Scummy
Arctic Monkeys Lyrics

So who's that girl there?
The singer is curious about the girl who is walking around the streets.

I wonder what went wrong
The singer ponders on what led the girl to this situation.

So that she had to roam the streets
The singer implies that there could be a tragic event or circumstance that made her leave her house.

She don't do major credit cards
The artist suggests that the girl cannot afford anything expensive, so she might be poor.

I doubt she does receipts
The artist implies that the girl is involved in suspicious activities, which make it impossible for her to have legitimate earnings.

It's all not quite legitimate
The singer concludes that something seems wrong with the girl's situation.

And what a scummy man
The singer introduces a male character who is untrustworthy and has a bad reputation.

Just give him half a chance
The artist suggests that this man might take advantage of people if given the opportunity.

I bet he'll rob you if he can
The artist is sure that the man is not to be trusted and would not hesitate to steal from those around him.

Can see it in his eyes, yeah
The artist can tell by looking at the man that he is up to no good.

That he's got a driving ban
The singer reveals that the man has been prohibited from driving, which could signify that he has been involved in something illegal.

Amongst some other offences
The artist suggests that the man has a criminal record that goes beyond just the driving ban.

And I've seen him with girls of the night
The singer has witnessed the man with women who are prostitutes.

And he told Roxanne to put on her red light
The man asked a prostitute named Roxanne to turn on her red light (a sign that she is available) so he could purchase her services.

They're all infected but he'll be alright
The singer implies that the women with whom this man associates may have sexually transmitted diseases, but he is not worried about contracting them.

Cause he's a scumbag, don't you know
The artist reiterates that the man is not trustworthy and has a bad reputation.

I said he's a scumbag, don't you know!
The artist emphasizes that the man is a scumbag and is not to be trusted.

Although you're trying not to listen
The singer acknowledges that the listener may not want to hear what they are saying.

I bet your eyes are staring at the ground
The singer suspects that the listener may be uncomfortable with the discussion and is avoiding eye contact.

She makes a subtle proposition
The artist reveals that there is a woman who may be a prostitute and is making a subtle suggestion to someone.

Sorry love I'll have to turn you down
The listener is declining the woman's proposition, despite her suggestive behavior.

And oh he must be up to something
The artist suggests that the man they were discussing earlier is up to something suspicious.

Want half a chance to show he's more than likely
The singer implies that the man is likely seeking an opportunity to prove himself as something more than what people perceive him to be.

I've got a feeling in my stomach
The artist has a gut feeling that something is not right with the situation.

I start to wonder what his story might be
The singer is curious about the man's background and his motivations for his behavior.

They said it changes when the sun goes down
The singer is referencing a local saying that implies that things turn dark and twisted at night.

Around here
The singer specifies that this saying is relevant to their current location.

And look here comes a Ford Mondeo
The artist sees a particular car approaching their location.

Isn't he Mister Inconspicuous
The artist is being sarcastic and implying that the man driving the car is not subtle at all.

And he don't have to say 'owt
The singer implies the man doesn't have to say anything because he is easily recognizable as someone up to no good.

She understands she's here to get picked up
The singer suggests that the woman who could be a prostitute, sees the car approaching and knows she is about to be picked up.

And she's delighted when she sees him
The woman is pleased to see the man driving the car and how easy their meeting has been arranged.

Pulling in and giving her the eye
The man pulls up to the woman and looks her over.

Because she must be fucking freezing
The artist notes that the woman is scantily clad and must be cold in the nighttime chill.

Scantily clad beneath the clear night sky
The singer describes the woman's attire without judgement.

She don't stop in the winter, no and...
The artist implies that the woman continues to work in her job as a prostitute despite the winter weather.

What a scummy man
The singer concludes that the man is indeed scummy and not to be trusted.

Just give him half a chance
The singer reiterates their belief that the man is untrustworthy and would take advantage of the situation if given the opportunity.

I bet he'll rob you if he can
The singer suggests that the man has a proclivity to steal and would not hesitate to do so if he thought he could get away with it.

Can see it in his eyes that he's got a nasty plan
The artist can tell by looking at the man that there is something sinister going on in his mind.

I hope you're not involved at all
The artist is expressing concern for the listener and hoping that they are not involved in anything related to this man.