THE DEMONS will run out to a special version of their theme song on Saturday night at TIO Traeger Park, with It’s a Grand Old Flag to be played in the local Arrernte language.
The rendition of the song was translated by country musician Warren H Williams and was first played when Melbourne opened Sir Doug Nicholls Round in 2018.
This year’s Heart of the Nation match will see the song played prior to the Dees taking on St Kilda.
While the tune rings true, there are some differences, with several words not having a direct translation into English.
The ‘red sand’ and ‘blue sky’ of Arrernte language are used instead of the club’s colours, adding to the uniqueness of the rendition.
On Saturday night, the team will run out to a special version of 'It's a Grand Old Flag'.
— Melbourne Demons (@melbournefc) August 26, 2020
Our theme song will be played in the local Arrernte language. ??
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Reflecting on his contribution back in 2018, Williams said he was honoured to give the song a local touch.
“Music is part of my life. If someone asks you to sing a footy club song, it’s awesome,” he said.
“It’s from Western Arrernte – it’s central language – as the Melbourne team is playing their [Central Australia] game in Alice [Springs].
“There are a lot of words in Arrernte that are similar to the words that are in the Melbourne [Football] Club song, but you can still understand it – if you sing it in Arrernte.”
The Demons will also wear their 2020 Indigenous guernsey, which was designed by defender Neville Jetta, for the game.
