The track describes how the dreams and ambitions people have as children are often interrupted abruptly as life continues, much like a conversation.
Alex Turner said in an interview with Mondo Sonoro:
"'There are certain moments in the album, especially in tracks such as the album’s second song, One Point Perspective, that remind me of the type of songs my father would play in the piano. They go together well with the lyrics I was writing, there are chords from jazz, soul and I would also say that the album emits a certain science fiction’s essence. Although deep inside it’s still rock’n’roll.'"
One Point Perspective
Arctic Monkeys Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm gonna run for government
I'm gonna form a covers band and all
And back there by the baby grand
Did Mr. Winter Wonderland say
"Come here, kid, we really need to talk"?
Bear with me, man, I lost my train of thought
I swim with the economists
And I get to the bottom of it for good
By the time reality hits
The chimes of freedom fell to bits
The shining city on the fritz
They come out of the cracks
Thirsty for blood
Just as the apocalypse finally gets prioritized
And you cried some of the hottest tears you ever cried
Multiplied by five
I suppose the singer must die
Singsong 'round the money tree
This stunning documentary
That no one else unfortunately saw
Such beautiful photography
It's worth it for the opening scene
I've been driving 'round listening to the score
Or maybe, I just imagined it all
I've played to quiet rooms like this before
Bear with me, man, I lost my train of thought
The opening line of "Dancing in my underpants" in Arctic Monkeys' song "One Point Perspective" is both comical and revealing, as it conveys the carefree attitude of the singer. The song's narrative is largely non-linear, with scattered references to a range of topics. The lyric "I'm gonna run for government" suggests ambition or anarchistic tendencies, and "forming a covers band" humorously implies a certain lack of innovation. It's interesting that the song pivots without warning to a conversation between the singer and "Mr. Winter Wonderland," who appears to have some kind of professional power over the singer. This ambiguity contributes an eerie quality to the otherwise laidback mood of the song.
The song continues to shift through varying levels of abstraction, such as the fantasizing about quitting and swimming with economists. The lines "The chimes of freedom fell to bits / The shining city on the fritz" allude to the failure of utopian ideals, and the final lines regarding the apocalypse and the death of the singer suggest a feeling of doom or reckoning. The repetition of "Bear with me, man, I lost my train of thought" offers a humorous and relatable refrain throughout the song, potentially a nod to the theme of ambition and distraction.
Line by Line Meaning
Dancing in my underpants
I am carefree and uninhibited, enjoying life in a relaxed state
I'm gonna run for government
I have aspirations to make a positive change in society
I'm gonna form a covers band and all
I have a passion for performing music and want to share it with others
And back there by the baby grand
In the past, I was inspired by someone playing the piano
Did Mr. Winter Wonderland say 'Come here, kid, we really need to talk'?
A person from my past, who I admired, gave me some advice
Bear with me, man, I lost my train of thought
Please be patient with me while I try to refocus my mind
I fantasize, I call it quits
I often dream of quitting everything and starting anew
I swim with the economists
I am immersing myself in knowledge and seeking guidance from professionals
And I get to the bottom of it for good
I am determined to find a solution to my problems
By the time reality hits
When I face the truth, it is often too late
The chimes of freedom fell to bits
My beliefs and values have been shattered
The shining city on the fritz
The world is in a state of chaos and disorder
They come out of the cracks, thirsty for blood
Darker, negative forces in society are emerging and seeking power
Just as the apocalypse finally gets prioritized
As the world's problems become more severe and urgent
And you cried some of the hottest tears you ever cried
You were emotionally devastated by what was happening
Multiplied by five
Your sorrow was amplified significantly
I suppose the singer must die
There is a metaphorical death of hope and optimism in the world
Singsong 'round the money tree
People are frivolously and greedily pursuing wealth
This stunning documentary
The world around us is fascinating and worth exploring
That no one else unfortunately saw
Unfortunately, many people are ignoring or oblivious to the beauty and complexity of the world around them
Such beautiful photography
The world's visual aspects are breathtaking and awe-inspiring
It's worth it for the opening scene
Even if something is flawed or imperfect, it can still have great value and beauty
I've been driving 'round listening to the score
I find inspiration and insight from observing and experiencing life
Or maybe, I just imagined it all
Perhaps my perception of the world is skewed, and I am not seeing reality clearly
I've played to quiet rooms like this before
I have experience performing in low-key, intimate settings like this
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Alex Turner
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@floydhalilintar2850
Lyrics:
Dancing in my underpants
I'm gonna run for government
I'm gonna form a covers band an' all (Stop)
Back there by the baby grand, did Mr. Winter Wonderland say
"Come 'ere, kid, we really need to talk?"
Bear with me, man, I lost my train of thought
I fantasise, I call it quits
I swim with the economists
And I get to the bottom of it for good
By the time reality hits, the chimes of freedom fell to bits
The shinin' city on the fritz
They come out of the cracks, thirsty for blood (Stop)
Oh, just as the apocalypse finally gets prioritised
And you cry some of the hottest tears you ever cried
Multiplied by five
I suppose a singer must die
"Singsong 'Round the Money Tree"
This stunning documentary that no one else unfortunately saw
Such beautiful photography, it's worth it for the opening scene
I've been driving 'round, listening to the score
Or maybe, I just imagined it all
I've played to quiet rooms like this before
Bear with me, man, I lost my train of thought
@bellaluna6966
Such a great album. So tired of the “fan base” whining about not liking this album simply because they expected something else. But as an album TBH&C is beautiful, sophisticated, layered and downright sexy. Love this song, Star Treatment, 4 out of 5 and Ultracheese.
@diegoestrada9309
Yes, my 3 favorites songs of the album
@nerfmadd
Tbh I still dont get the beef with this album. Have they not clocked on yet that none of their albums are the same... they adapt and thats where half the charm comes from
@hazrel
Plus American Sports & The World's First Ever Monster Truck Front Flip ! Im really into this album.
@crepley8335
Those four are my favourite songs. I like the other ones too. I have to admit I had to get used to the album though, it's very different from the others. I really like it now
@hollyeldridge5875
Thank youu
@cxcav5181
In the age of Covid-19, I can't help but see the lyrics of this song in a new light. Alex Turner is a lyrical wizard
@MasterDoctorBenji
Especially now that America is finally prioritizing the apocalypse.
@cyberspace667
This album will age like fine wine believe that
@Nahtan123
He's lyrically off his tits lol