slight variations depending on which corner of the ground you’re in. Some fans lean harder into the "calm as you like" line because that specific phrase perfectly encapsulates Big Virg’s playing style. He doesn't sweat. He doesn't panic. He just glides.
There was a moment back in 2019, during the run-up to the Champions League final in Madrid, where this song was basically the soundtrack of the city. You couldn't walk down Bold Street without hearing a group of kids or a group of grandads humming those "nas." It bridged a generational gap. Older fans remembered the original Pogues version, while the younger crowd just knew it as the theme song for the best defender in the world.
Other Liverpool Songs That Follow the Na Na Na Pattern
Liverpool’s songbook is massive, and Virgil isn't the only one with a "na na" heavy anthem. It’s a common trope because, let’s be real, it’s hard to remember complex lyrics when you’re riding the adrenaline of a 90th-minute winner.
- The Mo Salah Chant: While it’s mostly "Egyptian King," the rhythmic chanting often devolves into melodic "nas" during the celebrations.
- The Diogo Jota Song: Set to "Maggie May" by Rod Stewart. It’s got a similar storytelling vibe but builds into that frantic, repetitive energy that mirrors his playing style.
- Maxi Rodriguez: Remember that one? "Maxi, Maxi Rodriguez runs down the wing for me..." It followed a similar repetitive cadence that made it an instant earworm.
The na na na nananana liverpool song remains the king of the "easy-to-sing" category, though. It doesn't require the vocal range of "You’ll Never Walk Alone," nor the rapid-fire delivery of the "Si Señor" Bobby Firmino chant. It’s accessible.
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The Cultural Impact of the Chant Beyond the Pitch
Believe it or not, this chant actually made its way back to the original artists. Jamie Webster, the unofficial musician of the Liverpool fan movement, played a massive role in popularizing the acoustic, sing-along version of the Virgil chant. His performances at BOSS Night events turned what was a terrace shout into a genuine folk anthem.
When Webster plays those first few chords of "Dirty Old Town," the room explodes. It’s a weirdly emotional experience for a lot of people. It represents a period where Liverpool fans felt truly connected to the players on the pitch. Virgil himself has mentioned in interviews how much he loves the song. He’s a guy who values respect and stature, and having a song that sounds so "big" fits his persona perfectly.
Honestly, the na na na nananana liverpool song is probably the reason "Dirty Old Town" has seen a massive spike in streaming numbers over the last few years. It’s a legacy that stretches from the shipyards of Salford to the Kop at Anfield.
Breaking Down the Viral Success
Why did this specific song go viral on TikTok and Instagram Reels while others faded? It's the "drop." There is a specific point in the chant where the rhythm shifts from the lyrics into the "na na" section, and that's usually when the beat drops in social media edits.
If you look at the stats from 2024 and 2025, fan-shot footage of the Virgil chant continues to be some of the most shared Liverpool content online. It’s visual and auditory shorthand for "Liverpool is winning."
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Common Misconceptions About the Song
A lot of people think the "na na na" part is just filler because fans forgot the words. That’s actually not true. In the context of British folk music, those melodic repetitions are designed to let the melody breathe. It’s a call-and-response mechanism. One section of the crowd does the lyrics, the other handles the "nas." It creates a surround-sound effect that is terrifying for visiting teams.
Another mistake? People often confuse it with the "Hey Jude" chant. While "Hey Jude" is the ultimate "na na na" song, the Liverpool Virgil chant has a much more melancholy, folk-inspired roots. It’s not a pop song; it’s a ballad.
How to Get the Most Out of the Liverpool Songbook
If you’re heading to Anfield for the first time, or even if you’re just watching from home and want to feel more connected to the atmosphere, there are a few things you should do to really "get" the na na na nananana liverpool song.
First, listen to the original "Dirty Old Town." Understand the pacing. The chant is slower than you think. A lot of fans make the mistake of rushing it, but the beauty of the Virgil song is in the slow, deliberate build-up. It should feel like a march.
Second, pay attention to the lyrics. "Calm as you like" isn't just a rhyme; it’s the core philosophy of that team. Understanding that makes singing it feel a lot more meaningful.
Actionable Steps for the True Fan
- Learn the second verse: Most people only know the first part. Dig into the fan forums to find the extended versions that sometimes pop up in the local pubs before the game.
- Check out Jamie Webster’s live sessions: If you want to hear the definitive version of the na na na nananana liverpool song, find his BOSS Night recordings on YouTube or Spotify.
- Watch the player's reaction: Next time Virgil scores or makes a massive tackle, watch the crowd. The song starts almost instantly. Timing your "nas" with the rest of the Kop is a rite of passage.
- Respect the roots: If you’re ever in a pub and the original Pogues version comes on, don't just start screaming the football lyrics immediately. Let the song breathe. It’s a classic for a reason.
The na na na nananana liverpool song isn't just a piece of sports trivia. It’s a living part of the club's identity. It’s the sound of a center-back who changed everything, and a fan base that finally had something to sing about again. Whether you’re singing it in a stadium or humming it in your kitchen, it’s a reminder of why we love the game. It’s simple, it’s loud, and it’s ours.