“505” by the Arctic Monkeys is not just a song. It’s an emotional journey connecting memory, desire, and the past’s pull. It was released on April 23, 2007, and is the last track on “Favourite Worst Nightmare,” their second album. The song has a melancholy tone and vivid lyrics. The interpretation of Arctic Monkeys’ “505” shows the deep emotions in Alex Turner’s lyrics and the band’s deep connection with listeners.
The song first ranked 73 on the UK Singles Chart and grew in popularity. Thanks to TikTok, it reached number 2 on the Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100 in late 2022. Its mix of deep emotions and musical variety makes it a beloved part of their music. “505” offers a deep, moving experience. It shows Alex Turner’s strong writing and invites listeners into its world, making a lasting impact.
Key Takeaways
- “505” is the final track on Arctic Monkeys’ second album, “Favourite Worst Nightmare,” released in April 2007.
- The song gained renewed popularity through TikTok, leading to high chart positions and streaming numbers in 2022.
- Composed in the key of C major with a tempo of 140 beats per minute, “505” features organ chords reminiscent of Ennio Morricone’s work.
- Alex Turner’s poignant lyrics contribute significantly to the song’s lasting emotional impact.
- “505” is a fan favorite, highlighting Arctic Monkeys’ ability to evoke deep emotional connections through their music.
The Emotional Landscape of “505”
“505” by Arctic Monkeys is a powerful song filled with emotion. It captures feelings of yearning and regret beautifully. The track resonates with many because it talks about longing and remembering past times.
The song’s build-up is like a story of rising emotions, mirroring the ups and downs of desire. It shows how the Arctic Monkeys can create a strong emotional bond with their music. This connection grows stronger every time you listen to it.
“505” wasn’t a single but still earned 3x Platinum status. This shows its deep impact, touching fans across the globe. Its success is special, especially when you compare it to hits like “Fluorescent Adolescent,” which also did well in the UK.
At live shows, “505” has become an unforgettable closing track since 2008. Its performance can deeply move people, making the experience memorable.
Here’s a comparative snapshot of some of Arctic Monkeys’ key tracks:
| Track | Chart Performance | Certification | Special Recognition |
|---|---|---|---|
| “Fluorescent Adolescent” | No. 5 (UK Chart) | 4x Platinum (UK) | – |
| “505” | No. 73 (UK Singles Chart) | 3x Platinum | Significant closing track in live sets post-2008 |
| “Cornerstone” | – | Gold (UK, June 2024) | – |
| “Do I Wanna Know?” | – | – | Nominated for Best Rock Performance at the 2015 Grammy Awards |
This table shows “505”‘s special spot in Arctic Monkeys’ music history. It highlights the strong connection fans have with this unforgettable song.
The Cinematic Allure of the Opening
The song “505” by Arctic Monkeys starts with captivating organ chords. These chords remind us of Ennio Morricone’s legendary work. This influence quickly pulls listeners into a movie-like world. Here, the unfolding drama is both beautiful and deeply moving. Using a well-known motif from the start makes the song’s emotions stronger.
Connection to Ennio Morricone
The opening of “505” has a clear link to Ennio Morricone. Morricone was known for his moving music in films like “The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly.” His style influences the start of the track. This nod to movie scores adds tension and expectation. It gets the listener ready for the emotional ride the song provides. The Morricone influence is key to the song’s dramatic feel. It lays the ground for the deep emotions that come next.
Setting Up the Emotional Scene
The song goes from the eerie organ intro to sad verses. This shift prepares us for a story of longing and struggle, shown in Alex Turner’s singing. This movie-like method makes the song more emotional. It makes sure the listener is drawn into the story right away. Merging movie music with personal stories makes “505” a standout in Arctic Monkeys’ music.
Read more about the lasting impact of “505” and its meaning here.
The song layers music and mood in a special way. Arctic Monkeys mix classic film score styles with modern rock. This creates a memorable start to the song. It stays with listeners, just like Ennio Morricone’s iconic film scenes.
