"505" by Arctic Monkeys // Song Review

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"505" is one of Arctic Monkeys' most beloved tracks, a song that has grown from a deep cut into a fan favorite over time. In an interview with NME, lead singer Alex Turner once described it as "the first proper love song we've done... as in like, 'Oh, it's that one person.'" That sentiment is embedded in the song's evocative lyrics, which paint a haunting atmosphere filled with longing and emotional intensity.

Sonically, "505" was so ahead of its time, foreshadowing the direction Arctic Monkeys would later take in their future releases. As the closing track on their classic 2007 album Favourite Worst Nightmare, it serves as a powerful finale, as well as being a distinct shift in tone from the record in terms of tone and atmosphere. It carries a grungy romanticism that feels understated yet deeply sincere.

Part of what makes "505" so compelling is its lyrical ambiguity. The song's title and setting could represent a home address, a hotel room number, an area code, or something entirely different. Regardless of the specifics, "505" symbolizes the longing to return to a specific place in time, back to where everything began in a relationship. "I'm going back to 505, if it's a seven-hour flight or a 45-minute drive," he sings in the opening lines of the song. "In my imagination, you're waiting lying on your side, with your hands between your thighs".

The lyrical imagery sets the tone for the song's emotional weight, blending nostalgia with raw vulnerability. The longing expressed in the opening lines feels almost cinematic, as if he is chasing a memory that is just out of reach, wanting to return to a version of themselves that no longer exists.

As the track builds, the bridge takes a sharp and dramatic turn, fully exposing the pain and mental anguish he's experiencing. One of the most emotionally impactful moments of the song is the powerful bridge, "But I crumble completely when you cry, it seems like once again you've had to greet me with goodbye, I'm always just about to go and spoil a surprise, take my hands off of your eyes too soon".


Following its release in 2007, "505" gradually evolved from a deep cut into one of the band's most beloved songs. Though not originally a single, its haunting melody and emotionally charged lyrics have continuously resonated with listeners and gained a lot of momentum over time. The song has since amassed nearly 2.2 billion streams on Spotify as of May 2025, solidifying its place as the standout track from Favourite Worst Nightmare. In late 2022, "505" experienced a massive resurgence, thanks in part to TikTok, proving its timeless appeal and ability to captivate new generations of listeners. Its continued popularity is a testament to the enduring impact and emotional depth that has made it a fan favorite.


Check out my ten year anniversary review of Arctic Monkeys' AM + more from my song of the week series here. ☆ Thanks for reading!


photo credit: Arctic Monkeys, Domino


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