505
Arctic Monkeys
Favourite Worst Nightmare (2007)
Alex Turner, Jamie Cook, Matt Helders +1
Listen to the Song
At a glance
- Key
- D Dorian
- Time signature
- 4/4
- Main progression
- i–ii
- Chords used
- Dm · Em
Summary
Serving as the atmospheric finale to Favourite Worst Nightmare, '505' marks a pivotal shift toward the mature, evocative songwriting that would define the band's later work. It famously utilizes an Ennio Morricone sample to blend Spaghetti Western tension with raw British alternative rock.
Chord Sheet
Chords Used
Progression by Section
Chorus
Verse
Chord Diagrams
Musical Analysis
505 is a minimalist masterpiece built entirely on a two-chord D Dorian vamp (i-ii). By eschewing functional dominant-tonic relationships (like Am or A7 to Dm), the song avoids traditional resolution, mirroring the lyrical themes of suspense, longing, and the c…
History
Written by Alex Turner, '505' is recognized as the first 'proper' love song in the band's catalog, marking a transition toward more emotionally vulnerable and cinematic songwriting. The track is notable for featuring Miles Kane on lead guitar, which served as…
“It is the first Arctic Monkeys song to feature a guest musician (Miles Kane).”
Full musical analysis
505 is a minimalist masterpiece built entirely on a two-chord D Dorian vamp (i-ii). By eschewing functional dominant-tonic relationships (like Am or A7 to Dm), the song avoids traditional resolution, mirroring the lyrical themes of suspense, longing, and the cycle of returning to a specific place. The tension is generated not through harmonic progression, but through the Ennio Morricone-inspired organ textures and a massive structural crescendo.
Written by Alex Turner, '505' is recognized as the first 'proper' love song in the band's catalog, marking a transition toward more emotionally vulnerable and cinematic songwriting. The track is notable for featuring Miles Kane on lead guitar, which served as the catalyst for the duo forming the side project The Last Shadow Puppets. The song is famous for its dynamic shift from a minimalist organ intro to a crashing, high-energy climax.
Serving as the atmospheric finale to Favourite Worst Nightmare, '505' marks a pivotal shift toward the mature, evocative songwriting that would define the band's later work. It famously utilizes an Ennio Morricone sample to blend Spaghetti Western tension with raw British alternative rock.
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Song DNA
Genre
Indie Rock
Era
2000s
Mood
Melancholic
Tempo
Mid-tempo
Key
Minor
Texture
Layered
Sound
Guitar-driven
Feel
Straight
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Statistics
58.2M
Plays
3.0M
Listeners
2.7M
Genius Views
15
Annotations
100%
Popularity
5:05
Duration
4/4
Time
Credits
Written by
Produced by
From the album Favourite Worst Nightmare
