Alexander David Turner (born January 6, 1986) is the lead singer and guitar… Read Full Bio ↴Alexander David Turner (born January 6, 1986) is the lead singer and guitarist for the bands Arctic Monkeys and The Last Shadow Puppets. He first met drummer Matt Helders at Stocksbridge High School. He has maintained a very private life, and shunned media publicity when declared the Coolest Man On The Planet by NME magazine in December 2005.

In August of 2007 he and The Rascals' member Miles Kane started recording an album for their new band The Last Shadow Puppets. It was released in the UK April 23 2008.

In 2010, Turner wrote six tracks for Submarine, the debut feature film of Richard Ayoade, director of various Arctic Monkeys music videos.

Reckless Serenade
Alex Turner Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Topless models
Doing semaphore
Wave their flags as she walks by
And get ignored

Illuminations
On a rainy day
When she walks her footsteps sing

A reckless serenade

I′ve been trying to figure out exactly what it is I need
Call up to listen to the voice of reason
And got the answering machine

The type of kisses
Where teeth collide
When she laughs the heavens hum a stun gun lullaby

Those twinkling vixens
With a shining spiral eyes
Their hypnosis goes unnoticed when she's walking by

I′ve been trying to figure out exactly what it is I need
Call up to listen to the voice of reason
And got his answering machine

I left my message but did he forget back to me
And now I'm stuck here wondering
How it's meant to be

Singing a reckless serenade
Reckless serenade

Reckless serenade
Reckless serenade

Overall Meaning

The opening lyrics to the song "Reckless Serenade" by Alex Turner uses imagery to set a scene of a group of women waving their flags, seemingly seeking attention from those passing them by. However, the singer of the song is more interested in someone else. As this is happening, the rain-soaked streets act as a backdrop as the singer's crush walks by, and the song mentions that her footsteps sing a reckless serenade, possibly referencing her confident and free-spirited gait.

The second verse delves deeper into the singer's feelings, as they explain the difficulty of figuring out what they want and the frustration of not getting through to someone who could provide answers. The use of teeth colliding and the heavens humming a stun gun lullaby hint at a smoldering attraction and volatile emotions. Finally, the third verse brings back the attention to the woman who serves as the subject of the singer's affection, with the twinkling women and their shining, spiral eyes going unnoticed as she passes. The repeated use of "reckless serenade" emphasizes the singer's yearning for this person and their desire to take a chance and make their feelings clear.

Line by Line Meaning

Topless models
Women who are not wearing tops

Doing semaphore
Using flags to communicate a message

Wave their flags as she walks by
They try to get her attention by signaling with their flags

And get ignored
She does not pay attention to them

Illuminations
Bright lights

On a rainy day
During a day when it is raining

When she walks her footsteps sing
The sound of her footsteps is musical

A reckless serenade
An impulsive and carefree melody

I’ve been trying to figure out exactly what it is I need
The artist is confused and looking for clarity

Call up to listen to the voice of reason
He seeks advice from someone rational

And got the answering machine
But the person he called is not available

The type of kisses
A specific kind of kiss

Where teeth collide
A kiss in which the teeth touch

When she laughs the heavens hum a stun gun lullaby
Her laughter is so powerful that it feels like a shock and a soothing song at the same time

Those twinkling vixens
Women who are attractive and alluring

With a shining spiral eyes
Their eyes are captivating and hypnotic

Their hypnosis goes unnoticed when she's walking by
The artist does not notice their charm when she is around

I left my message but did he forget back to me
He left a message for someone but hasn't received a response

And now I'm stuck here wondering
He is confused and unsure about what to do next

How it's meant to be
He is questioning the natural course of events

Singing a reckless serenade
He is carelessly expressing his feelings

Reckless serenade
The melody he is singing

Writer(s): Alex Turner

Contributed by Evan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.

