When The Sun Goes Down - Arctic Monkeys

Maybe your like

In LyricsBy ArtistBy Album #ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ Random New Lyrics Lyrics.com

In Lyrics By Artist by Album Lyrics.com

PDF Playlist

When the Sun Goes Down Listen online

Arctic Monkeys

About When the Sun Goes Down

"When the Sun Goes Down" is a song by English indie rock band Arctic Monkeys. It was released on 16 January 2006 as the second single from their debut studio album, Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not (2006). It followed debut single "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor" to number one on the UK Singles Chart. The song is about prostitution in the Neepsend district of Sheffield. Originally known as "Scummy", early reports had also suggested its name would be simply "Sun Goes Down", but the full name was confirmed on Arctic Monkeys' website. The line "and he told Roxanne to put on her red light" is a reference to The Police song "Roxanne". more »

Year: 2006 3:20 1,670 Views So who's that girl there? I wonder what went wrong So that she had to roam the streets She don't do major credit cards I doubt she does receipts It's all not quite legitimate And what a scummy man Just give him half a chance I bet he'll rob you if he can Can see it in his eyes, yeah That he's got a driving ban Amongst some other offences And I've seen him with girls of the night He told Roxanne to put on her red light They're all infected but he'll be alright 'Cause he's a scumbag, don't you know I said he's a scumbag, don't you know! Although you're trying not to listen I bet your eyes are staring at the ground She makes a subtle proposition I'm sorry love I'll have to turn you down And oh he must be up to something Want half a chance to show he's more than likely I've got a feeling in my stomach I start to wonder what his story might be What his story might be They said it changes when the sun goes down And they said it changes when the sun goes down And they said it changes when the sun goes down Around here Around, here And look here comes a ford mondeo Isn't he mister inconspicuous And he don't have to say 'owt She's in the stance ready to get picked up And she's delighted when she sees him Pulling in and giving her the eye Because she must be fucking freezing Scantily clad beneath the clear night sky And don't stop in the winter no and They said it changes when the sun goes down And they said it changes when the sun goes down And they said it changes when the sun goes down Around here They said it changes when the sun goes down Over the river going out of town And they said it changes when the sun goes down Around here Around here And what a scummy man Just give him half a chance I bet he'll rob you if he can Can see it in his eyes that he's got a nasty plan I hope you're not involved at all

Arctic Monkeys

Arctic Monkeys are an English indie rock band. Formed in 2002 in High Green, a suburb of Sheffield, the band currently consists of Alex Turner (lead vocals, lead/rhythm guitar), Jamie Cook (rhythm/lead guitar), Nick O'Malley (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Matt Helders (drums, backing vocals). Former members include Andy Nicholson (bass guitar, backing vocals) and Glyn Jones (lead vocals, rhythm guitar). more »

Follow 13 fans

Genre » Rock

Sheet Music PDF Playlist

Written by: Alex Turner

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

13 facts about this song

Band Origin

"When the Sun Goes Down" was performed by Arctic Monkeys, an English rock band formed in Sheffield in 2002.

Album Placement

This song is from their debut studio album, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not," which was released in 2006.

Chart Success

"When the Sun Goes Down" entered the UK Singles Chart at No. 1 on 22 January 2006, dethroning Shayne Ward's "That's My Goal".

Certification

The song is certified Gold by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI) for sales and streams exceeding 400,000.

Song Content

The song illustrates the story of a prostitute and a customer, combining both darker lyrical imagery with upbeat indie rock sounds.

Video Director

The music video for "When the Sun Goes Down" was directed by Paul Fraser.

Recognition

"When the Sun Goes Down" was one of the 12 songs that Arctic Monkeys performed at their first gig in 2003.

Award Nominations

The song was nominated for the 'Best Track' at the 2006 NME Awards, although it ultimately lost to their own track, "I Bet You Look Good on the Dancefloor."

Live Performances

"When the Sun Goes Down" is a staple at Arctic Monkeys concerts, often evoking strong crowd participation.

Critical Reception

The song received highly positive reviews from music critics, with many praising its clever lyrics and catchy melody.

Relevance Today

Despite being released over a decade ago, "When the Sun Goes Down" remains one of Arctic Monkeys' most popular and well-known songs.

US Popularity

While more popular in the UK, "When the Sun Goes Down" charted on the US Alternative Songs chart, peaking at number 70.

Musical Style

The song showcases the Arctic Monkeys' energetic indie rock style with influences of punk, a style that set them apart and contributed to their success.

Discuss the When the Sun Goes Down Lyrics with the community:

https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8659094/When+the+Sun+Goes+Down

0 Comments

0:00 0:00 clear Notify me of new comments via email. Publish Close

Report Comment

We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.

Cancel Report Close

Attachment

Close ×

You need to be logged in to favorite.

or fill the form below

Create a new account

Your name:*Required

Your email address:*Required

Pick a user name:*Required

Join

Log In

Username:*Required

Password:*Required

Forgot your password? Retrieve it

Citation

Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

Style:MLAChicagoAPA

"When the Sun Goes Down Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LTD, 2025. Web. 11 Dec. 2025. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/8659094/Arctic+Monkeys/When+the+Sun+Goes+Down>.

Missing lyrics by Arctic Monkeys?

Know any other songs by Arctic Monkeys? Don't keep it to yourself!

Add it Here Close

Image Credit

The Web's Largest Resource for

Music, Songs & Lyrics

A Member Of The STANDS4 Network

Watch the song video