Well this is a good idea,
He wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t,
He wouldn’t do it if it wasn’t one.
Well my friend fancies you,
Oh what a way to begin it all,
You said, “They’re always exciting words to hear.”
And they woke up together not quite realising how,
Awkwardly stretching and yawning,
It’s always hard in the morning
And I suppose that’s the price you pay,
Well oh it isn’t what it was,
She’s thinking he looks different today,
And now there’s nothing left to guess now,
They left before the lights came on,
Because they didn’t want to ruin,
What it was that was brewing,
Before they absolutely had to,
And how can you wake up,
With someone you don’t love?
And not feel slightly fazed by it,
Oh, he had a struggle,
And they woke up together not quite realising how,
Awkwardly stretching and yawning,
It’s always hard in the morning,
And I suppose that’s the price you pay,
Well oh it isn’t what it was,
She’s thinking he looks different today,
And now there’s nothing left to guess now,
Well, quick, let’s leave, before the lights come on,
‘Cause then you don’t have to see,
‘Cause then you don’t have to see,
What you’ve done…
Well, quick, let’s leave, before the lights come on,
‘Cause then you don’t have to see,
‘Cause then you don’t have to see,
What you’ve done…
I’ll walk you out, what time’s the bus come?
I’ll walk you out, what time’s the bus come?
I’ll walk you out, what time’s the bus come?
I’ll walk you out.
Morning Realities: A Bittersweet Reflection
“Leave Before The Lights Come On” by Arctic Monkeys captures the hazy aftermath of a fleeting encounter. The lyrics unravel a story about two people who wake up together, uncertain how they got there and feeling the awkwardness that often follows a night of impulsivity. The song explores the discomfort and emotional ambiguity of waking up next to someone you don’t love, highlighting the desire to escape before facing reality. Lines like “They left before the lights came on, because they didn’t want to ruin what it was that was brewing” evoke the tension between longing and regret, painting a vivid picture of vulnerability and the human urge to avoid emotional messiness in the harsh light of day.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Alex Turner
- Release Year: 2006
- Label: Domino Recording Company