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The Icicle Works — Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream)
Album: Icicle Works
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1833









Released: 1984
Length: 3:41
Plays (last 30 days): 0
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Love come down upon us till you flow like water
Burning with the hope of insight
Feathered, look they're covered with a bright elation
Stolen in the sight of love

We are, we are, we are but your children
Finding our way around indecision
We are, we are, we are rather helpless
Take us forever, a whisper to a scream

Birds fly in the eyes of the faithless daughter
Broken at the bitter end
Wasted sacrificed for a new nirvana
Nighttime sends us on our way

We are, we are, we are but your children
Finding our way around indecision
We are, we are, we are rather helpless
Take us forever a whisper to a scream

A whisper to a scream
A whisper to a scream
A whisper to a scream
A whisper to a scream

We are, we are, we are but your children
Finding our way around indecision
We are, we are, we are rather helpless
Take us forever a whisper to a scream

We are, we are, we are but your children
Finding our way around indecision
We are, we are, we are rather helpless
Take us forever a whisper to a scream

We are, we are, we are but your children
Finding our way around indecision
We are, we are, we are rather helpless
Take us forever a whisper to a scream
Comments (230)add comment
I hadn't noticed the dialog in the background during the intro until today.  Great tune.
Posted 1 year ago by nomnol    [ Reply ]
 bitterdave wrote:

Wow - the opening sounds so much like the Sundays 'Skin & Bones'.  Hadn't noticed that before . . .



I just noticed it for the first time today! Can't believe I hadn't heard it before.
Posted 1 year ago by chiefbrody    [ Reply ]
Nice and nostalgic, even though I only recall a cover of it for the 1996 Scream movie soundtrack 😁
Posted 2 years ago by CCSandman    [ Reply ]
this and the fixx - great bands that I listened to in 1984
Posted 2 years ago by tm    [ Reply ]
Could almost have been sung by Andy Partridge. 
Posted 2 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
 MirageRF wrote:

For an '80's tune, I like it, not a lot, but it's good for the mix.  6


Never knew this bands name.  giving a 6 rating as well.
Posted 2 years ago by the_jake    [ Reply ]
Great Tune!!    I love the floor toms!!
Posted 2 years ago by eileenomurphy    [ Reply ]
Not quite a dirge, but maybe 🤔 a lament to the mortal coil…?! It took me years to recognize the beautiful, transcendent qualities of what I originally believed to be just a catchy pop song!
Posted 2 years ago by xc.farmer.antoine486    [ Reply ]
Wow - the opening sounds so much like the Sundays 'Skin & Bones'.  Hadn't noticed that before . . .
Posted 2 years ago by bitterdave    [ Reply ]
 adpucci wrote:
Ian McNabb is a faithful listener of RP and loves the tunes, Bill {#Cheesygrin}


I wonder how many other artists played here regularly listen to RP?
Posted 3 years ago by dmcanany    [ Reply ]
My lovebird loves this song 
Posted 3 years ago by neelsg    [ Reply ]
Timeless    
Posted 3 years ago by geonuine    [ Reply ]
 NewFee wrote:
This would be a guilty pleasure if I felt any guilt. Which I do not.


 

If the pleasure is genuine its never guilty
Posted 3 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
Posted 3 years ago by tgrier    [ Reply ]
Love it 
Drum "twins" with Bow Wow Wow and Adam Ant 
Posted 4 years ago by mleidig    [ Reply ]
maybe its the emotional ties to my HS graduation era, but this is a solid 8-9 to me.....this song is as sing along worthy now as it was 35 years ago
Posted 4 years ago by photolew    [ Reply ]
 Hoosfoos wrote:
Grade 8. I had been given a FM Walkman which I thought was the coolest thing ever.
 
