Sympathy for David Icke
Waterboys · Other Songs - Waterboys
they greet his name with ridicule
He says things that they don't like
but don't dismiss Mr. Icke
Let them curse and let them blow
they do not know what they do not know
They truth is like a lightening strike
but don't dismiss Mr. Icke
Before the protests fled your throat
take a look at the book he wrote
It won't take up much of your time
it could change your life or even your mind
His taste in tracksuits may be bland
and the wisdom may outweigh the man
And his predictions may be shite
but don't dismiss Mr. Icke
I'm not saying he's the king
and he himself claims no such thing
He said we all are points of light
and you know what, I think he's right
So friends and neighbours far and near
don't be swayed by lies and smears
Let them call him what they like
but don't dismiss Mr. Icke
Don't dismiss Mr. Icke
Sympathy for David Icke
Waterboys' 1988 single 'Sympathy for David Icke' stands as a defining track of the band's mid-career shift toward darker, more introspective songwriting. Released during a period of intense personal turmoil and public scrutiny, the recording captures the group's transition from their earlier jangle-pop sound to a heavier, more textured style characterized by Richard Ashcroft's brooding vocals and intricate guitar work. The song addresses the fallout surrounding the band's association with the controversial figure David Icke, blending personal vulnerability with a broader commentary on fame and public perception. It remains a pivotal moment in their discography, showcasing a maturity that would influence their subsequent albums and cement their reputation as a band capable of profound emotional expression beyond their initial pop-rock image.