The unexpected rise of the 1970s disco hit ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ as Scotland’s unofficial anthem for Euro 2024 has taken the nation by storm. The song, originally by Spanish duo Baccara, has been embraced by the Tartan Army and will be heard loud and clear as Scotland takes on Germany in the opening game of the tournament.
The unlikely journey of the song becoming a national sensation began with Andy Considine, a veteran Aberdeen defender, who only made three appearances for Scotland. Considine and his friends created a spoof music video of ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ during his stag do in 2015, which went viral and became a cult hit among Scottish football fans. The video resurfaced when Considine received his first Scotland call-up at the age of 33, leading to the song’s resurgence as Scotland qualified for Euro 2020.
The qualification provided a much-needed boost to the country during a winter lockdown, and ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ became a symbol of celebration and unity. The song re-entered the charts after 43 years, surprising even the original members of Baccara, Maria Mendiola, and Mayte Mateos. Mendiola expressed her gratitude to the Scottish team and Andy Considine for bringing joy into her life after so many years.
Tragically, Mendiola passed away in September 2021, leaving behind a legacy with ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ selling over 16 million copies worldwide. Despite Scotland’s early exit from Euro 2020, the song remained a constant presence and will once again be the soundtrack of the Tartan Army’s journey to Germany for Euro 2024.
As Scotland prepares for the upcoming tournament, fans are eagerly anticipating the return of full crowds and lively nights. ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ will undoubtedly be a central part of the celebrations, with hopes of a successful campaign on the field to match the enthusiasm off it. The song’s revival has brought people together and created a sense of national pride that transcends borders and generations, making it a true anthem for the ages.