How to Format Lyrics:

  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
  • Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
  • Use italics (<i>lyric</i>) and bold (<b>lyric</b>) to distinguish between different vocalists in the same song part
  • If you don’t understand a lyric, use [?]

To learn more, check out our transcription guide or visit our transcribers forum

About

Genius Annotation

A song from Arctic Monkeys' 2006 album Whatever People Say I Am, That’s What I’m Not. It remains a fan favourite and helped popularise the Yorkshire word ‘mardy’, meaning sulky or uncooperative.

He argues with his girlfriend (or lover) who is simply not having it and being mardy with him; in the choruses he recollects the beginning of the relationship, comparing it to how moody she’s acting in the verses.

The charm of the song lies in the fact that there is no consoling a woman who has already made up her mind; i.e. who’s got the face on.

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did Arctic Monkeys say about "Mardy Bum"?
Genius Answer

Alex Turner, frontman of the Arctic Monkeys, told BeatRoute in an interview that

It feels like we’re doing a cover or something when we play the first album, really. But that’s fine. I don’t hate doing that. It’s just come to the point where I play ‘Mardy Bum’ or something like that and it doesn’t even feel like mine anymore."

Comments