I've had a lot of time out, from here and the match. I've been doing some thinking.
When I started going in the early / mid 80s, there wasn't much singing at all. If we were playing United, Everton or a big cup match the atmosphere was intimidating, every 50 50 ball would be roared, every ref's decision would be contested and even when the linesmen used to check the nets 45 minutes before the match the Kop would remind them where they were. Apart from hoolie songs directed at the away supporters there was only really singing when celebrating. Despite the lack of singing, the atmosphere was boss but in a different kind of way.
I realise the 60s and early 70s were different. The way I see it is that it's a reflection of the mood of the city its self. In the 60s, the City was thriving and flamboyant. In the 80s it was dark and gritty. This was reflected in the atmosphere on the Kop.
The thing is though, when the atmosphere was shit, I didn't notice it. I was standing there in front of Dalglish, Souness, Rush, Hansen, et, al. I was too absorbed in the match to notice anything else. As a kid I'd join in with the lads, not to try to make the atmosphere better, but as a reaction to being absorbed in the match.
The conclusion I drew from this is that if you're not absorbed in the match, then it's not worth going. And if people are trying to get songs going, without being absorbed in the match then it's not natural, it's forced and trying too hard wont leave you happy.
I haven't felt absorbed in the match for a long time, and unless you feel absorbed, you're probably best packing it in yourself. If you've had a shit time cos we got beat - fair enough. If you've had a shit time because the person next to you didn't join in a song then just pack it in, because nothing's going to change.