Good reason to think it. They *were* the coolest thing ever. Man, the time spent making tapes of everything...
Posted 4 years ago by bseib    [ Reply ]
I think these guys could sue Pearl Jam for stealing some of their riffs.  When this song started I thought we were in for some kind of remix of Even Flow.
Posted 4 years ago by pinto    [ Reply ]
Matthew Priest in the current line-up: former drummer with Dodgy?
Posted 4 years ago by SECA_Alan    [ Reply ]
how did I miss this outfit back in the 80s, thanks RP, going to dig into them
Posted 4 years ago by jkforde    [ Reply ]
 obankenobi wrote:
kindred tribal feel to Bow Wow Wow
 

And Echo and the Bunny Men.
Posted 4 years ago by cob427uk1    [ Reply ]
 ExploitingChaos wrote:
 
 
I love someone who can give "all my love" to a guitar tone.  I feel ya.
Posted 4 years ago by cely    [ Reply ]
This would be a guilty pleasure if I felt any guilt. Which I do not.

Yes, there may have been out-loud singing. And yes, maybe some air drums.

What of it I ask?
Posted 5 years ago by NewFee    [ Reply ]
kindred tribal feel to Bow Wow Wow
Posted 5 years ago by obankenobi    [ Reply ]
Beat mix into Night of Rebellion- INXS... 80's Gold
Posted 5 years ago by djfrozenfresh765    [ Reply ]
Heard it in "Stranger things" just yesterday, what a coincidence!
Posted 5 years ago by toomanynights    [ Reply ]
What a glorious pluck from the 80's alternative stacks!
Bravo!!!
I'm standing on my seat for this ovation!
Hell, I'm doing "the wave", by myself!




You know, years ago when my ever-wise and radiant queen began putting RP on, I would grumble to myself and roll my eyes.
Now I have the app on my phone and it's all we listen to, home and on the go.
Posted 5 years ago by Ihatethissong    [ Reply ]
ALL of my LOVE to that guitar tone
and to the bands still rocking it
Posted 5 years ago by ExploitingChaos    [ Reply ]
Well, some things don't change, and that's a relief! Still mix up the Icicle Works and The Lightning Seeds. Kinda always sounded one in the same.
Posted 6 years ago by Grayson    [ Reply ]

{#Daisy}Wow this has taken me back to my youth. Love it xxx

Posted 6 years ago by Bev_and_Wendy    [ Reply ]
Grade 8. I had been given a FM Walkman which I thought was the coolest thing ever.
Posted 6 years ago by Hoosfoos    [ Reply ]
This song infuriates emus. 
Posted 6 years ago by Grammarcop    [ Reply ]
Almost Andy Partridge and XTC, wot? Wonderful memories. Speaking of memories today was my first day out on the town in my adopted hometown of Washington, DC where I once lived from '76 to '90. After a long absence in Dallas I moved back to DC last Fall and finally got out and about the city walking downtown DC on this lovely bright and sunny afternoon. So much has changed and so much remains the same. Kinda like RP! Everything old is new again. Anyway, a bit of day drinking was involved (can you tell?) and I'm happy to be back in such a wonderful wonderful city. At long last I am home! Now to resurrect the old WGTB and WHFS.....
Posted 6 years ago by chinaski    [ Reply ]
 treatment_bound wrote:
Icicle Works > A-ha

 
A-ha > Icicle Works > Erasure
Posted 6 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
Synchronicity. I watched episode 7 of Season 2 of Stranger Things the other night and this song played during the end credits... I couldn't remember the band name so had to Google it. Sure brings back memories of the 80s this one does... :-)
Posted 6 years ago by MM_Prague    [ Reply ]
love, love, love this song

Thanks Bill
Posted 7 years ago by sunybuny    [ Reply ]
Icicle Works > A-ha
Posted 7 years ago by treatment_bound    [ Reply ]
Gosh, as a "kid" during the 80s, I had to endure what my 7 year older sister listened to, like this song, and Duranx2, most of which I still can't stand.
Still, the nostalgic factor raises my rating from a 2 to a 3.
Long live RP! 
Posted 7 years ago by lizardking    [ Reply ]
all the flash backs to working at the record store. the 80s were real
Posted 7 years ago by bicyclesonmain    [ Reply ]
 apd wrote:
anyone know what the girl says at the start of the long version?
(btw, this is an awesome running song.)
 

