Screw You

Album: A Million Lights (2012)
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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."

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