Alex Turner, the charismatic frontman of Arctic Monkeys, started the band as a teenage dreamer in Sheffield, England, and transformed from a fresh-faced indie kid into a sophisticated rock star.
His distinctive voice, ranging from sharp-witted rapid-fire delivery to smooth crooning, perfectly matches his evolution as a songwriter.
About the Song
“Do I Wanna Know?” is a blues rock anthem that helped define Arctic Monkeys’ shift toward a heavier, more deliberate sound.
The song is characterized by its distinctive heavy guitar riff, slow-burning tempo, and brooding atmosphere. It marked a significant evolution in the band’s style, moving away from their earlier indie rock sound toward a more mature, psychedelic-influenced direction.
The track became one of their most commercially successful releases and has been widely praised for its memorable melody and atmospheric production.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Song Title | “Do I Wanna Know?” |
| Release Date | June 19, 2013 |
| Album | AM (2013) |
| Writers | Alex Turner, Jamie Cook, Nick O’Malley, Matt Helders |
| Producers | James Ford, Ross Orton |
| Description | A blues rock song with a prominent guitar riff and steady drum beat, featuring a slower te |
Do I Wanna Know by Arctic Monkeys Lyrics
Verse 1
Have you got colour in your cheeks?
Do you ever get that fear that you can’t shift the type
That sticks around like summat in your teeth?
Are there some aces up your sleeve?
Have you no idea that you’re in deep?
I’ve dreamt about you nearly every night this week
How many secrets can you keep?
‘Cause there’s this tune I found
That makes me think of you somehow an’ I play it on repeat
Until I fall asleep, spillin’ drinks on my settee
Pre-Chorus
(Do I wanna know?) If this feelin’ flows both ways?
(Sad to see you go) Was sorta hopin’ that you’d stay
(Baby, we both know) That the nights were mainly made
For sayin’ things that you can’t say tomorrow day
Chorus
Crawlin’ back to you
Ever thought of callin’ when
You’ve had a few?
‘Cause I always do
Maybe I’m too
Busy bein’ yours
To fall for somebody new
Now, I’ve thought it through
Crawlin’ back to you
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Verse 2
So have you got the guts?
Been wonderin’ if your heart’s still open
And if so, I wanna know what time it shuts
Simmer down an’ pucker up, I’m sorry to interrupt
It’s just I’m constantly on the cusp of tryin’ to kiss you
But I don’t know if you feel the same as I do
But we could be together if you wanted to
Pre-Chorus
(Do I wanna know?) If this feelin’ flows both ways?
(Sad to see you go) Was sorta hopin’ that you’d stay
(Baby, we both know) That the nights were mainly made
For sayin’ things that you can’t say tomorrow day
Chorus
Crawlin’ back to you (Crawlin’ back to you)
Ever thought of callin’ when
You’ve had a few? (Had a few)
‘Cause I always do (‘Cause I always do)
Maybe I’m too (Maybe I’m too busy)
Busy bein’ yours (Bein’ yours)
To fall for somebody new
Now, I’ve thought it through
Crawlin’ back to you
Outro
(Do I wanna know?) If this feelin’ flows both ways?
(Sad to see you go) Was sorta hopin’ that you’d stay
(Baby, we both know) That the nights were mainly made
For sayin’ things that you can’t say tomorrow day
(Do I wanna know?) Too busy bein’ yours to fall
(Sad to see you go) Ever thought of callin’, darlin’?
(Do I wanna know?) Do you want me crawlin’ back to you?
Live Performances of the Song
- Live Ambiance and Setup: Typically performed with dramatic lighting and a minimalist stage setup, the band often begins with Jamie Cook’s iconic guitar riff echoing through the venue, creating immediate audience recognition and anticipation.
- Performance Elements: The live version often features slightly slower pacing than the studio recording, with Alex Turner’s vocals taking on a more raw, emotionally charged quality. The band frequently extends the instrumental sections, particularly the intro riff and bridge, allowing for greater audience interaction.
- Crowd Interaction: Known for creating an electric atmosphere, the song usually serves as either a powerful opener or a climactic moment in their setlist. Turner often lets the crowd sing the “Crawling back to you” section, creating a memorable collective experience.
- Musical Variations: Live performances sometimes include subtle variations in the arrangement, with Matt Helders’ drums becoming more prominent and Nick O’Malley’s bassline getting extra emphasis through the venue’s sound system. Turner occasionally adds slight improvisations to the vocal melody, especially during the chorus.
- Notable Performances: The band’s Glastonbury 2013 performance and their show at the Royal Albert Hall are particularly celebrated versions, where the song’s brooding intensity was perfectly captured in the live setting. The AM tour (2013-2014) performances are especially renowned for their polished delivery of the track.
Similar Songs Like Do I Wanna Know by Arctic Monkeys
- R U Mine? – Released as the second single from AM, it shares the same heavy guitar-driven sound and questioning narrative about romantic uncertainty. The track has a similar swagger and intensity to “Do I Wanna Know?”
- Why’d You Only Call Me When You’re High? – Another track from AM that explores late-night contemplation and romantic confusion, though with a more R&B-influenced groove. It maintains that same sense of longing and uncertainty.
- Arabella – Features the same heavy, blues-rock-influenced guitar work and hypnotic rhythm section. The song captures a similar dark, seductive atmosphere while showcasing Turner’s evolving vocal style.
- One For The Road – Shares the methodical pace and moody atmosphere of “Do I Wanna Know?” while incorporating similar falsetto backing vocals and heavy bass lines.
- I Wanna Be Yours – Though slower and more subdued, it maintains the same sultry atmosphere and themes of desperate wanting, serving as a fitting closing track to the AM album.
- Knee Socks – Uses similar vocal harmonies and contains that characteristic AM-era groove, with themes of late-night encounters and romantic obsession.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Genre of “Do I Wanna Know”?
The song primarily falls under alternative rock and blues rock, with strong elements of psychedelic rock and indie rock woven throughout its composition.
How Was the Music Video Created?
The music video features black and white animated sound waves that morph into various shapes and images created by David Wilson. It has accumulated over 1.4 billion views on YouTube.
What Makes the Song’s Guitar Riff So Distinctive?
The main riff was created by Jamie Cook using a Vox 12-string electric guitar, and its hypnotic quality comes from the specific effects pedals and amplifier settings used during recording.
Has the Band Ever Revealed the Song’s Inspiration?
Alex Turner has been relatively cryptic about the specific inspiration but has mentioned that it deals with the “late-night questions” one asks oneself about a relationship.
Which Awards Has the Song Won?
The song helped the album “AM” win the Best Album award at the 2014 NME Awards and was nominated for several other accolades, including Best Rock Performance at the 2015 Grammy Awards.
