Songfacts®:

• This song is commonly held to be an attack on singer Pete Doherty, although there is more evidence against this than for it. Let's examine:
  
  I could have put my head in a bucket full of porridge and moaned about the hospital parking scheme, instead of wasting 14 pounds that I just splashed out on your second album, for that's what it's akin to. And furthermore, you've got a s--t arm and that's a bad tattoo.
  
  Pete Doherty's arm and tattoo are displayed on the cover of The Libertines' self-titled second album.
  
  If you're going to quote from the book of Revelation, don't keep calling it the book of Revelations.
  
  The Libertines' song "What A Waster" contains the line: "The book of Revelations." (However, it doesn't actually quote from it).
  
  You only busk when it's Christmas.
  
  Makes no sense when applied to The Libertines, although seems to work with Franz Ferdinand. Again, probably just a coincidence.
  
  Nigel Blackwell, the song's author, is on record as saying "the song is absolutely not about Pete Doherty" and is actually about "flabby-armed bass players in local pub bands. Have the decency to develop some biceps, sir!" Given Blackwell's past form for brazen unambiguity in his celebrity-baiting numbers, he's probably telling the truth. If the song was specifically about Pete Doherty it would probably have his name in it, and be a lot more insulting. >>>

  Suggestion credit:
  Jim - London, England