The Bad Thing

Arctic Monkeys' song 'The Bad Thing' delves into the theme of infidelity and the internal conflict it brings. The lyrics portray a scenario where the protagonist is tempted to cheat, indicated by the urging to 'Do the bad thing, Take off your wedding ring.' The repetition of this line throughout the song emphasizes the gravity of the decision and the potential consequences that weigh on the protagonist's conscience. The acknowledgment that succumbing to temptation 'might make it worse' suggests an awareness of the moral and emotional implications of such an act.

The song's narrative unfolds in a setting where the protagonist is approached by someone else's partner. The conversation is filled with innuendos and the tension of a possible affair. The protagonist is aware of the situation's delicacy, as indicated by the lines 'She's saying that he's not gonna slap me, Or try to attack me, He's not the jealous type.' This rationalization and the subsequent search for 'half an excuse' to give in to the temptation highlight the struggle between desire and the sense of commitment.

The internal dialogue in the song reflects the protagonist's attempt to justify the actions they are considering. Phrases like 'I don't mind, Be a big mistake for you to wait and have me waste your time, Really love it's fine' reveal a conflict between the urge to engage in the affair and the knowledge that it is wrong. The song ends without a resolution, leaving the outcome ambiguous, but the emotional turmoil and the pull of temptation are palpable throughout the lyrics.