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

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)

Donnie Iris (Ah! Leah!, The Rapper)Songwriter Interviews

Before "Rap" was a form of music, it was something guys did to pick up girls in nightclubs. Donnie talks about "The Rapper" and reveals the identity of Leah.

Timothy B. Schmit

Timothy B. SchmitSongwriter Interviews

The longtime Eagle talks about soaring back to his solo career, and what he learned about songwriting in the group.

Boz Scaggs

Boz ScaggsSongwriter Interviews

The "Lowdown" and "Lido Shuffle" singer makes a habit of playing with the best in the business.

Best Band Logos

Best Band LogosSong Writing

Queen, Phish and The Stones are among our picks for the best band logos. Here are their histories and a design analysis from an expert.

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."

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"

Billy Steinberg - "Like A Virgin"They're Playing My Song

The first of Billy's five #1 hits was the song that propelled Madonna to stardom. You'd think that would get you a backstage pass, wouldn't you?