505 Arctic Monkeys Meaning
The song “505” by Arctic Monkeys is a deep tale of love and obsession. It’s the last track on their album Favourite Worst Nightmare, released in 2007. The meaning of “505” Arctic Monkeys is found in its vivid lyrics and strong emotions. It tells of someone returning to a hotel room, which brings back memories of a lost love.
When the song’s writer was just 18, he experienced deep love. This love lasted three years but ended in sadness. The song reflects this loss and longing. Halfway through, the song connects to a month-long trip across Europe, with “505” reminding him of his ex, Chris.
Alex Turner, the band’s lead, calls “505” their first love song. It’s inspired by his feelings for his ex-girlfriend, Johanna Bennett. “505” was the room number where Bennett stayed, making the song a mix of nostalgia and sorrow. Turner shared how personal and evocative the song is in an interview with NME.
The song’s emotion is shown in lyrics like “I crumble completely when you cry.” It speaks of raw vulnerability. Even five years on, at 23, the writer connects to Chris when he hears “505.” He has the number 505 tattooed on his arm.
Recently, “505” gained fame on platforms like TikTok, becoming a symbol for soft grunge and 2014’s Tumblr look. It’s now one of Arctic Monkeys’ top songs on Spotify, with 1.7 million plays a month. And it hit number 64 on the UK Singles Chart in 2022. “505” remains a fan favorite, known for its deep emotion and unforgettable live shows.
Alex Turner’s Lyrical Craftsmanship
In “505,” Alex Turner showcases his unique lyrical talent. He uses raw and gentle images to show the complexity of emotions. His skill at mixing vulnerability with raw sensuality creates a rich picture of love and obsession. This shows his exceptional gift in triggering strong feelings in listeners.
Turner’s lines like “I crumble completely when you cry” stand out against “your hands between your thighs.” This skill in creating memorable lyrical images explores longing, regret, and the pull of the past. These themes make “505” a beloved track, despite its chart position. It highlights the strength of Turner’s songwriting.
Turner’s emotional storytelling in “505” helps listeners connect deeply. He moves beyond clever commentary to explore deep human feelings. The song starts quietly and builds to a powerful end, reflecting the singer’s inner conflict.
This progression makes the listener feel in sync with the band, especially in live shows. Here, the song’s full emotional power is unleashed, touching everyone.
Turner’s talent in mixing vivid scenes with deep reflection shows his unmatched skill. His writing turns music into a powerful look at life’s emotions.
Alex Turner’s work in “505” demonstrates his skill in capturing the details of love and obsession. His mix of smart lyrics and deep feeling not only defines the song. It also cements its place as a timeless work in Arctic Monkeys’ music.
The Musical Journey of “505”
“505” by Arctic Monkeys starts simple, then grows into a powerful musical wave. This increase in power reflects the deep feelings talked about in the words of the song. It grabs the heart and mind of whoever listens. The tune moves from calm to intense, showing the band’s talent for expressing complex emotions.
Slow Burn Crescendo
“505” has a special build-up in its music. It starts off quiet and mysterious, slowly turning into a bold, loud chorus. By 2:03, there’s a touching moment that leads to a big surge in emotion. This growth in the music perfectly shows the main character’s feelings and life changes. The way the song is put together not only makes the story richer but also pulls you into the music.
Live Performance Impact
Seeing “505” played live changes everything. The energy of live music makes the song even more powerful, bonding the audience and band in a special way. Everyone’s energy comes together, making a strong connection. Each live show brings something new, making the song’s emotional power hit harder. This shows how great the song is and how well the band plays it live.
Lyrical Analysis: Key Lines and Themes
“505” by Arctic Monkeys is a deep dive into emotional and relationship struggles. The line “I probably still adore you with your hands around my neck” shows the mix of love and danger. It brings a strong sense of longing and risk to the song.