 
That version is actually called "Whisper To A Scream (Birds Fly)"... it's the "single version".
She says...

"Some things take forever
But with building bricks of trust and love
Mountains can be moved"

I prefer this version of the song.

Posted 8 years ago by KurtfromLaQuinta    [ Reply ]
My 80s
Posted 8 years ago by thewiseking    [ Reply ]
 Mugro wrote:

Interesting comment. This song does occupy a time of my youth in my mind, and I like the memories that it brings back. But I wonder about music having a time and a place. Does it anymore? In this age of non-terrestrial radio and so many different music sources, do the youth of today see music the same way? Are there songs for them that document a time and a place for them? Is music still important to post millennials? 

 
I guess it depends on which ones you ask; I'd imagine music must be very important for a good number of them.  Don't forget, there were plenty of people born in the 1950s, '60s, and '70s to whom any music was never especially important.
Posted 8 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Holy moly!  Haven't heard this one in a looooooong time!
Posted 8 years ago by mardisoninnc    [ Reply ]
 RasterPix wrote:
Love this song!  There is just something about this tune that makes me smile and play the air drums with lots of verve, albeit with zero technique. **Cranks up the volume.**{#Dancingbanana}  

 
Me too!
 
Posted 8 years ago by FrankDebbieCote    [ Reply ]
 adpucci wrote:
Ian McNabb is a faithful listener of RP and loves the tunes, Bill {#Cheesygrin}

 
Wow - now that's an endorsement (if true).  Which I'd certainly second.  After all, how many stations could even conceive of segueing Birds Fly followed by Reach Out, I'll Be There.  Brilliant programming, as ever.  Made me smile - after a hard day.
Posted 8 years ago by RiverOfLife    [ Reply ]
most excellent drumming!  this song's got a timeless positive vibe
Posted 8 years ago by hayduke2    [ Reply ]
Love this song!  There is just something about this tune that makes me smile and play the air drums with lots of verve, albeit with zero technique. **Cranks up the volume.**{#Dancingbanana}  
Posted 8 years ago by RasterPix    [ Reply ]
Ian McNabb is a faithful listener of RP and loves the tunes, Bill {#Cheesygrin}
Posted 8 years ago by adpucci    [ Reply ]
 ick wrote:

I don't think music has a time and place but it can certainly take you to one.  According to many reports older catalogs are outselling new music.  https://www.chartattack.com/news/2016/01/20/old-music-is-outselling-new-music-for-the-first-time-in-history/

As to how important it is to post millenials... I haven't a clue.

 
It does have a time and place.  I think there are studies showing peoples preference for tunes they listened to when teenagers/early adults.  Some more so then others.  I know my wife is stuck in the 70's/80's with her preferences for music. Me I like to blow my teenagers mind by actually knowing something about the singers/bands she likes.  Told her I would chaperone her and her friends to a Fall Out Boy show if one ever comes close and is affordable.

As for importance I think it is similar.  Probably a little more varied though.
Posted 8 years ago by xtalman    [ Reply ]
 Mugro wrote:

Interesting comment. This song does occupy a time of my youth in my mind, and I like the memories that it brings back. But I wonder about music having a time and a place. Does it anymore? In this age of non-terrestrial radio and so many different music sources, do the youth of today see music the same way? Are there songs for them that document a time and a place for them? Is music still important to post millennials? 

 
I don't think music has a time and place but it can certainly take you to one.  According to many reports older catalogs are outselling new music.  https://www.chartattack.com/news/2016/01/20/old-music-is-outselling-new-music-for-the-first-time-in-history/

As to how important it is to post millenials... I haven't a clue.
Posted 8 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
 ericconrad wrote:
zigzag wrote:

I'll see your 10 and slam it with a 3.

Has to be done.

This is insufferably trite. 

 
I see your 3 am slam it with a ten. 

