Ian Broudie, the 67-year-old frontman of The Lightning Seeds, has revealed that the iconic England football anthem 'Three Lions' is often misunderstood. The song, created in 1996 with comedians David Baddiel and Frank Skinner, was never intended to be about winning, according to Broudie.
The true meaning behind 'It's coming home'
Speaking to Metro, Broudie explained that the famous phrase 'It's coming home' referred to the competition itself, not a trophy. 'It's coming home referred to the competition. That was the first competition that was going to be on in England since 1966, so it was all referring to going to the competition,' he recalled. The song was written for the UEFA European Championship hosted by England that year.
Broudie laughed as he noted he 'loves' that the song has since taken on its 'own life,' becoming a staple chant for England fans during international tournaments. He admitted the trio had 'no idea' it would gain such immense traction.
A song about dreaming
Reflecting on the track's deeper meaning, Broudie said, 'I think it's a song about dreaming. Whenever that dream is re-evoked, I go back to the song.' He expressed pride in the anthem but acknowledged an element of overshadowing his other work. 'There were times when the behemoth of a song wasn't his favourite to sing,' he said, though he no longer feels that way.
Initially, Broudie decided the Lightning Seeds would not perform 'Three Lions' at their shows, focusing instead on their third album 'Jollification.' However, they walked out to crowds of fans in England shirts, and the song eventually became a natural part of their setlist. He joked that they still don't play it in Scotland.
Reluctance to re-record
Broudie expressed reluctance to re-record the song, despite it being 'tempting.' He noted that even the 1998 version and other recordings were done reluctantly, and he believes Baddiel and Skinner feel the same. 'Once a record or a song is out there, it's not yours anymore, and it means a different thing to all those people,' he explained.
He quipped that despite Harry Kane's efforts, there won't be a 'Three Lions '26' update. The Lightning Seeds are scheduled to play the song at their Somerset House gig on July 19, hours before the Men's World Cup final, ensuring 'it will be coming home on July 19, one way or another.'
