When Crystal Palace and Manchester City step onto the Wembley pitch this Saturday, the roar of the crowd will be preceded by a moment of quiet tradition. Before the UK national anthem, "God Save the King," fans from both sides will join together to sing "Abide With Me," a hymn that has been part of FA Cup final day for nearly a century.

First introduced at the 1927 final between Cardiff City and Arsenal, this Christian hymn was written by Anglican cleric Henry Francis Lyte in 1847. Lyte, who was battling tuberculosis at the time, penned the lyrics as a prayer for divine presence through life's highs and lows. He passed away just three years after completing the hymn, but his words have become an enduring symbol of unity in English football.

Typically performed about 15 minutes before kickoff, "Abide With Me" was originally led by a brass band on the field, with both sets of supporters joining in. In recent years, guest singers have taken on the honor. For the 2025 final, Sinead Ashiokai and Siena MBC will perform, backed by the Massed Bands of His Majesty's Royal Marines.

As fans wave their scarves and banners, this shared moment—stretching back almost a century—reminds everyone that, for a few minutes, rivalries fade and the magic of the cup takes center stage. Whether you're dressed in Palace red and blue or City sky blue, "Abide With Me" is the song that brings Wembley together before the battle begins.