End of a Century

"End of a Century" describes a relationship gradually losing its spark as the couple ages and grows apart. In an interview with Select in 1995, frontman Damon Albarn explained that the song is about "how couples get into staying in and staring at each other. Only, instead of candlelight, it's the TV light."

The opening line of this song, "She says there's ants in the carpet, dirty little monsters/Eatin' all the morsels, pickin' up the rubbish," was written by Justine Frischmann, the lead singer of Elastica and Albarn's girlfriend at the time. Frischmann came up with the line after their London flat became infested with the critters.

"End Of A Century" was produced by Stephen Street. Prior to Blur, Street made a name for himself working with The Smiths, producing Morrissey and co.'s final album, Strangeways, Here We Come. Street loved this song, believing it showcased Albarn's potential for greatness. As he told Select in 1995, "End of a Century" was "Damon getting the art of songwriting really sorted."