You were young once, when music occupied a time and a place. You should try to remember what that felt like.

 
Interesting comment. This song does occupy a time of my youth in my mind, and I like the memories that it brings back. But I wonder about music having a time and a place. Does it anymore? In this age of non-terrestrial radio and so many different music sources, do the youth of today see music the same way? Are there songs for them that document a time and a place for them? Is music still important to post millennials? 
Posted 8 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
Excellent - BTW 'tis the original Icicle Works/Ian McNabb track - not 'a cover' ...
Posted 8 years ago by RiverOfLife    [ Reply ]
A great memory from the 80's... one of my favorites.
Posted 9 years ago by meauclaire    [ Reply ]
 hbs47 wrote:
Is this EVER going to end??

 
I hope not.  8 -> 9 after re-reading the lyrics.  Great flashbacks to youth, and a new meaning as a parent.
Posted 9 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
 ericconrad wrote:
zigzag wrote:

I'll see your 10 and slam it with a 3.

Has to be done.

This is insufferably trite. 

 
I see your 3 am slam it with a ten. 

You were young once, when music occupied a time and a place. You should try to remember what that felt like.

 
{#Bananajam}Well put.
Posted 9 years ago by Imkirok    [ Reply ]
zigzag wrote:

I'll see your 10 and slam it with a 3.

Has to be done.

This is insufferably trite. 

 
I see your 3 am slam it with a ten. 

You were young once, when music occupied a time and a place. You should try to remember what that felt like.
Posted 9 years ago by ericconrad    [ Reply ]
 Emwolb wrote:

Absolutely!! To paraphrase LAZARUS, we be dancin'!!!
 
Include me in! {#Bananasplit}{#Dancingbanana_2}{#Bananapiano}
Posted 9 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
Lots of memories with this one!
Posted 9 years ago by Timbo080    [ Reply ]
 xkolibuul wrote:

As if trite ever stopped good music.  8. 

 
Errrgghhh. It becomes even weaker with each successive listen. "This tasteless cover is a good indication of the lack of musical invention within."

Actually, the cover is almost bearable.

From a generous 3 to a solid 1. 

Posted 9 years ago by zigzag    [ Reply ]
 rachlan wrote:
i am so glad that RP plays this song. reminds me of the days i was fixated on everything played on WLIR.
 
WLIR was a great station back in those days, especially when Donna was on the air.
Posted 10 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
 rachlan wrote:
i am so glad that RP plays this song. reminds me of the days i was fixated on everything played on WLIR.

 
Yeah!!! Best freakin station - EVER!!
Posted 10 years ago by Emwolb    [ Reply ]
Is this EVER going to end??
Posted 10 years ago by hbs47    [ Reply ]
We are, We are, We are.......... very lousy lyrics. 
Posted 10 years ago by dtown40    [ Reply ]
i am so glad that RP plays this song. reminds me of the days i was fixated on everything played on WLIR.
Posted 10 years ago by rachlan    [ Reply ]
Listening to this song reminded me of Duran Duran.... And of how much I love the fact that I have never heard Duran Duran on Radio Paradise
Posted 10 years ago by jsanio    [ Reply ]
anyone know what the girl says at the start of the long version?
(btw, this is an awesome running song.)
 
Posted 10 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
 Synth80s wrote:
One of my all time favorites. This song has such a great energy.

 
Absolutely!! To paraphrase LAZARUS, we be dancin'!!!
Posted 10 years ago by Emwolb    [ Reply ]
 gypsyman wrote:
Ahh, the 80's. So, well, 80-ish.

 
Couldn't have said it better myself.  I wanted to.
Posted 10 years ago by LPCity    [ Reply ]
Ahh, the 80's. So, well, 80-ish.
Posted 10 years ago by DD gypsyman    [ Reply ]
 Midagemom wrote:
Sentimental...
 
