Well oh they might wear classic Reeboks
Or knackered Converse
Or tracky bottoms tucked in socks
But all of that's what the point is not
The point's that there ain't no romance around there

And there's the truth that they can't see
They'd probably like to throw a punch at me
And if you could only see them, then you would agree
Agree that there ain't no romance around there

You know, oh it's a funny thing you know
We'll tell 'em if you like
We'll tell 'em all tonight
They'll never listen
'Cause their minds are made up
And 'course it's all okay to carry on that way

And over there, there's broken bones
There's only music, so that there's new ringtones
And it don't take no Sherlock Holmes
To see it's a little different around here

Don't get me wrong, oh there's boys in bands
And kids who like to scrap with pool cues in their hands
And just 'cause he's had a couple o' cans
He thinks it's all right to act like a dickhead

Don't you know, oh it's a funny thing you know
We'll tell em if you like
We'll tell em all tonight
They'll never listen
'Cause their minds are made up
And 'course it's all okay to carry on that way

I said no
Oh no
Oh you won't get me to go
Anywhere, said anywhere
I won't go
Oh no no

Well over there, there's friends of mine
What can I say? I've known 'em for a long long time
And yeah they might overstep the line
But I just cannot get angry in the same way
Not in the same way
Not in the same way
Oh no, oh no no



Lyrics submitted by newsboyhat, edited by ghostyyy, acperez

Track duration: 05:31

"A Certain Romance" as written by Alex Turner

Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing

Lyrics powered by LyricFind


A Certain Romance song meanings
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117 Comments

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  • 0
    My Interpretation:This song, I've heard it a few times before but I never actually listened to it until a couple of days ago as I was leaving my school. I was walking through the parking lot when it came on and I heard it, and I actually listened to it, and I was overcome by so many thoughts. It seems to be about that crowd of people that just do things, that just go through the motions and get into what's trendy without any motivation or inclination towards it. They just do it. It's lack of passion, and I see it every day, hell I've been a part of it before and that's the scary thing. The line, "there ain't no romance around there" hits me because I'm still stuck "there" in this school with all these ignorant fucks who walk around trying to be trendy as if that's that matters in life, when there's so much more. I want to have something meaningful in my life, and that's something they'd laugh at. This song really connects with me.
    Flag BasketCase86on February 27, 2013   Link
  • +1
    General Comment:I get so emotional when I hear this song! It makes me think about how even though most people at my school annoy me to death, I know I'd be miserable without them! So true! I love this song!
    Flag razzamatazzberryon October 07, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Love the beginning of this track especially. Love the track and the band period. I have to laugh though at the "there's no romance around here part." Funny, but the first time I heard someone listening to the song was at the end of May, I believe. It was especially humorous in the setting. Quite manipulative. It's especially humorous now. But it will forever be a GREAT track. Would love to hear this band live.
    Flag ASweetPeaon October 02, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:First, let me say that this is the most moving song in the Arctic Monkeys catalogue. It's wonderful.

    Second, if you listen to the lyrics it is abundantly clear that it is not about America or any such nonsense. It's an intensely British song, and I say this as a Yank. At the same time it could be about young people anywhere.

    It is literally about the "Chav" subculture in Britain, and the songwriter's sympathetic view of those who were part of it.

    Yes, he makes fun of them, for their silly sheep-like choices of clothing, classic Reebok sneakers, "tracky bottoms tucked in socks", as well as obsession with cell-phone ringtones, and says there is no romance in the numbing conformity of their lockstep moves, something they would surely sock him for pointing out.

    But he also says that some of them are his friends, he grew up with them, and is not going to judge them or put himself above them because he understands where they came from.

    This is actually what makes the song brilliant, as others have noted--he does not judge. He cannot "get angry in the same way" about them, because these are his people, and his milieu. He hung out at these bars, went to school with these guys, and he understands. Brilliant song.
    Flag igglooon August 05, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Every time I hear this song, I am reminded of another song called "Get what you want" by Operator Please.

    If you listen to it, the riff bit is almost exactly the same. I can't help but listen to that song, right after I finish listening to this album :P
    Good album btw!
    Flag alterEgoon June 13, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Am I the only one who fell in love with Alex Turner for a while because of his beautiful poetic lyrics and sexy voice?
    Flag Mish9on December 21, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I wish they played Arctic Monkeys music on the Radio, I live in Mexico and none of the 1000,000 (I don't know how radio stations are there, I'm just exaggerating) stations plays their music.
    Flag Mish9on December 21, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Song is beautiful an amazing ending to the album, first time I heard I shed a tear.
    Flag kineticcon December 12, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I always thought this was about how people no longer like music for what it is... they like it because it fits their persona... no one bothers to hear the lyrics anymore.... so there's no love in it
    Flag dontforgetsarson December 12, 2010   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:small mindedness, ignorance, naivity and probably many more charecteristic flaws driven through sociaty. and this song is just a metaphorical place to describe them with common morals that everyone will agree to hate.
    Flag Matty1886on October 02, 2010   Link

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