The song’s lyrics reflect on a troubled past relationship, maybe with Alex Turner’s ex, possibly Johanna Bennett. It’s filled with metaphors that show the struggles and hope in longing and regret. The chorus talks about going any distance to reconnect, with “505” marking a meaningful memory.
This line is about the complex feelings in relationships. It shows deep love and loss. The song speaks to themes of distance and separation, touching those who listen with its sad tone.
“505” has been a big hit, with about 1.8 billion streams on Spotify by 23 September 2024. Its rise on TikTok in late 2022 shows its lasting charm. The music’s shift from quiet to intense matches the lyrics’ deep feelings, making the song more powerful.
| Statistics | Details |
|---|---|
| Spotify Streams | 1.8 Billion (Sep 2024) |
| Certifications | 3x Platinum (UK), Gold (Denmark), Platinum (Italy) |
| Peak Chart Positions | No. 64 (UK Singles, 2022 Annual), No. 2 (Billboard Bubbling Under Hot 100) |
| Album | Favourite Worst Nightmare |
In the end, “505” is a blend of deep feelings with beautiful music. It stands out as an important song for Arctic Monkeys.
The Legacy of “505” in Arctic Monkeys’ Discography
“505” is a key song in Arctic Monkeys’ music. It marks a big change in their sound. Coming from their second album, “Favourite Worst Nightmare,” it has more depth than their early songs. The move from talking about youth to more personal stories is clear in “505”. This change helped their music grow, touching fans deeply.
This growth set the stage for later hits like the “AM” album. “AM” hit number 1, making history for the band. It sold over 3 million copies worldwide, beating their first album. Hits like “Do I Wanna Know?” keep fans hooked. “AM” went platinum in the US and is a top vinyl in the UK, showing the band’s big impact.
Even with new albums like “Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino” and “The Car,” “505” is still a fan favorite. It got popular again on TikTok, showing its lasting charm. “505” proves Arctic Monkeys’ skill in making timeless songs. It keeps winning over new fans, adding to their lasting legacy.
FAQ
What is the meaning behind the song "505" by Arctic Monkeys?
“505” is not just a song. It’s an emotional journey that brings back memories, desires, and the past. With its sad tone and meaningful lyrics, it deeply moves the listeners.
How does "505" create an emotional landscape?
The song’s emotion comes from a mix of longing and regret. Alex Turner’s words touch everyone’s hearts. The music grows slowly, showing the struggle with desire and memories.
What is the connection between "505" and Ennio Morricone’s compositions?
The first organ notes in “505” remind us of Ennio Morricone’s famous works. This tribute sets a dramatic scene for the song’s story.
How does "505" set up the emotional scene?
“505” uses film-like music to start an emotional journey. Its deep music and scores make the song connect deeply with its listeners.
What is the deeper meaning of "505" according to Arctic Monkeys?
“505” is about being stuck in the past and coming back to a hotel room. This room is both a real place and a reminder of a past love. The song uses vivid pictures and emotions to tell a story of desire and the fight to move on.
How does Alex Turner’s lyrical craftsmanship shine in "505"?
Alex Turner shows his talent in “505” with strong and moving images. For example, “I crumble completely when you cry” shows his skill in making memorable lyrics.
What makes the musical journey of "505" unique?
“505” starts simple and builds up to a strong finish. This increase in energy shows the emotional ups and downs in the lyrics, making a strong emotional impact.
How does the live performance of "505" impact the audience?
Seeing “505” live is very powerful. The intense energy from the band and the crowd creates a special bond.
What are some key lines and themes in the lyrics of "505"?
The song talks about longing and being vulnerable. Lines like “I probably still adore you with your hands around my neck” talk about love, risks, and the desire to be together. It dives into complicated relationships and emotional strength.
What legacy does "505" hold in Arctic Monkeys’ discography?
“505” is a key song for Arctic Monkeys. It shows their growth into more personal themes. It’s loved for its truthfulness and the complex stories it tells, touching fans everywhere.
