The Icicle Works — Birds Fly (Whisper to a Scream)
Album: Icicle WorksAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 1851
Length: 3:41
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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
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.
bitterdave wrote:
I just noticed it for the first time today! Can't believe I hadn't heard it before.
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.
Nice and nostalgic, even though I only recall a cover of it for the 1996 Scream movie soundtrack 😁
this and the fixx - great bands that I listened to in 1984
Could almost have been sung by Andy Partridge.
MirageRF wrote:
Never knew this bands name. giving a 6 rating as well.
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.
Great Tune!! 
I love the floor toms!!
I love the floor toms!!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!
Wow - the opening sounds so much like the Sundays 'Skin & Bones'. Hadn't noticed that before . . .
adpucci wrote:
I wonder how many other artists played here regularly listen to RP?
Ian McNabb is a faithful listener of RP and loves the tunes, Bill 
I wonder how many other artists played here regularly listen to RP?
My lovebird loves this song 
Timeless 
NewFee wrote:
If the pleasure is genuine its never guilty
This would be a guilty pleasure if I felt any guilt. Which I do not.
If the pleasure is genuine its never guilty
Love it
Drum "twins" with Bow Wow Wow and Adam Ant
Drum "twins" with Bow Wow Wow and Adam Ant
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
Hoosfoos wrote:
Good reason to think it. They *were* the coolest thing ever. Man, the time spent making tapes of everything...
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...
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.
Matthew Priest in the current line-up: former drummer with Dodgy?
how did I miss this outfit back in the 80s, thanks RP, going to dig into them
obankenobi wrote:
And Echo and the Bunny Men.
kindred tribal feel to Bow Wow Wow
And Echo and the Bunny Men.
ExploitingChaos wrote:
I love someone who can give "all my love" to a guitar tone. I feel ya.
I love someone who can give "all my love" to a guitar tone. I feel ya.
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?
Yes, there may have been out-loud singing. And yes, maybe some air drums.
What of it I ask?
kindred tribal feel to Bow Wow Wow
Beat mix into Night of Rebellion- INXS... 80's Gold
Heard it in "Stranger things" just yesterday, what a coincidence!
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.
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.
ALL of my LOVE to that guitar tone
and to the bands still rocking it
and to the bands still rocking it
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.
Wow this has taken me back to my youth. Love it xxx
Grade 8. I had been given a FM Walkman which I thought was the coolest thing ever.
This song infuriates emus.
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.....
treatment_bound wrote:
A-ha > Icicle Works > Erasure
Icicle Works > A-ha
A-ha > Icicle Works > Erasure
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... :-)
love, love, love this song
Thanks Bill
Thanks Bill
Icicle Works > A-ha
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!
Still, the nostalgic factor raises my rating from a 2 to a 3.
Long live RP!
all the flash backs to working at the record store. the 80s were real
apd wrote:
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.
anyone know what the girl says at the start of the long version?
(btw, this is an awesome running song.)
(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.
My 80s
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.
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.
Holy moly! Haven't heard this one in a looooooong time!
RasterPix wrote:
Me too!
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.**
Me too!
adpucci wrote:
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.
Ian McNabb is a faithful listener of RP and loves the tunes, Bill
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.
most excellent drumming! this song's got a timeless positive vibe
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.**
Ian McNabb is a faithful listener of RP and loves the tunes, Bill
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.
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.
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.
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.
ericconrad 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?
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.
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?
Excellent - BTW 'tis the original Icicle Works/Ian McNabb track - not 'a cover' ...
A great memory from the 80's... one of my favorites.
hbs47 wrote:
I hope not. 8 -> 9 after re-reading the lyrics. Great flashbacks to youth, and a new meaning as a parent.
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.
ericconrad wrote:
Well put.
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.
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.
Well put.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.
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.
Emwolb wrote:
Absolutely!! To paraphrase LAZARUS, we be dancin'!!!
Include me in!
Absolutely!! To paraphrase LAZARUS, we be dancin'!!!
Include me in!
Lots of memories with this one!
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.
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.
rachlan wrote:
WLIR was a great station back in those days, especially when Donna was on the air.
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.
rachlan wrote:
Yeah!!! Best freakin station - EVER!!
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!!
Is this EVER going to end??
We are, We are, We are.......... very lousy lyrics.
i am so glad that RP plays this song. reminds me of the days i was fixated on everything played on WLIR.
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
anyone know what the girl says at the start of the long version?
(btw, this is an awesome running song.)
(btw, this is an awesome running song.)
Synth80s wrote:
Absolutely!! To paraphrase LAZARUS, we be dancin'!!!
One of my all time favorites. This song has such a great energy.
Absolutely!! To paraphrase LAZARUS, we be dancin'!!!
gypsyman wrote:
Couldn't have said it better myself. I wanted to.
Ahh, the 80's. So, well, 80-ish.
Couldn't have said it better myself. I wanted to.
Ahh, the 80's. So, well, 80-ish.
Midagemom wrote:
In total agreement!
Sentimental...
In total agreement!
Sentimental...
O.k.
Meh.
For an '80's tune, I like it, not a lot, but it's good for the mix. 6
Stingray wrote:
"-1"
Look Mom! No letters!
"-1"
Look Mom! No letters!
¡Rolota!...
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.
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.
I have long since resolved to dislike any song with repeated "we are, we are, we are" lyrics.
zigzag wrote:
I'll see your 10 and slam it with a 3.
Has to be done.
This is insufferably trite.
7 —> 8 !
I'll see your 10 and slam it with a 3.
Has to be done.
This is insufferably trite.
7 —> 8 !
One of my all time favorites. This song has such a great energy.
And commence the club flashbacks....great song.
ick wrote:
Jump !
10! Just to attempt to offset Stingray.
Jump !
ick wrote:
I'll see your 10 and slam it with a 3.
Has to be done.
This is insufferably trite.
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.
10! Just to attempt to offset Stingray.
C'mon, it's eclectic. Some of us less 'polished' individuals need to be attracted by the simple things!
HOPELESS!
PS: One of my rare PSD-uses!
LOVE THIS!
jpfueler wrote:
thanks for making me feel even older
I graduated from high school the year this came out
I was just a year behind...memories!
thanks for making me feel even older
I graduated from high school the year this came out
I was just a year behind...memories!
sunybuny wrote:
thanks for making me feel even older
I graduated from high school the year this came out
This is my definition of a golden oldie.
thanks for making me feel even older
I graduated from high school the year this came out
Catchy little ditty. Then and now.
Ahhh...the 80's. Jangly guitars filled the air...
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.
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.
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.
It is pretty good. 7
It is pretty good. 7I tried uploading a track from that but it got shotdown 
. Looking forward to seeing him play in December.
Boz wrote:
. Looking forward to seeing him play in December.Boz wrote:
Check out Ian McNabb solo work with Crazy Horse. Head Like A Rock. Quite a development from this....
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.
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.
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! 
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!
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.
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.
I will never, ever get tired of hearing this perfect gem of a song.
MattEh 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!)
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!)
This is my definition of a golden oldie.
Check out Ian McNabb solo work with Crazy Horse. Head Like A Rock. Quite a development from this....
ziakut wrote:
Well, it's not the 80's anymore...
:-)
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...
:-)
Stingray wrote:
Hey Stiingray,
I LOVE your commentary,but for now you can STUFF this one!
:)
HOOOORIBLE!!!!
"-1"
"-1"
Hey Stiingray,
I LOVE your commentary,but for now you can STUFF this one!
:)
Stingray wrote:
HOOOORIBLE!!!!
"-1"
Insightful, well thought and thought provoking...please tell us more!"-1"
Blast from the past. This is when 80s rock/pop was fun. Hasn't happened much since.
I love this bird theme you are playing!
Yeahhhh! I love when those drums hit after the little melody intro. Gets my ass moving and feet tapping in my desk chair.
panlad wrote:
Well said......one of my all time favs from the 80's
Oh wonderful nostalgia, I must turn you up to 11!
Well said......one of my all time favs from the 80's
I like this song just as much now as the first time I heard it.
Oh wonderful nostalgia, I must turn you up to 11!
AvoidingWork wrote:
Ahhh, smooth play. Headphones on, volume up, no connection problems today. :-)
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.
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. :-)
Fab 80's one-hit-wonder!!
HOOOORIBLE!!!!
"-1"
"-1"
Pure audio perfection. One of my favorite tracks ever, ever, ever.
Jelani wrote:
Was thinking the same thing!!!
Ahh, the memories.
Was thinking the same thing!!!
1wolfy wrote: AliGator 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.
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.
Ahh, the memories.
AliGator wrote: