Song of the Day (A-Z): Idlewild – Actually It’s Darkness

As a way to ease the boredom of lockdown I have decided to participate in the Song of the Day challenge proposed by fellow blogger William. I will be choosing a song a day for each letter of the alphabet. Also inspired by William, I will reproduce the lyrics to the song where possible (ie. unless it’s an instrumental song).

For day 1 (or day A) I have chosen Actually It’s Darkness by Idlewild. This was the second single to be released from their excellent second album, 100 Broken Windows. As far as I know it’s the only single to chart in the UK top 40 with the word ‘actually’ in it’s title, reaching #23 in March 2000. It’s a melodic slice of post-R.E.M. indie pop with typically clever lyrics, catchy hooks and a chorus which is anthemic in an understated way.

You thought the fire could protect you from it
But why have you been so, why have you been ill informed?
I felt that fire could protect me from everything
You’re just too gullible

Actually it’s darkness, I don’t know what I’m scared of
It’s darkness, I must be scared of something
You must be scared of something, quite quite special

You shed a shade of shyness
You shed a shade of shyness
You shed a shade of shyness
Why can’t you be more cynical?

I knew the winter could protect me from it
One box if film won’t make it all go cold
I thought that winter could hide me from everything
I’m just too gullible, for words

Actually it’s darkness, I don’t know what I’m scared of
It’s darkness, I must be scared of something
You must be scared of something, quite quite special

You shed a shade of shyness
You shed a shade of shyness
You shed a shade of shyness
Why can’t you be more cynical?

I don’t look the same in the photograph
I need to look the way I did in the photograph
By mentioning places it will all become clear
If we speak the same language, you’re a deeper darker reason…

You shed a shade of shyness
You shed a shade of shyness
You shed a shade of shyness
Why can’t you be more cynical?

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