In total agreement!
Posted 11 years ago by mash001    [ Reply ]
Sentimental...
Posted 11 years ago by Midagemom    [ Reply ]
O.k. 
Posted 11 years ago by joko16    [ Reply ]
Meh.
Posted 11 years ago by mikemalter    [ Reply ]
For an '80's tune, I like it, not a lot, but it's good for the mix.  6
Posted 11 years ago by MirageRF    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:

"-1"

 
Look Mom! No letters!


Posted 11 years ago by ajlept    [ Reply ]

¡Rolota!...


Posted 11 years ago by 34bogas    [ Reply ]
 zigzag wrote:

I'll see your 10 and slam it with a 3.

Has to be done.

This is insufferably trite. 
 
As if trite ever stopped good music.  8. 
Posted 11 years ago by xkolibuul    [ Reply ]
I have long since resolved to dislike any song with repeated "we are, we are, we are" lyrics.
Posted 11 years ago by coccyx    [ Reply ]
 zigzag wrote:

I'll see your 10 and slam it with a 3.

Has to be done.

This is insufferably trite. 
 
7 —> 8 !
Posted 11 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]
One of my all time favorites. This song has such a great energy.
Posted 11 years ago by Synth80s    [ Reply ]
And commence the club flashbacks....great song.
Posted 11 years ago by jmkate    [ Reply ]
 ick wrote:
10!  Just to attempt to offset Stingray.
 
Jump !
Posted 12 years ago by Jörg_Asmussen    [ Reply ]
 ick wrote:
10!  Just to attempt to offset Stingray.
 
I'll see your 10 and slam it with a 3.

Has to be done.

This is insufferably trite. 
Posted 12 years ago by zigzag    [ Reply ]
10!  Just to attempt to offset Stingray.
Posted 12 years ago by ick    [ Reply ]
C'mon, it's eclectic.  Some of us less 'polished' individuals need to be attracted by the simple things!
Posted 12 years ago by mrtuba9    [ Reply ]

HOPELESS!

 

PS: One of my rare PSD-uses!


Posted 12 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
LOVE THIS! {#Dancingbanana}{#Drummer}
Posted 12 years ago by Bridieboo    [ Reply ]
 jpfueler wrote:

thanks for making me feel even older {#Nyah}
I graduated from high school the year this came out
 
I was just a year behind...memories!


Posted 12 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
 sunybuny wrote:
This is my definition of a golden oldie.
 
thanks for making me feel even older {#Nyah}
I graduated from high school the year this came out
Posted 12 years ago by jpfueler    [ Reply ]
Catchy little ditty. Then and now.
Posted 12 years ago by Bobert_ParkCity    [ Reply ]
Ahhh...the 80's.  Jangly guitars filled the air...
Posted 12 years ago by CamLwalk    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:

Well, it's not the 80's anymore...

:-) 
 
It's not?!  What am I going to do with all those purple leg-warmers and Swatch watches?  Good tune.

Posted 12 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Just saw this song while flipping through the channels on VH1 Classic one hit wonders of the 80s. Thought to myself, this sounds like something RP would play.{#Lol} It is pretty good. 7
Posted 12 years ago by sirdroseph    [ Reply ]
I tried uploading a track from that but it got shotdown  {#Frustrated}. Looking forward to seeing him play in December.{#Bananajam}

 Boz wrote:
Check out Ian McNabb solo work with Crazy Horse. Head Like A Rock. Quite a development from this....
 


Posted 13 years ago by carlos65    [ Reply ]
 ptooey wrote:

Chris Sharrock  He's been a busy guy for the last 25-30 years.
 
And, yeah, it looks like he was 18 or 19 when this was recorded.  Amazing.
 
I would have guessed that I was hearing a drum machine. Great work, Chris. 

Fun song. Nice segue to Beatles' "You Never Give Me/The End...", btw. 
Posted 13 years ago by kcar    [ Reply ]
{#Bounce}{#Roflol}{#Bounce}
Posted 13 years ago by randyblew    [ Reply ]
 apd wrote:

It's one of the great air-drum tracks.
(and wasn't the drummer in Icicle Works ridiculously young? I heard he was a teenager when this was recorded!)
 
