Self-deprecating It Only Takes One Lion is partly inspired by team’s current song, Yes Sir, I Can BoogieThe lyrics came to Stuart Murdoch in the hazy aftermath of Scotland’s dramatic qualification for the World Cup.The Belle and Sebastian frontman had watched his side’s playoff victory over Denmark through his fingers before deciding to write his own anthem to a
Belle and Sebastian debuted It Only Takes One Lion at the Royal Albert Hall in London in April.
Photograph: Sonja Horsman/The Guardian View image in fullscreen Belle and Sebastian debuted It Only Takes One Lion at the Royal Albert Hall in London in April.
Photograph: Sonja Horsman/The Guardian Belle and Sebastian write Scotland anthem after dramatic World Cup qualifier Self-deprecating It Only Takes One Lion is partly inspired by team’s current song, Yes Sir, I Can Boogie The lyrics came to Stuart Murdoch in the hazy aftermath of Scotland’s dramatic qualification for the World Cup .
The Belle and Sebastian frontman had watched his side’s playoff victory over Denmark through his fingers before deciding to write his own anthem to a team he has followed for more than 50 years. “Most people recognised instantly the next day that they’d witnessed the most important Scottish game ever,” says Murdoch. “That was our magic moment.” View image in fullscreen Scotland’s Kenny McLean celebrates at the World Cup European qualifying match at Hampden Park, Glasgow.
Photograph: Andrew Milligan/PA It Only Takes One Lion starts by hinting at the travails of the team (“You gave us hope, you gave us despair”), turns into a bombastic four-on-the-floor singalong with self-deprecating lyrics (“This is Scotland, where everybody knows you start with nothing”), and nods to the Tartan Army (“you can join an army that’s for peace”).
View image in fullscreen Football has been a life pursuit for Stuart Murdoch.
Photograph: Belle and Sebastian Football has been a life pursuit for Murdoch, who is an Ayr United fan, and Belle and Sebastian have broached the topic of football before, notably in the tale of Sunday league woes, Another Sunny Day.
It Only Takes One Lion, however, is a different prospect. The song’s danceable beat was inspired by the team’s current anthem, Baccara’s 1977 hit, Yes Sir, I Can Boogie, which has been blasted out at Hampden Park after recent Scotland victories . “I like the thought that they just might play It Only Takes One Lion after a game, that’s what I fantasise about,” Murdoch says.
The song, which the band debuted as part of an encore at an April gig at the Royal Albert Hall and is out on 2 June, coincides with Scotland preparing to play in their first World Cup tournament since 1998.
Scotland will face Brazil and Morocco in the group stage, with Haiti the final team making up a tough draw. But Murdoch remains optimistic about the team avoiding any unnecessary drama.
View image in fullscreen The Scotland team for the 1978 World Cup in Argentina.
Photograph: Colorsport/Shutterstock He concedes It Only Takes One Lion is a not-too-subtle dig at the auld enemy and England’s anthem, Three Lions, Baddiel and Skinner’s track, which celebrates its 30th birthday this summer. “It was done in a nice way,” says Murdoch, who says he will support England if Scotland get knocked out early.
Belle and Sebastian review – joyful anniversary tour makes debut album brighter than ever Read more It is fair to say Scotland and Murdoch have got a bit of previous with the World Cup. The singer’s earliest memories of the team at the tournament are of the 1974 edition where Scotland – despite not losing a game and only conceding one goal – were knocked out in the first round. There was more heartbreak in 1978 when a formidable Scotland team featuring Joe Jordan, Graeme Souness and Kenny Dalglish came back early from Argentina – despite a legendary Archie Gemmill goal.
The band’s US tour finishes on the same night Scotland play Haiti in their first game, but Murdoch may try to watch a later group game, despite the eye-watering prices Fifa is charging for tickets. “We’re going to play it by ear,” he says. “I’m hoping the song does well and we’ll get invited to a game.” Explore more on these topics Belle and Sebastian Scotland (Football) World Cup 2026 Scotland (UK news) World Cup news Share Reuse this content
