Arctic Monkeys, Do I Wanna Know? | FIERCE Pop + Rock

In the 36^th edition of FIERCE Pop + Rock , we highlight “Do I Wanna Know” performed by Arctic Monkeys.

Bring on the bold, FIERCE tracks! FIERCE Pop + Rock provides background information and insight into pop, rock, and metal songs that raise eyebrows and stir the pot.  Featured records can be classic or brand new. In the 36^th edition of FIERCE Pop + Rock (2023), we explore “Do I Wanna Know” performed by Arctic Monkeys.

“So, have you got the guts? / Been wondering if your heart’s still open / and if so, I wanna know what time it shuts.” Oh my! Grammy nominated, alternative collective Arctic Monkeys scored a platinum album with AM released in 2013, their most successful album to date.  Furthermore, single “Do I Wanna Know?” earned Alex Turner and company a platinum certified single. “Do I Wanna Know” impacted the Billboard Hot 100, something that eludes many alternative acts. It peaked at no. 70 in 2014, the Monkeys’ sole entry on the pop charts to date. So, why is “Do I Wanna Know?” kind of a big deal?

The sound and vibe of “Do I Wanna Know?” contributes to its success. It’s set in a minor key, hence it’s dark, with heavily distorted, garage-style guitars.  The groove is relaxed yet ear-catching – infectious.  However, it is the songwriting that truly solidifies the fierce excellence of “Do I Wanna Know?” Love is the modus operandi, however, Alex Turner doesn’t merely keep things straightforward with his pen, meaning there are allusions and references – lyrics to decode. The record commences with a drunken confession of love, which is #RAD. As the excerpted lyrics suggest, Turner is infatuated with her (“I’ve dreamt about you nearly every night this week / How many secrets can you keep?”). He confirms his drunkenness in the crème de la crème – the crowning achievement – the chorus:

“Crawlin’ back to you

Ever thought of calling when you’ve had a few?

Cause I always do

Maybe I’m too busy being yours to fall for somebody new

Now I’ve thought it through

Crawlin’ back to you.” 

There’s no doubt that is a record we as music enthusiasts keep on crawlin’ back to, too!  

Arctic Monkeys • AM • Domino • 2013

Arctic Monkeys, Do I Wanna Know?: FIERCE Pop + Rock No. 36 (2023) [: Brent Faulkner / The Musical Hype; Domino; Amr Osman, Deiby Tum Tum, Harry Shelton, Jerome Abel, Mavluda Tashbaeva, Pavel Danilyuk, RDNE Stock project, Vishnu R Nair from Pexels]