16 or 17, yeah. edit: okay that's how old he was when IW formed. So sue me!

Posted 13 years ago by ScottFromWyoming    [ Reply ]
 apd wrote:

It's one of the great air-drum tracks.
(and wasn't the drummer in Icicle Works ridiculously young? I heard he was a teenager when this was recorded!)
 
Chris Sharrock  He's been a busy guy for the last 25-30 years.
 
And, yeah, it looks like he was 18 or 19 when this was recorded.  Amazing.

Posted 13 years ago by ptooey    [ Reply ]
I will never, ever get tired of hearing this perfect gem of a song.
Posted 13 years ago by spyboy1    [ Reply ]
 MattEh wrote:
Yeahhhh! I love when those drums hit after the little melody intro. Gets my ass moving and feet tapping in my desk chair.
 
It's one of the great air-drum tracks.
(and wasn't the drummer in Icicle Works ridiculously young? I heard he was a teenager when this was recorded!)
Posted 13 years ago by apd    [ Reply ]
This is my definition of a golden oldie.
Posted 13 years ago by sunybuny    [ Reply ]
Check out Ian McNabb solo work with Crazy Horse. Head Like A Rock. Quite a development from this....
Posted 13 years ago by Boz    [ Reply ]
 ziakut wrote:
Blast from the past. This is when 80s rock/pop was fun. Hasn't happened much since.
 
Well, it's not the 80's anymore...

:-) 
Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
HOOOORIBLE!!!!

"-1"
 
Hey Stiingray,
I LOVE  your commentary,but for now you can STUFF this one!
:)
Posted 13 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
 Stingray wrote:
HOOOORIBLE!!!!

"-1"
  Insightful, well thought and thought provoking...please tell us more!


Posted 13 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
Blast from the past. This is when 80s rock/pop was fun. Hasn't happened much since.

Posted 13 years ago by ziakut    [ Reply ]
I love this bird theme you are playing! 
Posted 13 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
Yeahhhh! I love when those drums hit after the little melody intro. Gets my ass moving and feet tapping in my desk chair.
Posted 13 years ago by MattEh    [ Reply ]
 panlad wrote:
Oh wonderful nostalgia, I must turn you up to 11! 
 
Well said......one of my all time favs from the 80's

Posted 13 years ago by photolew    [ Reply ]
I like this song just as much now as the first time I heard it.
Posted 13 years ago by coyote620    [ Reply ]
Oh wonderful nostalgia, I must turn you up to 11! 
Posted 13 years ago by panlad    [ Reply ]
 AvoidingWork wrote:
AUURRRGGHH!!!
Why is it on the songs I like that the stream keeps cutting out.   
...
Time to step outside and get a little sun on my face.  I'll be fine.
 
Ahhh, smooth play.  Headphones on, volume up, no connection problems today.  :-)  
Posted 13 years ago by AvoidingWork    [ Reply ]
Fab 80's one-hit-wonder!!
Posted 13 years ago by grant    [ Reply ]
HOOOORIBLE!!!!

"-1"
Posted 13 years ago by Stingray    [ Reply ]
Pure audio perfection. One of my favorite tracks ever, ever, ever.
Posted 13 years ago by spyboy1    [ Reply ]
 Jelani wrote:
Ahh, the memories.
 
Was thinking the same thing!!!

Posted 13 years ago by photolew    [ Reply ]
{#Bananapiano} 1wolfy wrote:
{#Bananajam} AliGator wrote:

 
 


Posted 13 years ago by leathepea    [ Reply ]
AUURRRGGHH!!!
Why is it on the songs I like that the stream keeps cutting out.   
...
Time to step outside and get a little sun on my face.  I'll be fine.

Posted 14 years ago by AvoidingWork    [ Reply ]
Ahh, the memories.
Posted 14 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
{#Bananajam} AliGator wrote:

 


Posted 14 years ago by 1wolfy    [ Reply ]