To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

TRACKS

Genre not found

Artist not found

Album not found

Search results not found

Song not found

Most interesting comments from YouTube:

Erick Abdul

4y↑61

Lyrics:
Topless models
Doing semaphore
Wave their flags as she walks by
And get ignored

Illuminations
On a rainy day
When she walks her footsteps sing
A reckless serenade

I've been trying to figure out exactly what it is I need
Call up to listen to the voice of reason
And got the answering machine

The type of kisses
Where teeth collide
When she laughs the heavens hum a stun gun lullaby

Those twinkling vixens
With a shining spiral eyes
Their hypnosis goes unnoticed when she's walking by

I've been trying to figure out exactly what it is I need
Call up to listen to the voice of reason
And got his answering machine

I left my message but did he forget back to me
And now I'm stuck here wondering
How it's meant to be

Singing a reckless serenade
Reckless serenade
Reckless serenade
Reckless serenade

Reckless serenade
Reckless serenade
Reckless serenade

Lynne Ashmar

4y↑7

Topless models
Doing semaphore
Wave their flags as she walks by
And get ignored
Illuminations
On a rainy day
When she walks her footsteps sing
A reckless serenade
I've been trying to figure out exactly what it is I need
Call up to listen to the voice of reason
And got the answering machine
The type of kisses
Where teeth collide
When she laughs the heavens hum a stun gun lullaby
Those twinkling vixens
With a shining spiral eyes
Their hypnosis goes unnoticed when she's walking by
I've been trying to figure out exactly what it is I need
Call up to listen to the voice of reason
And got his answering machine
I left my message but did he forget back to me
And now I'm stuck here wondering
How it's meant to be
Singing a reckless serenade
Reckless serenade
Reckless serenade
Reckless serenade
Reckless serenade
Reckless serenade
Reckless serenade

Harys Imanulloh

3y↑4

Reckless Serenade"

Topless models doing semaphore
Wave their flags as she walks by and get ignored
Illuminations on a rainy day
When she walks, her footsteps sing a reckless serenade

I've been trying to figure out exactly what it is I need
Called up to listen to the voice of reason
And got the answering machine

The type of kisses where teeth collide
When she laughs, the heavens hum a stun-gun lullaby
Those twinkling vixens with the shining spiral eyes
Their hypnosis goes unnoticed when she's walking by

I've been trying to figure out exactly what it is I need
Called up to listen to the voice of reason
And got his answering machine
I left my message, but did he fuck get back to me
And now I'm stuck, still wondering how it's meant to be
Singing a reckless serenade, reckless serenade
Reckless serenade, reckless serenade

Reckless serenade, reckless serenade
Reckless serenade

Bhaskar Shah

Topless models doing semaphore
Wave their flags as she walks by and get ignored
Illuminations on a rainy day
When she walks, her footsteps sing a reckless serenade

I've been trying to figure out exactly what it is I need
Called up to listen to the voice of reason
And got the answering machine

The type of kisses where teeth collide
When she laughs, the heavens hum a stun-gun lullaby
Those twinkling vixens with the shining spiral eyes
Their hypnosis goes unnoticed when she's walking by

I've been trying to figure out exactly what it is I need
Called up to listen to the voice of reason
And got his answering machine
I left my message, but did he fuck get back to me
And now I'm stuck, still wondering how it's meant to be
Singing a reckless serenade, reckless serenade
Reckless serenade, reckless serenade

Reckless serenade, reckless serenade
Reckless serenade

I Putu Gede Teguh Mahendra

3y↑3

D A G
Topless models
D A G
Doing sema-phore
D A G
Wave their flags as she walks by
D A G
And get ignored

[Verse 2]
D A G
Illuminations
D A G
On a rainy day
D A G
When she walks her footsteps sing
D A G
A reckless serenade

[Chorus]
G Bm F#m G*
I've been trying to figure out exactly what it is I need
Gm D
Call up to listen to the voice of reason
Em A
And got his answering machine

[Verse 3]
D A G
The type of kisses
D A G
Where teeth collide
D A G
When she laughs the heavens hum
D A G
A stun-gun lullaby

[Verse 4]
D A G
Those twinkling vixens
D A G
With their shining spiral eyes
D A G
Their hypnosis goes unnoticed
D A G
When she's walking by

[Chorus]
G Bm F#m G*
I've been trying to figure out exactly what it is I need
Gm D
Call up to listen to the voice of reason
Em A
And got the answering machine

