Wiki
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Length
3:36
Arctic Monkeys' "When the Sun Goes Down"
Introduction
Arctic Monkeys' "When the Sun Goes Down," the second single from their debut album, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not," is a song that delves into the grittier side of society. Released on 16 January 2006, it followed their debut single "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" to number one on the UK Singles Chart. This piece captures a vivid narrative set in the underbelly of Sheffield, specifically the Neepsend district, and provides a raw portrayal of urban life.
Song's Theme and Narrative
The song's narrative focuses on prostitution in Sheffield's Neepsend district, a theme that is both hard-hitting and poignant. Originally titled "Scummy," its lyrics tell a story from the perspective of a narrator observing the bleak reality of a prostitute and her interactions with a "scummy man," implied to be her pimp or a client. The song strikingly shifts its musical tone from a clean electric guitar accompaniment to a heavy rock style, mirroring the shift in the narrative's intensity.
Chorus and Message
The chorus, repeating the line "they said it changes when the sun goes down around here," emphasizes the stark contrast between the city's daytime facade and the dark world of prostitution at night. The song's ending line, "I hope you're not involved at all," is a powerful statement, reflecting either the narrator's disappointment in the girl's life choices or a warning to the listener themselves.
Music Video
Directed by Paul Fraser, the music video for "When the Sun Goes Down" debuted on MTV2 on 21 December 2005. It features actors Lauren Socha and Stephen Graham and is linked to a longer film, "Scummy Man," which further explores the story of 'Nina,' the prostitute character in the song.
Composition and Personnel
"When the Sun Goes Down" is composed in the key of B major, with a tempo of 169 beats per minute. The song was composed by band members Jamie Cook, Matt Helders, Andy Nicholson, and Alex Turner, with Turner also serving as the lyricist. The production and technical team included Jim Abbiss (production and recording), Simon 'Barny' Barnicott (mixing), Ewan Davies (recording), and others.
Commercial Success and Impact
The song's success was notable, not just in the UK but also internationally, achieving top positions in various charts and earning triple platinum certification in the UK. Its critical acclaim and commercial success marked a significant milestone in the band's career, showcasing their ability to blend storytelling with unique musical elements.
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