My Propeller

Album: Humbug (2009)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This is the opening track from the English Alternative Rock band Arctic Monkeys third album, Humbug. The song was released as the LP's third single and the 10" vinyl, which features three new b-sides, was sold exclusively at Oxfam charity stores.
  • Many fans have interpreted the song title as a double-entendre and Alex Turner's lyrics to be of an uncharacteristically sexual nature. The Arctic Monkeys lyricist and chief songwriter denied this interpretation of the song's meaning to The London Times: "Absolutely not," Turner said. "If that was a euphemism, then I wouldn't be saying that my propeller wouldn't spin - 'cos you wouldn't wanna go shouting that out, would you?"
    When pressed as to what the song is really about, he added: "It's more describing a mood more than an organ. A descent. It's about a descent." Turner refused to elaborate any further.

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?

Which Restaurants Are Most Mentioned In Song Lyrics?Song Writing

Katy Perry mentions McDonald's, Beyoncé calls out Red Lobster, and Supertramp shouts out Taco Bell - we found the 10 restaurants most often mentioned in songs.

Superman in Song

Superman in SongSong Writing

Not everyone can be a superhero, but that hasn't stopped generations of musicians from trying to be Superman.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Gary LeVox

Gary LeVoxSongwriter Interviews

On "Life Is A Highway," his burgeoning solo career, and the Rascal Flatts song he most connects with.

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

Kip Winger

Kip WingerSongwriter Interviews

The Winger frontman reveals the Led Zeppelin song he cribbed for "Seventeen," and explains how his passion for orchestra music informs his songwriting.