[Bridge]
Bm D G* Bb
I left my message but did he forget back to me
Bm* E
Now I'm stuck - still wondering
G* A D
How it's meant to be

All comments from YouTube:

extreme_dinosaur

8y↑1.9K

If I had a voice like Alex, I would never stop singing.

extreme_dinosaur

8y↑8

+Jessie Joule I am sure one would lead to the other without much trouble

Gabriel Belmonte

8y↑6

honestly same

The wise Peter Pan

8y↑45

I always when im alone at house i just start to sing like fucking insane, i can't stop singing, even when i have a bad voice :C , you can't imagine how much i would love to sing like him

Julio Heredia

6y↑2

I can sing like him, pretty similar at least...

Fig Apricot

Somehow I doubt that you can

8 More Replies...

Charlene

9y↑197

the reason why i especially love this guy is because of his voice. its real and raw

laura vigne

It's not the same now

Akshit

Raw?

Cool Guy,

@laura vigne ?

Sebas

1y↑1

@Cool Guy, he sings like bowie

Easypeasylemonsquizy

1y↑1

His debut album voice was WAYY more raw and real

1 More Replies...

Michaela Sattaur

11y↑79

He sounded so good, not like other singers today who sound terrible when you hear them live

ditess123

13y↑17

His live performs make each song sound even better than the recorded version. <3

Bowties NCoolnes

9y↑597

For all the people who say "Oh, he's such a douchebag now, with his leather jacket and sunglasses" - That's just his style! His fashion sense.
He's obviously still the sweetest thing on earth.

Nina

9y↑4

Bowties NCoolnes Your profile pic, oh the memories :D

Bowties NCoolnes

9y↑4

Nina The Sagacious Ecclestone was my favorite doctor :3

Nina

9y↑8

Bowties NCoolnes Mine was Tennant, but hey everyone has their own doctor :)

Adreeta Chakraborty

11y↑54

"That's a beautiful song!" Alex: "Cheers,dude!" x'D It's literally impossible to not love this man.

Habbo -eduardo!!-

12y↑9

Não me canso de ouvir, o incrível... é que todas as músicas da Arctic Monkeys, são perfeitas, não me canso de escutar eles, desde 2008.

Erick Abdul

4y↑61

fretui medak

8y↑206

This is why I keep sharing my excitement and pride for one of the most innovative bands ever. They really steered music towards a new era, they've been an influence and a reference for whoever tried to enter music and to access a strict audience without the heaviness and confusion mainstream often determines. I think that a band like this deserved to attain a wider audience, thoroughly and deeply considered as the founders of a personal style (they don't want to base their sound on typical chorus or medleys). When you listen to Arctic you slowly grasp what music should give off: inspiration, sentiments, self-esteem and peace as well. The artist you look for should be irreplaceable, he should suit all of your sentiments and be proper to communicate both sides of the medal (happiness and sadness). Just for the record, Alex keeps up with the great work in TLSP too.

Cybersilver Road

8y↑4

fretui medak people are too ignorant to realize what good music is even if you put it right in front of their face . Let them listen to the same mainstream shit they keep playing in current movies or media .

Fig Apricot

6y↑5

And what's wrong with people like that? Maybe they are not "real" fans but they support band regardless which is always helpful.

"but I think they shouldn't reach a to big audience"
And this is just selfish because you want to feel unique and in minority with the cost of them not doing too good when it comes to selling records or concert tickets.

pencil pencil

3y↑12

Alex's voice sounds so soothing,i feel like I'm gonna fall asleep

Philip Reilly

4y↑9

One of the best performances I have heard in years! Amazing

vithoria batista

6y↑20

His voice takes me to another universe

rosa alan

1y↑1

man this is masterpiece

Lorenzo Arbia

3y↑43

“The type of kisses... where teeth collides”
Man this lyrics, tho sentence in particular move me every time

Leenonu Shimhopileni

7y↑15

I love that there's the non acoustic version because i feel different emotions even though the lyrics are the same.

micuko vicious

12y↑1

Beautiful song. His voice is angelic.

