What If You Were Right First Time?

Arctic Monkeys' song 'What If You Were Right First Time?' delves into the complexities of relationships, particularly the lingering doubts and uncertainties that can plague one's mind. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a person caught between the 'fantastic dream' of love and the 'fear' of the unknown. This duality is a common theme in relationships, where the excitement of love is often accompanied by anxiety and doubt. The song's protagonist is left wondering about the whereabouts and thoughts of their partner, highlighting the insecurity that can arise when one feels disconnected or uncertain about their partner's actions and feelings.

The recurring line, 'What if you were right first time?' suggests a deep-seated fear of having made a wrong decision or misjudgment in the relationship. This line encapsulates the anxiety of second-guessing oneself and the decisions made in the past. The inability to 'look into those eyes down no telephone line' emphasizes the emotional distance and the limitations of communication, especially in a digital age where face-to-face interactions are often replaced by phone calls and messages. This lack of direct connection can exacerbate feelings of doubt and insecurity.

The song also touches on the idea of missed experiences and the emptiness that can accompany them. The mention of 'places that she's never been with you' feeling 'awful empty without her' underscores the longing for shared experiences and the void that is felt in their absence. The lyrics suggest that even the most mundane places can feel incomplete without the presence of a loved one. This sentiment is further amplified by the line 'with the needle in groove, it's there all to prove,' which could be interpreted as a metaphor for the repetitive and cyclical nature of these doubts and fears.

Overall, 'What If You Were Right First Time?' is a poignant exploration of the emotional turbulence that can accompany love and relationships. It captures the essence of doubt, longing, and the fear of making the wrong choices, all set against the backdrop of a modern, disconnected world.