I Want It All

Album: AM (2013)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • The Arctic Monkeys have a formula for creating their tunes, which includes making the sound and then penning the lyrics afterwards. Vocalist Alex Turner told NME about the creation of this song: "It was quite early on, that one," he said. "We were messing around with this four-track cassette recorder, and he (Jamie Cook) was playing this riff, so we recorded five minutes of that and I wrote melodies and lyrics over the top. That became a formula, almost - we recorded instrumentals on this four-track and then I'd sit with my headphones on and write."
  • The song was debuted by the band on the UK XFM radio station on September 2, 2013.
  • This borrows backing vocals from Marvin Gaye's "'Sexual Healing."

Comments: 1

  • Eliseu Carvalho from Canoas, Rs, BrazilThe main riff is very similar to "She's Lost Control" by Joy Division. Check it out.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Zakk Wylde

Zakk WyldeSongwriter Interviews

When he was playing Ozzfest with Black Label Society, a kid told Zakk he was the best Ozzy guitarist - Zakk had to correct him.

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & Palmer

Greg Lake of Emerson, Lake & PalmerSongwriter Interviews

Greg talks about writing songs of "universal truth" for King Crimson and ELP, and tells us about his most memorable stage moment (it involves fireworks).

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star Riders

Scott Gorham of Thin Lizzy and Black Star RidersSongwriter Interviews

Writing with Phil Lynott, Scott saw their ill-fated frontman move to a darker place in his life and lyrics.

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song Spoofs

A Monster Ate My Red Two: Sesame Street's Greatest Song SpoofsSong Writing

When singers started spoofing their own songs on Sesame Street, the results were both educational and hilarious - here are the best of them.

Christmas Songs

Christmas SongsFact or Fiction

Rudolf, Bob Dylan and the Singing Dogs all show up in this Fact or Fiction for seasonal favorites.

Bill Medley of The Righteous Brothers

Bill Medley of The Righteous BrothersSongwriter Interviews

Medley looks back on "Unchained Melody" and "You've Lost That Lovin' Feelin'" - his huge hits from the '60s that were later revived in movies.