Lily

4y↑7

there was a time when i would listen to this version about 10x a day. now I love the album version even more.

septopus man

12y↑1

dude he looks awesome in any look or style. and in my opinion, he can change his look to whatever he likes as long as he keeps singing and making amazing songs

Dmodz Dan

11y↑40

incase you haven't noticed, he's the exact same person as he always has been, his style changes to suit each album they release.

intravenous cold brew user

8y↑54

I smile too much at Alex's voice tbh

Maria Pia

10y↑2

Outstanding human-being. His voice has evolved so much through the years! X

Barrera Berman

3y↑4

Great song and beautiful voice, listening right now on 2021, 10 years later

Flor Gallagher La Rusa

1y↑2

Im deeply in love with him. Perfect voice

Thiago Quadros

13y↑2

his singing live is better than i expected! and i love his new look

Vinícius Cruz

11y↑36

The emptiness that the song gives me when it ends is only fulfilled when I play it repeatedly.

Joao Rosa

12y

Esta numa fase boa pra caralho, o novo som esta muito foda.

chemilamazi

12y

he is perfect! his voice is best i've ever heard...don't get me wrong...there might are some artists who have better vocal or something like that...but alex's voice is so ...warm, so eargasmic:>> his accent ...omg..his lyrics are awesome..and when i listen to him i'm totally into this song:DDD and it's very rare for me:D i just admire him ...arctic monkeys are the best!

Anna Silva

12y

this is honestly better than the recorded version, not many people can do that

kevin phillips

10y↑53

10 years strong. keep it going Alex

Isaac Alex

2y↑1

20 years later

Lynne Ashmar

4y↑7

Tiansheng Zhan

11y↑2

he really has some good vocals. thumbs up! ;)

Midnight Carnage

3y↑4

Alex Turner Has The Most Common Talking Voice But The Most Beautiful Singing Voice

CFCMB9BHAFC

10y

This song is beautiful

Leah Simpson

9y↑4

I love this song. He writes The greatest love songs.

Ryan Goodby

44w

a living legend

Enoch J.C.

13y↑828

"There we go" "Cheers dude" "all right" NIce answers Alex.

kasturi sengupta

4y↑4

TheThirdAmigo 🤣🤣🤣

ro9595

2y↑24

You forgot "..myeaah" at 0:27 haha

Marcos Maricato

2y↑18

He’s a answering machine

Alan Cobain

5y↑5

When I see him I see a young John Lennon. This Alex belongs in Lennon’s era. Guys wearing sunglasses and leather jackets and singing rock and roll. Wish he could’ve this style. In today’s world not many can pull it off but he definitely can. Love you Alex ❤️

Karen Aguilar

Amazing ❤

Israel F. Arzate

7y↑1

alguien que tenga los acordes de esta hermosa canción?

Laura Momia

11y↑1

No puede tener esa voz hermosa!!

kevmcg

12y↑1

I'm in love with his voice!

Mirella Mell

Minha música preferida

Eduarda Silveira

13y

amazing! don't know why people are calling him douche... it must be because they don't know him. he's not just talented, but sweet. he's adorable! <3

Ha Ku

How is it better than the Recording ... Talented alex 🖤

Naaas

3y↑2

I love Alex's character during this phase, but my favorite is the last one.

Álix A.

He is incredibly talented. Impressive.

• abcdefu •

HIS VOICE IS AWESOME

w820916

12y

I can't stop replaying this.

jenuinely_

12y

alex turner is just legendary. if he wants to wear sunglasses inside, who caressssssssssss! listen to that voice!

Asif

12y

needs to do a complete acoustic album.

bluemoonswine

9y↑824

I really don't think he's trying to be douchy or arrogant. I think he acts like that because he's just shy and he always seems extremely uncomfortable during interviews. I think that he just likes to avoid the spotlight and he probably just doesn't know how to act when someone praised him or gives him attention. Beside that, amazing song :)

Bowties NCoolnes

9y↑8

geekie0girl I think it's mere style.

R Casey

9y↑34

Has anyone every thought maybe he's just grown up he's not that kid from Sheffield anymore

24 More Replies...

MrFalconart

12y

what an absolute legend

Em5e

12y

this song is just perfect.

