| "Sunshine on Leith" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single bythe Proclaimers | ||||
| from the albumSunshine on Leith | ||||
| Released | 31 October 1988[1] | |||
| Recorded | 1988 | |||
| Length | 5:14[2] | |||
| Label | Chrysalis | |||
| Songwriters |
| |||
| Producer | Pete Wingfield | |||
| The Proclaimers singles chronology | ||||
| ||||
"Sunshine on Leith" is aballad by Scottish duothe Proclaimers.[3] Released in 1988, it is the title-track and second single from their albumSunshine on Leith (1988). It narrowly missed out on the UK Top 40 Singles Charts, peaking at number forty-one in the United Kingdom, and since its release, the song has become an unofficial anthem forHibernian F.C.[4]
The song has been described as an "anthem of love" by theBBC, who later reported it has "brought communities together and touched lives" since its original release.[5] Since its release, "Sunshine on Leith" has become an unofficial club anthem for Scottish football clubHibernian, whose supporters often sing the song during matches. The song first began its association with the club during the Hands Off Hibs campaign in the 1990s, in response to a proposed takeover of the club by theHeart of Midlothian chairman Willie Mercer. The Proclaimers were actively involved in the campaign and headlined at the rally that was organised on behalf of the campaign at theUsher Hall inEdinburgh. As a result, the song has since been described as "a love song that has become a terrace anthem".[6]
"Sunshine on Leith" was released as the single from the albumSunshine on Leith, released in October 1988. The song was produced byPete Wingfield and written by both Craig and Charlie Reid.[7] Wingfield had previously worked withthe Everly Brothers, with whom the Proclaimers were frequently compared; Reid described it as a "happy coincidence" and stated that Wingfield was hired because he had produced theDexys Midnight Runners debut albumSearching for the Young Soul Rebels (1980).[8]
Bill Wyman of theChicago Reader commented that the song, which he thought to be "a cross between ahymn and anEagles tune", "genuinely reaches," describing the track as a "'I'm in love and happy to ever have been born' tearjerker".[9]
"Sunshine on Leith" has become a prominent song for families to play during funeral services in the band’s native Scotland, partly in course due to its lyrics such as "my heart is broken" and "my tears are drying, thank you". The Proclaimers claimed that the significance of the song at funeral services "is interesting" but claimed that they do not think the song has any ability to overtake "Angels" byRobbie Williams as being a popular choice for services.[10]
The songs composition has been described as "aCeltic-tinged ballad with truly heart-melting qualities".[11]
"Sunshine on Leith" is played frequently atEaster Road Stadium by Edinburgh-based football teamHibernian, of whom the band are supporters.[12]
In June 2018, "Sunshine on Leith" was voted the UK's favouritefootball anthem as part of the "Football Anthems World Cup" bySteve Lamacq onBBC Radio 6.[3] The song featured on theBBC Radio 4 seriesSoul Music on 15 December 2020.[13]
| Chart (1988) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| UK Singles (OCC)[14] | 41 |
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom (BPI)[15] | Silver | 200,000‡ |
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
"Sunshine on Leith" was recorded byDavid Tennant and theBBC Concert Orchestra for the charity albumBBC Children in Need: Got It Covered, released in 2019.[16]
In February 2025, it was covered by Coldplay and the BBC Concert Orchestra (featuring Laura Mvula) as part of the Radio 2 Piano Room series.[17]
The Best Of album, due for release in the UK on May 13, features 20 songs drawn from the duo's 15-year career, including Sunshine On Leith, their famous anthem which is regularly played at Easter Road, home of their beloved Hibernian Football Club.
