We all want someone to shout for
Yeah, everyone wants somebody to adore
But your heroes aren’t what they seem
When you’ve been where we’ve been
Have I done something to trigger
The funny looks and the sniggers?
Are they there at all, or is it just paranoia?
Everybody’s got their box
Doing what they’re told
You pushed my faith near being lost
But we’ll stick to the guns
Don’t care if it’s marketing suicidal
Won’t crack or compromise
Your derides or individes
Will never unhinge us
And there’s a couple of hundred
Think they’re Christopher Columbus
But the settlers had already settled
Here long before ya
Just cause we’re having a say-so
Not lining up to be playdoh
Oh, in five years time, will it be
“Who the fuck’s Arctic Monkeys?”
‘Cause everybody’s got their box
Doing what they’re told
You pushed my faith near being lost
But we’ll stick to the guns
Don’t care if it’s marketing suicidal
Won’t crack or compromise
Your derides or individes
Will never unhinge us
[Instrumental]
(La la la la la, la la)
(La la la la la, la la)
(La la la la la, la la)
All the thoughts that I just said
Will linger round and multiply in their head
Not that mad to start with
I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed
It’s not you it’s them that are wrong
Tell ’em to take out their tongues
Tell ’em to take out their tongues…
It’s not you it’s them that are wrong
Tell ’em to take out their tongues
Tell ’em to take out their tongues
And bring on the backlash!
It’s not you it’s them that are wrong
Tell him to take out his tongue
Tell him to take out his tongue
It’s not you it’s them that’s the fake
I won’t mess with your escape
Is this really your escape?
Questioning Stardom and Identity
“Who The FucK Are Arctic Monkeys?” captures the band’s self-awareness and skepticism about fame. The lyrics reflect on the pressure to live up to public expectations, while maintaining authenticity in the face of cynicism and industry trends. With lines about heroes not being what they seem and resisting the urge to fit into the “box,” Arctic Monkeys acknowledge the fleeting nature of admiration and the superficiality that can come with popularity. The repeated references to outsiders trying to claim new ground highlight their determination to defend their originality and resist being molded by the music industry or critics.
Defiance and Staying True
The song’s rebellious spirit is evident as the band pledges not to “crack or compromise.” They challenge detractors and encourage listeners to reject peer pressure and conformity. The closing verses, repeating “It’s not you it’s them that are wrong,” act as an anthem for those who feel misunderstood or judged, urging resilience and self-belief. Ultimately, the track is a bold statement on sticking to one’s principles, even if it means facing backlash or fading from the spotlight.
Song Credits
- Songwriters: Alex Turner
- Release Year: 2006
- Label: Domino Recording Company