Paula Cusumano

11y↑1

GREAT SONG!!!!!

Harys Imanulloh

3y↑4

Philip Game

Absolutely Sensational

Composições & Histórias

12y

Every reckless serenade sings a beautiful song!

Caolan McGurn

2y↑1

That man is the definition of cool

madalyno28

12y

God, just I can't even. It's beautiful. Alex is a perfect human.

Jennifer Ewegen

4y↑4

This makes me miss my ma. Thank you. I wish I could share this with her.

Jorge Felix

11y↑1

Just the haircut, just the glasses inside a radio station, the clothes, the "Fonzie" style, and he always played this song in the same way, I bet the new album will have a lot of 50's influence that came on him these last years

Astro Pickle

12y

i love this song.

Carbin bane

12y

Alex turner is fastly becoming one of my favorite artist.

Stanley Coop

4y↑1

So much better than the studio version.

ᄀᄋ

3y↑1

4집이 진짜 제일좋음.. 노래 개잘쓰네.. ;;

Joy Thevision

12y

he sings in a different tune from guitar and it still sounds good

Madiha Turshin

I believe that he dressed up like that to perform a "reckless serenade". I love him and his music.

Andrea Vergara

12y

i just felt lost in the melody of the song and kept telling to my self this is fucking beautiful

Bhaskar Shah

Beatriz Pinna

11y

AI QUE CARICA MAIS LINDA!!!!!!

Carol

9y↑4

❤ saudades

Maria Alexandropoulou

11y

I believe the same thing too. A new haircut and a bunch of new clothes are not able to change someone's personality. I was, I am and surely I will always be in love with Alex.

Kevin D T Barrera

12y

great song, about the look? i don´t care, Solo sigue tocando buena música y yo estare escuchando.

Tjaša Rupar

Okay so I am having a bad day and I promised myself I'd stop obsessing over him but here I am, staring at the screen like a psycho, I am so impressed by this man

OlafAdventures

11y

Me too, I just feel so... FABULOUS!

sonyson

12y

The 'Cheers dude' starts to resemble the earlier, more arrogant attitude of the Monkeys in the early days but in a much more appreciative and respectful manner in relation to their age and status in the music world today. Alex is class.

V C

Still coming back to this. Amazing.

BollyBibby

8y↑26

This is so relaxing

Gab

12y

his voice <3

Dina Shay

3y↑1

2:47 he has the most beautiful voice ever.

RoadRiseAgainst

12y

I just want to make a session with this equipment!

lvivboi

12y

Beautiful.

Sarah Del

13y

Does it really make any difference what he is like as a person or how he looks (hot BTW) ?? I mean we are all here for the music, which is, as always with The Arctic Monkeys, is absolutely Brilliant, especially in comparison to a lot of the pop bullshit that classifies as music nowadays.

Eduardo Gutierrez Figueroa

10y

hermoso

Patrik Fister

10y↑3

he is reckless as hell. love it. :D

Cecilia Rivero

8y↑1

lo amo

tsel

12y

At first I didn't know what he was singing about, but then the song is awesome.

Maayan Abraham

This is so beautiful it makes wanna cry

I Putu Gede Teguh Mahendra

3y↑3

Rebecca V.

fanks!

nathan schupbach

youre a legend

Beau Miller

12y

i like to call him the songbird of our generation

zoeleila

12y↑1

he grew up and now we just have to love him more :]

Luiki

4y↑3

we all know it lacks of something without the intial bass riff still nobody will admit it

Jonatan Morales

I wanna have his voice👌

Karina Aquino

11y

And that voice? *O* I shiver, the best voice *O*

Brendo macedo

12y

Poxa mano tira onda

Jamie Carlton

12y

Love the way alex says 'cheers dude' :')

SuperMcAna

12y

he certainly looks, talks and acts different, but i give a da*mn as long as he keeps writing and singing awesome songs like these.

Lydia Seibert

I need this again. Perfect

Tonia

10y

Perfection!

Lawrence L

10y

Along with the music, love the leather jacket, the teddy boy hairstyle and shades which is a syle that has been used before in the early days of rock and roll.

Load More Comments...

More Comments

just now