He argues with his girlfriend (or lover) who is simply not having it and being mardy with him; in the choruses he recollects the beginning of the relationship, comparing it to how moody she’s acting in the verses.
The charm of the song lies in the fact that there is no consoling a woman who has already made up her mind; i.e. who’s got the face on.
Mardy Bum
Artic Monkeys Lyrics
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I've seen your frown and it's like looking down the barrel of a gun
And it goes off
And out come all these words
Oh, there's a very pleasant side to you
A side I much prefer
One that's laughs and jokes around Remember cuddles in the kitchen, yeah
To get things off the ground
And it was up, up and away
Aw, but it's right hard to remember that
On a day like today
When you're all argumentative
And you've got the face on
Well, now then, Mardy Bum
Oh, I'm in trouble again, aren't I?
I thought as much
'Cause you turned over there
Pulling that silent disappointment face
The one that I can't bear
Well, can't we just laugh and joke around?
Remember cuddles in the kitchen, yeah
To get things off the ground
And it was up, up and away
Oh, but it's right hard to remember that
On a day like today
When you're all argumentative
And you've got the face on
Yeah, I'm sorry I was late
But I missed the train And then the traffic was a state
And I can't be arsed to carry on in this debate
That reoccurs, oh, when you say I don't care
But of course I do, yeah, I clearly do
So laugh and joke around
Remember cuddles in the kitchen, yeah
To get things off the ground
And it was up, up and away
Oh, but it's right hard to remember that
On a day like today
When you're all argumentative
And you've got the face on
"Mardy Bum" is a song by Arctic Monkeys about a relationship that is going through a rough patch, specifically focusing on the mood swings of the female partner. The singer tells the tale of how his significant other is constantly switching from being happy and affectionate to distant and cold. He explains that he prefers the former version of his girlfriend, the side of her that is kind and loving, and reminisces about the times they spent together when everything was going well.
The song is a lament about the difficulties of a volatile relationship and how hard it can be to keep things stable when one partner is constantly changing their mood. Its lyrics are filled with frustration, and the repetition of the phrase "remember cuddles in the kitchen" becomes a kind of mantra for the singer, reminding him of better times in their relationship.
Overall, "Mardy Bum" is a reflection of the ups and downs that come with being in a relationship, and the challenges of navigating your partner's moods and emotions.
Line by Line Meaning
Well, now then Mardy Bum
Addressing someone who is in a bad mood
I've seen your frown and it's like looking down the barrel of a gun
Your expression is very intimidating and uncomfortable
And it goes off
The negative energy emanating from you is unleashed
And out come all these words
You start saying negative things
Oh, there's a very pleasant side to you
There's a part of you that is very likeable
A side I much prefer
I prefer that side of you
One that's laughs and jokes around
The side of you that is playful and fun
Remember cuddles in the kitchen, yeah
Remember the times we were affectionate with each other
To get things off the ground
To start something new
And it was up, up and away
It was a success
Aw, but it's right hard to remember that
It's difficult to remember those good times
On a day like today
Especially when you're having a bad day
When you're all argumentative
When you're being confrontational
And you've got the face on
You have a negative expression
Oh, I'm in trouble again, aren't I?
I know I'm in trouble again
I thought as much
It's what I expected
'Cause you turned over there
Because you turned away from me
Pulling that silent disappointment face
Showing me a disapproving expression even though you are not speaking
The one that I can't bear
It's difficult for me to handle your negativity
Well, can't we just laugh and joke around?
Can't we just have a good time together?
Yeah, I'm sorry I was late
Apologizing for being late
But I missed the train
It's not my fault, I missed my train
And then the traffic was a state
The traffic was bad
And I can't be arsed to carry on in this debate
I don't want to argue anymore
That reoccurs, oh, when you say I don't care
This argument keeps happening, especially when you accuse me of not caring
But of course I do, yeah, I clearly do
I do care about you
Contributed by Levi W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.