"When I Argue I See Shapes" is a song by Scottish rock band Idlewild, from their 1998 album Hope Is Important. It was the fourth and final single to be released from the album and charted at #19 in the UK Singles Chart in February 1999 (see 1999 in British music). This was the band's highest chart position until "You Held the World in Your Arms" reached #9 in 2002.The B-side "(1903-70)" is a tribute to artist Mark Rothko.