Released: 2013
“Arabella” by Arctic Monkeys spins a psychedelic tale of a mesmerizing woman who’s not just out of this world, but seems to embody the cosmos itself. Through vivid imagery and a blend of rock sounds, the band captures the allure and complexity of this character, presenting a narrative that intertwiles love, desire, and escapism.
The song kicks off by painting Arabella as a figure with interstellar gator skin boots and a Barbarella silver swimsuit, immediately throwing us into a mix of retro sci-fi and modern glamour. These fashion choices aren’t just about style; they symbolize her unique, out-of-this-world nature. The “helter-skelter ’round her little finger” suggests she’s got control and keeps the narrator spinning in her orbit, endlessly captivated. This sets the stage for a love story that’s as much about obsession as it is about romance.
The chorus, though simple, is profound in its comparison of Arabella to the beauty of a sunset. It’s saying that as breathtaking as natural wonders are, they pale next to her. This idea that she outshines the world’s beauty, with the light not being as kind on the eyes when she’s not there, speaks volumes about her impact on the narrator.
Further into the song, Arabella is described as having a ’70s head, tying her to a time of exploration, both in terms of space and personal freedoms, while also being a modern lover. This duality captures her as a person who straddles different worlds – the nostalgically vintage and the boldly new. The notion that her lips are like the galaxy’s edge and her kiss brings constellations into alignment deepens this cosmic allure, making her not just a person but a celestial event to be experienced.
The bridge of the song takes this interplay of allure and desire further with imagery of a cheetah print coat and organic cigarettes. It’s a mix of the wild and the organic, suggesting Arabella’s untamed nature and perhaps a nod to her being a creature of pure instinct and desire. The mention of her wrapping her lips around a Mexican Coke flips ordinary actions into moments filled with longing, as the narrator wishes to be as close to her as the objects she interacts with. This part of the song, laden with sensual and intoxicating imagery, paints Arabella as an enigmatic figure capable of ensnaring one’s soul.
In essence, “Arabella” is a love song that transcends the earthly, placing its muse in the cosmos. It’s about being caught in the gravitational pull of someone who’s part fantasy, part reality, and wholly captivating. The Arctic Monkeys craft a narrative that’s not just about being in love but about being enchanted—a distinction that makes this track a mesmerizing journey through desire and dream.
