The organ sample is taken directly from Ennio Morricone’s soundtrack for the iconic Western, The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, where Angel Eyes enters before the final standoff.
The title could be an allusion to “Flight 505” by The Rolling Stones, with both songs sharing the theme of going somewhere to recapture a feeling or moment… or a person.
"505" is a term for something that is killing you and keeping you alive at the same time (often used for a loved person that might be bad for you).
505
Arctic Monkey Lyrics
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If it's a seven hour flight or a forty-five minute drive
In my imagination you're waiting, lying on your side
With your hands between your thighs
Stop and wait a sec
Oh, when you look at me like that, my darling
What did you expect?
Or I did last time I checked
Not shy of a spark
A knife twists at the thought that I should fall short of the mark
Frightened by the bite though it's no harsher than the bark
Middle of adventure, such a perfect place to start
I'm going back to 505
If it's a seven hour flight or a forty-five minute drive
In my imagination you're waiting, lying on your side
With your hands between your thighs
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
I'm going back to 505
If it's a seven hour flight or a forty-five minute drive
In my imagination you're waiting, lying on your side
With your hands between your thighs and a smile!
The song "505" by Arctic Monkeys reminisces about a past relationship and the desire to return to it. The singer can't resist the pull of his imagination, wondering about the possibility of a reunion with his ex-lover. He compares the distance between them, whether it be a seven-hour flight or a quick drive, to the potency of his mind's eye, which has conjured up an image of his former partner lying down with her hands between her thighs.
As the song progresses, the singer speaks to his lover, conveying the unyielding intensity of his love for her. He fears falling short of her expectations and being judged for his shortcomings. Nonetheless, he is undeterred by the thought of his possible failure and is ready to embark on a new adventure with her.
Overall, "505" by Arctic Monkeys portrays the power of imagination and desire, as well as the intense emotions that can come with romantic love.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm going back to 505
The singer desires to go back to a significant place or experience with another person.
If it's a seven hour flight or a forty-five minute drive
The distance or time it takes to reach this place or experience does not matter.
In my imagination you're waiting, lying on your side
With your hands between your thighs
The singer envisions a specific scenario in which the other person is present and comfortable with their own sexuality.
Stop and wait a sec
The artist is asking for the other person's attention and pause.
Oh, when you look at me like that, my darling
The artist acknowledges the other person's affection and gaze.
What did you expect?
The singer questions the other person's thoughts or intentions.
I probably still adore you with your hands around my neck
Or I did last time I checked
The singer enjoys being in a position of vulnerability with the other person, even though they may have changed since the last time.
Not shy of a spark
The artist is not afraid of emotional or physical intensity.
A knife twists at the thought that I should fall short of the mark
Frightened by the bite though it's no harsher than the bark
Middle of adventure, such a perfect place to start
The artist is afraid of failing or not meeting expectations, but realizes that taking risks is necessary for growth and creating new experiences.
But I crumble completely when you cry
The artist is deeply affected by the other person's emotions and may feel helpless in comforting them.
It seems like once again you've had to greet me with goodbye
The other person may be leaving or ending their time together, possibly causing sadness or frustration for the singer.
I'm always just about to go and spoil a surprise
Take my hands off of your eyes too soon
The artist has a tendency to ruin positive moments by being impatient or impulsive.
With your hands between your thighs and a smile!
The singer imagines the other person enjoying themselves and being happy in their presence.
Lyrics © EMI Music Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: ALEX TURNER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind