The song '505' by Arctic Monkeys is an intricate exploration of romantic longing, emotional attachment, and the paradox of pain and pleasure in relationships. It captures the intense desire to return to a significant place, '505', which symbolizes a person or a past moment the protagonist is deeply connected to. The lyrics express a vivid yearning and the conflicting emotions of an individual who is ensnared by love, faced with the difficulties of separation, and eager to rekindle an emotional connection despite the potential for heartache.
In '505', the Arctic Monkeys take us through a complex emotional journey filled with a sense of urgency to reunite with a lover. The opening lines set a fervent tone, where time and distance are inconsequential—whether it's a seven hour flight or a mere forty-five minute drive, the pull towards '505' is irresistible. The protagonist's imagination serves as a vivid canvas, painting a longing portrait of the person who awaits, suggesting an intimate and vulnerable state.
The verse introduces a tension between adoration and acknowledgment of potential harm. Phrases like 'with your hands around my neck' hint at a love that is intense and possibly smothering. This is juxtaposed with striking imagery of a 'spark' and a 'twist of the knife', symbolizing both the excitement and the underlying fear that accompanies the protagonist's emotions. The mixture of adventure and apprehension forms a perfect starting point for re-entering a relationship that promises as much pain as pleasure.
In the bridge of the song, we find a confession of fragility: the protagonist 'crumbles completely' when faced with his partner's tears, which underlines a deep sensitivity and helplessness. The phrase 'you've had to greet me with goodbye' amplifies the recurring theme of departure and the transient nature of their interactions. Emotional intimacy is prematurely interrupted, leaving the protagonist in a perpetual state of longing for what's just out of reach.
The recurring chorus reinforces the sense of undying commitment as the protagonist envisions the object of his affection lying in wait. This consistent return to the motif of '505' reaffirms the magnetic pull of the lover's presence. The final addition of 'and a smile' in the last chorus offers a glimmer of hope, infusing the narrative with a potential for joy amidst the rollercoaster of emotions that define the song's journey.
"I'm going back to 505"
The number '505' could potentially reference a hotel room number, becoming a metaphor for the place and moment the protagonist wishes to return to where significant emotional events transpired.
"It seems like once again you've had to greet me with goodbye"
This line captures the cyclical pattern of meetings and farewells in the protagonist's relationship, suggesting a disheartening routine where longing is met with loss.
"But I crumble completely when you cry"
A raw admission of emotional vulnerability, this line shows the protagonist's deep sensitivity and the profound impact their partner's emotions have on him.
"Frightened by the bite, though it's no harsher than the bark"
Here, the artist uses a reversion of a common idiom to express that in their tumultuous relationship, the bite (physical/emotional pain) is as significant as the bark (verbal disputes), implying an equivalency of hurt regardless of its form.