Settle For A Draw
Arctic Monkeys Lyrics
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It might start different but it ends up the same
One minute you're casually speaking
The next it all goes up and you pour fuel on the flame
With your Jerry can of words and tones
And no one's gonna start a revolution
So we best leave it well alone
And there's something that Frankie used to say, Apparently
Oh he says settle for a draw
Well you're not gonna get no more
So you should settle for a draw
I told you once I'm sure
I told you once I'm sure
You should settle for a draw
Why don't you settle for a draw?
Well you're right it is one set of rules for her
And then another set for you
But that's just the way it is I suppose
And there's nowt you can do
And lets not fall in the trap
Of Answering back
I am just a beginner
But she'll be the only winner
That's for sure
So take the draw, if it's available
And if it sets on fire don't get out your jerry can of...
...words and tones
And no one's gonna start a revolution
So we best leave it well alone
And there's something that Frankie used to say, Apparently
Oh he says settle for a draw
Well you're not gonna get no more
So you should settle for a draw
I told you once I'm sure
I told you once I'm sure
You should settle for a draw
Why don't you settle for a draw?
The lyrics of Arctic Monkeys’ song “Settle for a Draw” touches on themes of acceptance and avoiding conflict in one’s personal relationships. The opening verse paints the picture of watching someone repeatedly make the same mistakes in their interactions with others, ending in explosive fights fueled by harsh words. The singer urges this person to settle for less than what they might want or hope for, because it’s better than the alternative of continuing to argue and not getting what they want in the end.
The titular phrase “settle for a draw” is repeated throughout the song, referencing the idea of accepting a tie in a competition rather than continuing to fight for victory and risking a loss. The idea of not starting a revolution is also present in the chorus, emphasizing that sometimes it’s better to let things go and not escalate a situation into something that could become even more problematic. The second verse of the song touches on the concept of double standards and how often people are held to different rules based on their gender or other factors, but there’s really not much that can be done about it in the larger scheme of things.
Overall, “Settle for a Draw” is a song about accepting that you can’t always win, and letting go of the things that don’t truly matter in the end. It encourages the listener to choose their battles and not pursue conflict when it’s not worth it, which is an important message that can be applied to many different aspects of life.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I watch you tangle every weekend
I observe you getting into arguments every weekend.
It might start different but it ends up the same
The argument may begin differently, but it eventually takes the same course.
One minute you're casually speaking
Initially, the conversation is casual.
The next it all goes up and you pour fuel on the flame
Suddenly, the conversation escalates, and you add more heat to the argument.
With your Jerry can of words and tones
You have a supply of strong and offensive words.
And no one's gonna start a revolution
No one wants to start a rebellion.
So we best leave it well alone
It is best to avoid the argument completely.
And there's something that Frankie used to say, Apparently
Frankie used to say something relevant to the situation we are in.
Oh he says settle for a draw
Frankie suggested we should settle for a tie to avoid any further arguments.
Well you're not gonna get no more
Don't expect anything more than a tie.
So you should settle for a draw
It's wise to agree to a peaceful draw.
I told you once I'm sure
I've advised you already.
You should settle for a draw
A tie is the best outcome in this situation.
Why don't you settle for a draw?
Why don't you agree to a tie?
Well you're right it is one set of rules for her
She has different rules compared to your set of rules.
And then another set for you
You have different rules compared to her set of rules.
But that's just the way it is I suppose
Unfortunately, that's just how things are.
And there's nowt you can do
There's nothing you can do about it.
And lets not fall in the trap
Let's avoid getting caught up in the argument again.
Of Answering back
Don't retaliate to her comments.
I am just a beginner
I don't have much experience in handling arguments.
But she'll be the only winner
If we continue the argument, she'll come out as the only successful one.
That's for sure
That's definite.
So take the draw, if it's available
Grab the opportunity to settle for a tie.
And if it sets on fire don't get out your jerry can of...
If the argument resumes, don't try to add fuel to the fire.
...words and tones
Don't use harsh and aggressive language.
Contributed by Riley R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
pax
on 505
yo this is sick
robin
on When the Sun Goes Down
DAMNNN THEY ARE GOOD GOOD
robin
on Old Yellow Bricks
damn looking at these comments remind me that there is so many things to understand about the lyrics
Birgit Eierhoff
on Do I Wanna Know
The sound goes into the blood. :)
Jeannie Smith
on Do I Wanna Know
I like it.