London Girls
Duffy Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Catch the last train Sunday evening
Evacuate provincial suburbs
Back to halls, the digs, the balls
To make your play
Maybe when the term is over
Then you'll stay

Chorus
For all the popstars in your pub
They think they're London girls
And London girls in mummy's pearls
They know the colours, understand
They think their time will last

Camden Town on Tuesday lunchtime
Get the papers, maybe this time
Indicators indicate a trend your way
You're front page news
The guest list proved that you don't pay
(Chorus)

La la la la la x4

Miriam & Vivien invite you to their private view
To drink white wine and later dine
Oh, don't forget
‘Cause you're the latest hot shot
Britpop poet laureate

(Chorus)





La la la la la x4

Overall Meaning

In the lyrics to Duffy's song "London Girls," the singer paints a vivid picture of young women returning to the city as the weekend comes to a close. The mention of catching the last train on Sunday evening signifies the end of a break from their typical routines, possibly spent in more rural or suburban areas. As they head back to the city, referred to as "halls, the digs, the balls," they are preparing to re-engage with their urban lives. The lyrics suggest uncertainty about their plans, with the possibility of staying in London beyond the current term.


The chorus introduces the idea of the girls being mistaken for London natives by those around them, particularly the popstars in their local pub. Despite originating from elsewhere, these girls are seen as embodying the style and confidence associated with Londoners. The mention of "mummy's pearls" highlights the perception of sophistication and class that is often linked to a London upbringing. The lyrics also touch on the girls' belief in their own longevity and significance, as they navigate the dynamic social scene of the city.


The scene shifts to Camden Town on Tuesday lunchtime, where the girls are portrayed as actively engaging with the cultural and social life of London. By grabbing newspapers and interpreting indicators of trends, they position themselves at the forefront of what’s happening in the city. The mention of being front-page news and not having to pay for access to exclusive events underscores their perceived influence and status in their social circles.


In the final verses, the lyrics reference Miriam and Vivien inviting the girls to a private event, symbolizing their inclusion in the artistic and creative scene of London. The girls are portrayed as being part of a glamorous world of white wine, dining, and emerging as prominent figures in the Britpop music scene. The repetition of the word "la" in the closing lines adds a lighthearted and carefree element to the song, capturing the sense of excitement and possibility that comes with being a young woman navigating the vibrant city of London.


Line by Line Meaning

Catch the last train Sunday evening
Returning from the countryside on Sunday evening


Evacuate provincial suburbs
Leaving the quiet suburbs to go back to the city


Back to halls, the digs, the balls
Returning to student accommodation and social events


To make your play
To assert yourself and make your mark


Maybe when the term is over
Perhaps after the academic term ends


Then you'll stay
You might decide to stay longer


For all the popstars in your pub
Even the local performers in your neighborhood pub


They think they're London girls
They believe they embody the essence of London girls


And London girls in mummy's pearls
Even those who come from wealthy families


They know the colours, understand
They grasp the trends and culture of the city


They think their time will last
They believe their popularity will endure


Camden Town on Tuesday lunchtime
Visiting Camden Town for lunch on a Tuesday


Get the papers, maybe this time
Check the newspapers, perhaps expecting a mention


Indicators indicate a trend your way
Signs suggest a trend in your favor


You're front page news
You are featured on the front page


The guest list proved that you don't pay
Being on the guest list shows you are a VIP who doesn't have to pay


Miriam & Vivien invite you to their private view
Invited to an exclusive art exhibition by Miriam & Vivien


To drink white wine and later dine
Enjoy white wine and a meal afterwards


Oh, don't forget
Make sure not to overlook this invitation


‘Cause you're the latest hot shot
Because you are currently the most sought-after artist


Britpop poet laureate
Recognized as an influential figure in the Britpop music scene




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DUFFY, Stephen Duffy

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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