What is the song they play before the FA Cup final?

The sound and colour of FA Cup final day provides one of the highlights of the English football calendar.

In the 2025 final, Crystal Palace and Manchester City supporters will be decked out with club scarves and banners as they trade terrace chants.

But before kickoff, there will also be a unifying moment that stretches back almost a century.

Prior to the UK national anthem of 'God Save the King', those in attendance at Wembley will be invited to join in with the traditional cup final hymn 'Abide With Me'.

MORE: Top 3 predictions by pundits for Manchester City vs. Crystal Palace in FA Cup final

Why do they sing Abide With Me at the FA Cup final?

Abide With Me is a Christian hymn written by Anglican cleric Henry Francis Lyte in 1847.

It is a prayer asking for God to be present in life and death, good times and bad.

Lyte is believed to have written the lyrics when suffering from tuberculosis and sadly died three after finishng them.

Abide With Me is typically performed around 15 minutes before kickoff and first featured at the 1927 cup final between Cardiff City and Arsenal.

Traditionally, a brass band on the field would lead the supporters of both teams in a rendition. Guest singers are a more recent addition.

At the 2025 FA Cup final, Sinead Ashiokai and Siena MBC will sing Abide With Me, backed by the Massed Bands of His Majesty's Royal Marines.

MORE: Ten biggest upsets in FA Cup history: Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Man City all victims of 'Magic of the cup'

What are the full lyrics to Abide With Me?

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, O 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.

Not a brief glance I beg, a passing word,
But as Thou dwell’st with Thy disciples, Lord,
Familiar, condescending, patient, free.
Come not to sojourn, but abide with me.

Come not in terror, as the King of kings,
But kind and good, with healing in Thy wings;
Tears for all woes, a heart for every plea.
Come, Friend of sinners, thus abide with me.

Thou on my head in early youth didst smile,
And though rebellious and perverse meanwhile,
Thou hast not left me, oft as I left Thee.
On to the close, O Lord, abide with me.

I need Thy presence every passing hour.
What but Thy grace can foil the tempter’s power?
Who, like Thyself, my guide and stay can be?
Through cloud and sunshine, Lord, 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 lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd