10 Best IDLES Songs
7. I'm Scum
It’s impossible not to relate to this. It has a driving beat that carries you with it, despite the self-deprecating nature of the lyrics. The song was primarily popular as it was used as the pre-show music for PROGRESS wrestling for the best part of a year.
Joe self-identifies as a chav and different demographics that are viewed unfavourably by the media. In a way, doing this reclaims those words and takes away some of their power. In having pride in calling yourself scum, having someone else call you it loses its impact as an insult.
Aside from the self-deprecating lyrics, Joe raises a good point about James Bond, in that “he murders for country, Queen and God” and that - quite rightly - “we don’t need another murderous toff”. A strong statement for sure.