Dr. John Cooper Clarke, punk poet laureate, wrote a poem inspired by Sheffield. We present it below.
To the tune of “Stockport” by Frankie Vaughan
I’ve travelled up and down this country
From St Helen’s down to St Ives
I’ve dined in the finest of places,
and there’s one word I read on the knives
displayed on any blade of quality
Sheffield Sheffield Sheffield
It calls to me.
I’m going to Sheffield
I really rate it
I mean Sheffield
I’m gonna reiterate it
S-H-E-F-F-I-EL-D
Sheffield Sheffield Sheffield
It’s got to be.
There’s Richard Hawley on the corner
The cockers both Jarvis and Joe
Henderson’s relish to order
And a steak and kidney to go
Park Hil’ls airborne avenues above.
Sheffield – that’s a place I love.
I’m going to Sheffield
The reputation is stainless
oh yeah Sheffield
Internationally famous
Where hobnail boots are shabby chic
And Wednesday ain’t some day of the week
S-H-E-F-F-I-EL-D
Sheffield Sheffield Sheffield
Shoo be doo bee doeee
I’m going to Sheffield
My destiny walks here
You heard me right Sheffield
Republic of South Yorkshire
It’s a town that’s out on its own
I’m gonna shout it down this microphone
Sheffield is my second home
Sweet home sweet home
Sweet home sweet swingin’ ho-ome
Dr. John Cooper Clarke is a Salford-born poet and performer who has shared bills with the likes of Joy Division, the Sex Pistols and the Fall, and released multiple albums. He still performs, and appeared on AM on "I Wanna Be Yours."