I've seen your eyes as they fix on me
What is he doing?
What on earth's the plan, has he got one?
You better give me some pointers
Since you are the big rocket launcher
And I'm just the shotgun
Well, I ain't got no dollar signs in my eyes
That might be a surprise but it's true
Said, I'm not like you
And I don't want your advice or your praise
Or to move in the ways you do
And I never will

'Cause all you people are vampires
And all your stories are stale
And though you pretend to stand by us
I know you're certain we'll fail

Well, I've seen your eyes as they fix on me
Full of confusion
Your snarl is just so condescending
Try to explain that we're on to a win
If the fee we got in
Near recoups what we're spending
He said, "I can't believe that you drove all that way
Well, how much did they pay ya? How much did they pay ya?
You'd have been better to stay round our way"
Thinking 'bout things but not actually doing the things

'Cause all you people are vampires
And all your stories are stale
And though you pretend to stand by us
I know you're certain we'll fail

'Cause all you people are vampires
And all your stories are stale
And though you pretend to stand by us
I know you're certain we'll fail

All you people are vampires

Overall Meaning

Arctic Monkeys has a habit of taking on authority with cutting wit and sarcasm, and "Perhaps Vampires Is a Bit Strong But..." is no exception. The lyrics take aim at exploitative music industry types, with lead singer Alex Turner derisively referring to them as "vampires." In the first verse, he addresses their condescending attitudes, mocking their attempts to offer guidance and mentorship. Turner asserts that he doesn't need their advice or praise.

The second verse sees Turner calling out the industry's obsession with profit, as he recounts an exchange with a promoter who questions the band's decision to play a gig far away from home. Turner dismisses his insinuation that they should have stayed put for a bigger paycheck, instead calling them out for not actively pursuing their dreams.

Throughout the song, Turner emphasizes his distrust of the "vampires," making it clear that he and his bandmates are not interested in playing by their rules or seeking their approval. Ultimately, he sees them as parasites who feed off of the creative output of musicians like himself.

Line by Line Meaning

I've seen your eyes as they fix on me
I have noticed you looking at me

What is he doing?
What is this person's intention?

What on earth's the plan, has he got one?
Does this person have a plan?

You better give me some pointers
You should give me some advice

Since you are the big rocket launcher
Since you are important and influential

And I'm just the shotgun
And I am just a small player

Well, I ain't got no dollar signs in my eyes
Money is not my main motivation

That might be a surprise but it's true
This may be unexpected, but it is the truth

Said, I'm not like you
I am different from you

And I don't want your advice or your praise
I do not want your input or approval

Or to move in the ways you do
Or to follow your path