Arctic Monkeys – Mr Schwartz Lyrics

Arctic Monkeys – Mr Schwartz Lyrics

The song was first performed live on the 22nd of September at the Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York, 29 days before the release of “The Car.” It was an intimate performance, sung solo with the only people on stage being Arctic Monkeys’ frontman Alex Turner on the guitar and one of their touring members Tom Rowley on the keyboard.

The song alludes to the American poet “Delmore Schwartz.” and uses the re-created character of Mr. Schwartz as a metaphor for current circumstances.

[Verse 1]
Put your heavy metal to the test
Might be half a love song in it all for you
Timing wise it’s probably for the best
Come here and kiss me now before it gets too cute

[Chorus]
Mr. Schwartz is staying strong for the crew
Wardrobe’s lint-rolling your velveteen suit
Smudging dubbin on your dancing shoes

[Verse 2]
Gradually it’s coming into view
It’s like your little directorial debut
As fine a time as any to deduce
The fact that neither you or I has ever had a clue

[Chorus]
Mr. Schwartz is staying strong for the crew
Wardrobe’s lint-rolling your velveteen suit
Smudging dubbin on your dancing shoes

[Bridge]
And if we guess who I’m pretending to be
Do we win a prize?
Having attempted twice, both incorrectly
Do we get a third try?

[Verse 3]
The gloved hand’s reaching in to hit the switch
There’s not one god damn thing that you can do about this

[Chorus]
Mr. Schwartz is having tea with the grips
Asking after all the wives and the kids
It’s at the heart of what the business is