Belle and Sebastian have released “It Only Takes One Lion”, their new Scotland World Cup anthem. The track was released today, 2 June, and was written after Scotland’s 4-2 qualifying win over Denmark. Frontman Stuart Murdoch, who grew up in Ayr, has described the victory as feeling historic in the moment, with the song arriving as Scotland prepare for their first World Cup appearance since 1998 and the excitement continues to build ahead of the tournament. No pressure, then. Just the hopes of a nation.
Produced and co-written with Pete Ferguson, “It Only Takes One Lion” moves from a hymn-like opening into a bright disco-pop anthem, with Murdoch singing about the hope, nerves and emotional rollercoaster of following Scotland on the world stage. The music video features the band alongside archival football footage, the song also gives nods to Scottish players including Kieran Tierney, Kenny McLean and Scott McTominay.
Murdoch said the track is personal to him after decades of following the national team, adding that it tries to capture the experience of the whole country supporting Scotland.
Belle and Sebastian first premiered the song during their recent Royal Albert Hall show in London, as part of the band’s anniversary tour celebrating Tigermilk and If You’re Feeling Sinister.
For CultureCues, this is the kind of Scottish pop culture crossover we can absolutely get behind. A Belle and Sebastian World Cup anthem about hope, heartbreak and the beautiful stress of supporting Scotland? That feels painfully accurate. As a Scottish writer, there is something very joyful about seeing one of the country’s most beloved indie bands put the national football feeling into song. Who needs three lions anyway?
“It Only Takes One Lion” is out now. Watch the official music video below.
Nikki Murray is a UK-based writer, screenwriter and founder & editor of CultureCues, covering film, television, music and pop culture. Her work focuses on storytelling and the moments shaping modern entertainment.