Screw You

Album: A Million Lights (2012)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • It was originally believed this kiss off song is about Cheryl's ex two-timing husband Ashley Cole, but young top liner Megan Nicole and British producer Dan "HyGrade" Traynor had a different motivation. Their inspiration came from seeing the singer sticking her middle finger up at the paparazzi whilst attending a London party.
  • When Cheryl turned up at the studio to record the song she was intoxicated. The English songstress explained to The Daily Mirror, "I went in to record it hung over. I never do that. I'm not a big drinker but I was still drunk when I woke up."
  • The song features Wretch 32, whom HyGrade has also produced for. The British rapper was approached to appear on the song as Cheryl was a fan of his 2011 album Black and White. Wretch discussed the collaboration with MTV News UK saying: "We've recorded a record that's very edgy, it's very cool. She smashes it and hopefully I've smashed it too but I can't say that as that would be big-headed of me."
  • Despite the songwriter's denials that the song is about Ashley Cole, they do reference the England full back's position. One of the lyrics finds Cheryl proclaiming, "And now I'm left back feeling kinda cold."

Comments

Be the first to comment...

Editor's Picks

Gary Lewis

Gary LewisSongwriter Interviews

Gary Lewis and the Playboys had seven Top 10 hits despite competition from The Beatles. Gary talks about the hits, his famous father, and getting drafted.

Loudon Wainwright III

Loudon Wainwright IIISongwriter Interviews

"Dead Skunk" became a stinker for Loudon when he felt pressure to make another hit - his latest songs deal with mortality, his son Rufus, and picking up poop.

Songs Discussed in Movies

Songs Discussed in MoviesSong Writing

Bridesmaids, Reservoir Dogs, Willy Wonka - just a few of the flicks where characters discuss specific songs, sometimes as a prelude to murder.

George Harrison

George HarrisonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really steal George's wife? What's the George Harrison-Monty Python connection? Set the record straight with our Fact or Fiction quiz.

Vanessa Carlton

Vanessa CarltonSongwriter Interviews

The "A Thousand Miles" singer on what she thinks of her song being used in White Chicks and how she captured a song from a dream.

Maria Muldaur

Maria MuldaurSongwriter Interviews

The "Midnight At The Oasis" singer is an Old Time gal. She talks about her jug band beginnings and shares a Dylan story.