I wrote “I was here
I.D.S.T.”
On the bathroom mirror
I.D.S.T.
I.D.S.T.
I.D.S.T.
I.D.S.T.
I.D.S.T.
I.D.S.T.
I.D.S.
T.
I wrote “Mark for Jenny
I.D.S.T.”
With a drawing compass
On the backseat
I.D.S.T.
I.D.S.T.
I.D.S.T.
I.D.S.T.
I.D.S.T.
I.D.S.
T.
I.D.S.T.
I.D.S.T.
I.D.S.T.
I.D.S.
T.
Ephemeral Marks and Lingering Presence
“I.D.S.T.” by Arctic Monkeys is a minimalist meditation on memory, impermanence, and the desire to leave a trace behind. The repeated phrase “I.D.S.T.”—commonly understood as “If Destroyed Still True”—captures the universal urge to assert one’s presence, even in fleeting or private spaces. The imagery of writing on a bathroom mirror or inscribing a message on the backseat emphasizes the personal nature of these marks, suggesting secret communications and lasting emotions. By referencing “Mark for Jenny,” the song hints at intimate connections and the ways we attempt to immortalize feelings, even though the physical evidence may fade. The song’s repetitive structure mirrors the persistence of these sentiments, echoing the idea that, regardless of erasure, the truth of our experiences remains.
Song Credits
- Artist: Arctic Monkeys
- Songwriters: Alex Turner