Crying Lightning

Album: Humbug (2009)
Charted: 12
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This was the lead single from English alternative rock band Arctic Monkeys third album, Humbug.
  • The track received its worldwide, exclusive first radio play during the evening of the 6th of July, on Zane Lowe's Radio 1 show. The single was then made available digitally via iTunes from midnight that night in order to beat piracy. Frontman Alex Turner told Lowe, "this was deemed the best signifier of the record. It was a favourite during recording." When Lowe commented that he thought this track works well as an unconventional pop song, Turner agreed saying, "It's quite strange as far as a pop song goes, the arrangement."
  • Humbug was produced by Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme in the Mojave Desert and Los Angeles and Simian Mobile Disco's James Ford in Brooklyn.
  • Turner explained to the Observer Music Monthly that the album was christened Humbug after the traditional hard-boiled sweet of that name. He said helpfully, "You've got to suck it and see." This song also has a number of confectionery references.
  • The B-side to the single includes a cover of "Red Right Hand" by Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds.

Comments: 1

  • Ehren from Bray, IrelandI definitely hear the Josh Homme influence in this one
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Pam Tillis

Pam TillisSongwriter Interviews

The country sweetheart opines about the demands of touring and talks about writing songs with her famous father.

Rock Stars of Horror

Rock Stars of HorrorMusic Quiz

Rock Stars - especially those in the metal realm - are often enlisted for horror movies. See if you know can match the rocker to the role.

Frankie Valli

Frankie ValliSong Writing

An interview with Frankie Valli, who talks about why his songs - both solo and with The Four Seasons - have endured, and reflects on his time as Rusty Millio on The Sopranos.

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney Princesses

Part of Their World: The Stories and Songs of 13 Disney PrincessesSong Writing

From "Some Day My Prince Will Come" to "Let It Go" - how Disney princess songs (and the women who sing them) have evolved.

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.

Stephen Christian of Anberlin

Stephen Christian of AnberlinSongwriter Interviews

The lead singer/lyricist for Anberlin breaks down "Impossible" and covers some tracks from their 2012 album Vital.