The Meaning Behind The Song: 505 by Arctic Monkeys - Beat Crave (2024)

The Meaning Behind The Song: 505 by Arctic Monkeys

Arctic Monkeys, the acclaimed English rock band, has produced several hits over the years. One of their most popular songs is ‘505,’ a melancholic tune that has touched many hearts worldwide. Though the song’s meaning is open to interpretation, it is generally accepted to be about unrequited love and the desperation that ensues.

Introduction to ‘505’

Released in 2007, ‘505’ is the closing track on Arctic Monkey’s sophomore album, Favourite Worst Nightmare. The song’s haunting melody and evocative lyrics have struck a chord with fans worldwide, making it one of the band’s most beloved tunes.

At first listen, ‘505’ appears to be a love song about a long-distance relationship. However, the lyrics quickly reveal the truth that the singer is struggling with the pain of loving someone who does not feel the same way.

The Lyrics of ‘505’

The song’s lyrics paint a picture of a man who knows that he has little chance with the object of his affection. He’s aware that his love may not be returned, and yet he continues to hold on to the hope of a connection.

The chorus of the song is particularly poignant, with the lyrics:

“I’d probably still adore you with your hands around my neck
Or I did last time I checked”

These lyrics indicate that the speaker is willing to do anything to be close to the one he loves, even if it means that he would ultimately be hurt.

Furthermore, towards the end of the song, the lyrics take on a more aggressive and desperate tone, suggesting that the singer will not stop until he is noticed by his love.

The Song’s Title

The title of the song, ‘505,’ is a reference to the number of the hotel room where the singer is staying. It’s symbolic of his loneliness and isolation, stuck in a place where he is missing the one he loves.

The number 505 takes on a deeper meaning at the end of the song, where the singer fears that he has been forgotten by the one he loves. He even imagines replacing him in his lover’s life, declaring that “if you’re not here to hold me, then I’ll try my best to hold a fist.”

The Inspiration Behind ‘505’

The inspiration for ‘505’ dates back to 2005 when the Arctic Monkeys were on tour in the US. During this time, Matt Helders, the band’s drummer, had a long-distance relationship with his girlfriend back in England.

Helders was staying in Room 505 at the hotel where the band was staying, and the idea for the song came about from his feelings of loneliness and isolation. In an interview with the NME, Alex Turner, the band’s lead singer and songwriter, stated that the hotel’s atmosphere had a significant influence on the song. “It smelled really weird, like it had been cleaned or something. It was eerie,” he said.

The Impact of ‘505’

Since its release, ‘505’ has been praised for its beautifully written lyrics and haunting melody. Many fans have identified with the feelings of unrequited love and desperation that the song evokes.

The song has also received critical acclaim, with many music journalists hailing it as one of Arctic Monkeys’ best songs. In a review of the album, Favourite Worst Nightmare, the Guardian’s reviewer Alexis Petridis wrote, “its final track ‘505’ is quite simply a magnificent achievement of melancholy songwriting.”

In Conclusion

In conclusion, ‘505’ is a beautifully written song that touches on themes of loneliness, heartbreak, and unrequited love. The song’s haunting melody and evocative lyrics have resonated with many fans worldwide, making it one of Arctic Monkeys’ most beloved tunes.

Though the song’s meaning is open to interpretation, it’s generally accepted to be about a man struggling to come to terms with his unrequited love. Despite knowing that his love may not be returned, the speaker continues to hold on to the hope of a connection and is willing to do anything to be close to his loved one.

‘505’ is a poignant reminder of the pain and desperation that ensues when love is not reciprocated. It will continue to be a timeless classic, reminding us of the harsh reality of unrequited love.

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