I don’t ever want to hate you,
So don’t show me your bed,
The only roads are cul-de-sacs,
The first thing that she said.
Temptation, greets you like your naughty mate,
The one that used to get you in bother,
But one you could never bring yourself to hate.
And she said we’ve got that spark,
That only lights a fuse,
Helps you see in the dark,
But it’s a sight you’ll lose when,
The temptation greets you like your naughty friend.
I don’t ever want to hate you,
So don’t show me your bed,
The only roads are cul-de-sacs,
The only ends are dead.
Temptation greets you like your naughty mate,
One that made you steal and set things on fire,
But one you haven’t seen of late.
And I said that kind of talk,
Only adds intrigue,
To the cauldron of thought,
It’s already exceeding,
Temptation, the very thing that held her back.
I don’t ever want to hate you,
So don’t show me your bed,
The only roads are cul-de-sacs,
The only ends are dead.
I don’t ever want to hate you,
It’s not part of the plan,
So keep your charm where I can’t see it,
And your hands where I can.
[Dizzee Rascal]
We used to be in tight me and my naughty friends,
Caused enticement ? in the air,
I mean day ‘n’ night,
We robbed, we stole, we loved to fight,
Smoking, drinking, joyriding,
Drugs, thugs, not law-abiding,
Reckless gangsters ? no direction,
No sign of correction,
But then i switched it off,
Changed my ways,
What the hell!
Like oh my days ,
But like my naughty friends,
They’re not phased,
Can’t believe that this music pays,
See no reason why we can’t do,
All the things we’ve always done,
Still in my heart I know thats just what,
But its hard to fight the temptation son.
[Arctic Monkeys]
The panic will fall down around you,
If you don’t do what I say.
I don’t ever want to hate you,
So don’t show me your bed,
The only roads are cul-de-sacs,
The only ends are dead.
I don’t ever want to hate you,
It’s not part of the plan,
So keep your charm where I can’t see it,
And your hands where I can
Temptation and the Struggle Within
“Temptation Greets You Like Your Naughty Friend” by Arctic Monkeys delves into the relentless allure of temptation and the emotional push-pull it creates. The lyrics paint temptation as a mischievous companion—familiar, enticing, and difficult to resist. Alex Turner’s verses evoke a sense of nostalgia for reckless youth, while also acknowledging the dangers and dead ends that come with following those old urges. The repeated plea, “I don’t ever want to hate you, so don’t show me your bed,” highlights the internal conflict between desire and self-preservation. Dizzee Rascal’s guest verse adds a vivid layer, reflecting on a past filled with rebellion and the ongoing challenge of resisting old habits. Ultimately, the song captures the bittersweet tension of wanting to move forward while being drawn back by the comfort of familiar, yet destructive, temptations.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Alex Turner, Dizzee Rascal
- Release Year: 2007
- Label: Domino Recording Company