Crying Lightning

Arctic Monkeys

About Crying Lightning

"Crying Lightning" is a song by the English indie rock band Arctic Monkeys, released as the first single from their third album Humbug. It was first played on Zane Lowe's show on BBC Radio 1 on 6 July 2009 and was then made available on iTunes to download the following day. Physical copies of the single were made available on 17 August, one week before the release of the album. The vinyl was made available in Oxfam shops and sold with a download code for fans to get a free MP3 version of the song. The single debuted at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart on 12 July 2009 by downloads alone. 


Year:
2009
3:43
751 
#5

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Outside the cafe by the cracker factory
You were practicing a magic trick
And my thoughts got rude, as you talked and chewed
On the last of your pick and mix

Said your mistaken if your thinking that I haven't been called cold before
As you bit into your strawberry lace
And then a flip in your attention in the form of a gobstopper
Is all you have left and it was going to waste

Your past-times, consisted of the strange
And twisted and deranged
And I love that little game you had called
Crying lightning
And how you like to aggravate the ice-cream man on rainy afternoons

The next time that I caught my own reflection
It was on it's way to meet you
Thinking of excuses to postpone
You never look like yourself from the side
But your profile did not hide
The fact you knew I was approaching your throne

With folded arms you occupy the bench like toothache
Stood and puff your chest out like you never lost a war
And though I try so not to suffer the indignity of a reaction
There was no cracks to grasp or gaps to claw

And your past-times, consisted of the strange
And twisted and deranged
And I hate that little game you had called
Crying lightning
And how you like to aggravate the icky man on rainy afternoons

Uninviting
But not half as impossible as everyone assumes
You are crying lightning

Your past-times, consisted of the strange
And twisted and deranged
And I hate that little game you had called
Crying lightning
Crying lightning
Crying lightning
Crying lightning

Your past-times, consisted of the strange
And twisted and deranged
And I hate that little game you had called
Crying

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Arctic Monkeys

Arctic Monkeys are an English indie rock band. Formed in 2002 in High Green, a suburb of Sheffield, the band currently consists of Alex Turner (lead vocals, lead/rhythm guitar), Jamie Cook (rhythm/lead guitar), Nick O'Malley (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Matt Helders (drums, backing vocals). Former members include Andy Nicholson (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Glyn Jones (lead vocals, rhythm guitar). more »

12 fans

Written by: Alex Turner

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Background
"Crying Lightning" is a song by the English rock band Arctic Monkeys, released as the lead single from their third studio album, "Humbug," released in 2009.
Unique Sound
The song marked a definitive shift in sound for the band, moving away from their indie-rock roots towards a more experimental, psychedelic style.
Chart Performance
It debuted at number 12 on the UK Singles Chart and eventually peaked at number 12. Despite not reaching the heights of some of their earlier singles, it was critically acclaimed and is still considered a fan favorite.
Vinyl Release
A version of "Crying Lightning" was exclusively released on vinyl at "Oxfam" charity shops, a unique move to promote the single and help a good cause.
Songwriting
Frontman Alex Turner reportedly wrote the song in response to a romantic interest who was unpredictable and confusing, leading to the stormy imagery of 'crying lightning.'
Music Video
The music video for "Crying Lightning" was directed by Richard Ayoade, who also directed the band's concert film "At the Apollo" in 2007.
Live Debut
The song was first played live on 22 June 2009 in New Zealand. Since then it has been a regular part of the band's concert set lists.
Supermodel Feature
The B-side song to "Crying Lightning," "Red Right Hand," features vocals from British supermodel and actress, Suki Waterhouse.
Production
"Crying Lightning" was produced by Josh Homme, lead vocalist of Queens of the Stone Age, who greatly influenced the band's departure from their initial music style.
Lyrics
The lyrics of "Crying Lightning" have been praised for their vivid imagery and complex metaphors, demonstrating a maturation in the band's songwriting capabilities.

Discuss the Crying Lightning Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Crying Lightning Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/17541797/Arctic+Monkeys/Crying+Lightning>.

    Missing lyrics by Arctic Monkeys?

    Know any other songs by Arctic Monkeys? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Crying Lightning

    24.3M
    150.9K     1,979

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Oh, the misery -- everybody wants to be my _______"
    A destiny
    B melody
    C fantasy
    D enemy

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Arctic Monkeys's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Arctic Monkeys tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!