The Arctic Monkeys have become one of the most iconic bands of the 21st century. Their unique sound, which blends elements of indie rock, post-punk, and garage rock, has earned them a legion of devoted fans around the world.
However, one aspect of the band that often goes overlooked is the quality of their lyrics. From the witty and insightful to the poignant and heartbreaking, the Arctic Monkeys have crafted some of the most memorable lyrics of any modern band.
Here we will explore some of the best Arctic Monkeys lyrics and what makes them so special.
Best Arctic Monkeys Lyrics – Top 10
10. The Ultracheese
“Still got pictures of friends on the wall, I might look as if I’m deep in thought, but the truth is I’m probably not.”
The song’s lyrics are a reflection on the passage of time and the weight of memories. The line “Still got pictures of friends on the wall” is a poignant reminder of the importance of friendships, while the line “I might look as if I’m deep in thought, but the truth is I’m probably not” is a clever and self-aware observation on the nature of introspection.
9. Mardy Bum
“Remember cuddles in the kitchen, yeah, to get things off the ground. And it was up, up and away. Oh, but it’s right hard to remember that on a day like today.”
This is a reflection on the ups and downs of a relationship. The line “Remember cuddles in the kitchen, yeah, to get things off the ground” is a sweet and nostalgic memory, while the line “Oh, but it’s right hard to remember that on a day like today” speaks to the difficulty of maintaining a relationship through tough times.
8. Cornerstone
“I thought I saw you in the battleship, but it was only a lookalike. She was nothing but a vision trick, under the warning light.”
This is a wistful reflection on lost love. The line “I thought I saw you in the battleship, but it was only a lookalike” is a clever and unexpected reference to the classic film “Casablanca,” while the line “She was nothing but a vision trick, under the warning light” speaks to the fleeting nature of memory and perception.
7. Do I Wanna Know?
“Ever thought of calling when you’ve had a few? ‘Cause I always do. Maybe I’m too busy being yours to fall for somebody new.”
The song’s lyrics are a reflection on the uncertainty and confusion of a new relationship. The line “Ever thought of calling when you’ve had a few? ‘Cause I always do” is a relatable observation, while the line “Maybe I’m too busy being yours to fall for somebody new” speaks to the difficulty of letting go of the past and moving on.
6. R U Mine?
“I’m a puppet on a string, Tracy Island time-traveling, diamond-cutters shaped my heart.”
The song’s lyrics are a playful and suggestive ode to lust and desire. The line “I’m a puppet on a string, Tracy Island time-traveling” is a clever reference to the classic TV show “Thunderbirds,” while the line “Diamond-cutters shaped my heart” is a poetic and memorable image.
5. Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High?
“Now it’s three in the morning and I’m trying to change your mind, left you multiple missed calls and to my message, you reply. Why’d you only call me when you’re high?”
The song’s lyrics are a reflection on the frustration and confusion of a one-sided relationship. The line “Now it’s three in the morning and I’m trying to change your mind, left you multiple missed calls and to my message, you reply” is a relatable and realistic portrayal of the desperation that can come with unrequited love.
4. Do Me a Favour
“And do me a favour and break my nose. Or do me a favour and tell me to go away. Or do me a favour and stop asking questions”
The song’s lyrics are a heartbreaking reflection on a failing relationship. These three lines of lyrics are a work of genius. He wants to be physically punished for his fidelity, and he wants her to be justifiably angry with him so he can feel like they can be even.
But asking her not to ask any questions shows how guilty he is about what he’s done. The whole song is incredibly deep.
3. 505
“I’m going back to 505, if it’s a 7-hour flight or a 45-minute drive. In my imagination, you’re waiting lying on your side, with your hands between your thighs.”
The song’s lyrics are a nostalgic reflection on a past relationship. The line “I’m going back to 505” speaks to the desire to go back to a simpler time, while the image of the lover lying on their side with their hands between their thighs is both intimate and suggestive.
2. Fluorescent Adolescent
“You used to get it in your fishnets, now you only get it in your night dress. Discarded all the naughty nights for niceness, landed in a very common crisis.”
The song’s lyrics are a reflection on the changes that come with growing up. The line “You used to get it in your fishnets, now you only get it in your night dress” is a clever play on words, while the line “Discarded all the naughty nights for niceness, landed in a very common crisis” speaks to the disillusionment that can come with maturity.
1. I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor
“Your name isn’t Rio, but I don’t care for sand. Lighting the fuse might result in a bang, with a bang-go!”
The song’s lyrics are a playful ode to the excitement of going out and dancing. The line “Your name isn’t Rio, but I don’t care for sand” is a clever reference to the Duran Duran song “Rio,” while the line “Lighting the fuse might result in a bang, with a bang-go!” is a catchy and memorable hook.
Best Artic Monkeys Lyrics – Final Thoughts
The Arctic Monkeys have crafted some of the most memorable and impactful lyrics in modern rock music.
From their early days as teenage rockers from Sheffield to their more experimental and mature sound in recent years, the band has consistently delivered thought-provoking and relatable lyrics that have resonated with audiences around the world.
If you enjoyed this list, then check out our other top 10’s such as the best Oasis lyrics of all time!
“Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys performs acoustic @ KEXP Studios – Seattle, WA 2011-08-10 – DSC_5560-1.jpg” by laviddichterman is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.