He looks as if he hasnt slept, his hair is purposely unkept
And then he knew his people wept, when you crafted your plan
The shadows underneath the eyes, and everywhere the bastard lies
My lack of Proof is your disguise, you won’t remember me
There’s nothing really I can say, but sorry mate and walk away
I could be wrong unless you play your game,
This world is cruel and most unkind
And horrible is redefined, I can’t imagine that you’d mind at all
You’re lying again, you’re conscious ain’t your friend
And the only thing your sobbing out is your imagination,
Lying again you’re conscious ain’t your friend and the only thing your sobbing out is your imagination
Is he really on the street, desperation on deceit and what he’s wearing on his feet won’t solve our mystery,
And I am baffled by how you stand there, soaking it in
And do you hide your identity where you hide your grin, better hide your grin
Shadows underneath the eyes, everywhere the bastard lies
My lack of Proof is your disguise, you won’t remember me
There’s nothing really I can say, but sorry mate and walk away
I could be wrong unless you play your game,
This world is cruel and is most unkind
And horrible is redefined, I can’t imagine that you’d mind at all
You’re lying again, your conscious ain’t your friend
And the only thing your sobbing out is your imagination,
Lying again your conscious ain’t your friend and the only thing your sobbing out is your imagination
Peeling Back the Layers of “Plastic Tramp”
Arctic Monkeys’ “Plastic Tramp” is a sharp, observational piece that delves into themes of deception, identity, and alienation. The lyrics paint a picture of a character who is both disheveled and emotionally detached, using their outward appearance as a mask. The repetition of lines about lying and the lack of genuine remorse suggest a cycle of self-deception, with the protagonist unable to confront their own reality. The song’s imagery, from “shadows underneath the eyes” to “desperation on deceit,” creates a vivid sense of unease and mistrust, while the narrator’s resigned tone reflects the difficulty of breaking through the facade. The track captures a world where cruelty and dishonesty have become normalized, making it a poignant commentary on modern life.
Song Credits
“Plastic Tramp” is performed by Arctic Monkeys and written by Alex Turner. The song was released in 2007.