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The song came to Stuart Murdoch after his outstanding performance in Scotland to qualify for the scholarship. World Cup.
The leader of Belle and Sebastian looked in his direction Denmark’s championship victory through his fingers before he decided to write his own song for the band he has followed for more than 50 years. “Most people knew immediately the next day that they had seen a very important Scottish game,” says Murdoch. “That was our magic moment.”
It only takes one Lion it begins with a hint of the band’s struggles (“You gave us hope, you gave us hope”), it turns into a rock-bottom song with refrains (“This is Scotland, where everyone knows you start with nothing”), and a reference to the Tartan Army (“you can join the army of peace”).
Football has always been the lifeblood of Murdoch, who is an actor Ayr United fan, and Belle and Sebastian have broached the subject of football in the past, most notably in the Sunday Trouble episode, Another Sunny Day.
It only takes one Lion, however, to hope otherwise. The song’s dance moves were inspired by the band’s current hit, Baccara’s 1977 hit, Yes Sir, I Can Boogie. erupted at Hampden Park after Scotland’s recent victories. “I like the idea that they can play Just Take One Lion After the game, that’s what I was thinking,” says Murdoch.
The album, which the band debuted as part of a concert in April at the Royal Albert Hall and was released on 2 June, is in line with Scotland are preparing to play in their first World Cup since 1998.
Scotland face Brazil and Morocco in the group stage, with Haiti the final team making the tough draw. But Mr Murdoch remains hopeful that the team will avoid any unnecessary drama.
He admits that It Only Takes One Lion is an unabashed dig at arch-rival and England anthem Three Lions, Baddiel and Skinner’s track, which celebrates its 30th birthday this summer. “It was well done,” says Murdoch, who says he will back England if Scotland are knocked out early.
It is fair to say that Scotland and Murdoch have done it before with the World Cup. The team’s earliest memory of the tournament dates back to 1974 when Scotland – though. never lose a game and only score one goal – was released in the first round. There was heartbreak in 1978 when a formidable Scotland team featuring Joe Jordan, Graeme Souness and Kenny Dalglish came back early from Argentina – despite an Archie Gemmill goal.
The team’s tour of the US ends on the same night as Scotland play Haiti in their first game, but Murdoch may try to watch some of the team’s games, despite the eye-watering prices Fifa is charging for tickets. He said: “We will play it by ear. I hope this song will do well and we will be invited to play.”
