LDN

Album: Alright, Still (2006)
Charted: 6
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • "LDN" is text speak for London. The song is a tribute to the city of Lily Allen's birth set to a sunny, cheerful tune. However its cynical tone with references to crack whores, pimps and the filth (slang for the police) only really becomes apparent on subsequent listens.
  • This uses a sample of "Reggae Merengue" by Tommy McCook & The Supersonics.
  • This was originally released in the UK on a limited edition 7" vinyl in April 2006, and was re-released in September following the #1 success in the UK of Lily Allen's second single "Smile." >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Edward Pearce - Ashford, Kent, England, for all above
  • Allen performed this song and "Smile" at the "Concert for Diana" in 2007, which commemorated the 10th anniversary of the death of Princess Diana. Allen was 12 years old when Diana died, and attended the funeral with her dad. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Bertrand - Paris, France
  • William Wordsworth's poem, Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802, was a major inspiration for the song. Allen explained in the book Isle of Noises by Daniel Rachel: "That was one of the poems I studied for GCSE English at school. I remember thinking, 'I want to write about London,' and looking at that poem online and thinking, 'That's what he thought, what do I think?' I was looking at his viewpoint; how he told what he felt at that particular moment."

Comments: 5

  • Dave from Cardiff, WalesBrenden, I do like Lily Allen - just not this song! :-)
  • Brenden from Llanfairpwllgwyngyll, Wales, United KingdomFinally! A positive comment!
  • Dave from Cardiff, WalesBUT... in fairness, having now listened to the Alright Still album I have to retract the comment about her calling it a day - it's a pretty good album!
  • Dave from Cardiff, WalesBTW anyone who rhymes 'Tesco' with 'Al Fresco' should seriously consider calling it a day!
  • Dave from Cardiff, Wales"Sun is in the sky, oh why oh why" is one of the worst rhymes ever!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Philip Cody

Philip CodySongwriter Interviews

A talented lyricist, Philip helped revive Neil Sedaka's career with the words to "Laughter In The Rain" and "Bad Blood."

Michael Franti

Michael FrantiSongwriter Interviews

Franti tells the story behind his hit "Say Hey (I Love You)" and explains why yoga is an integral part of his lifestyle and his Soulshine tour.

Graham Parker

Graham ParkerSongwriter Interviews

When Judd Apatow needed under-appreciated rockers for his Knocked Up sequel, he immediately thought of Parker, who just happened to be getting his band The Rumour back together.

Dennis DeYoung

Dennis DeYoungSongwriter Interviews

Dennis DeYoung explains why "Mr. Roboto" is the defining Styx song, and what the "gathering of angels" represents in "Come Sail Away."

Chris Frantz of Talking Heads

Chris Frantz of Talking HeadsSongwriter Interviews

Talking Heads drummer Chris Frantz on where the term "new wave" originated, the story of "Naive Melody," and why they never recorded another cover song after "Take Me To The River."

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.