The Only Ones "Another Girl, Another Planet"

"Another Girl, Another Planet" is the signature song by English rock band The Only Ones, released in 1978 as the second track on their self-titled debut album. Written by frontman Peter Perrett, it is widely regarded as one of the greatest rock singles of all time, celebrated for its soaring guitar work, melodic hooks, and enigmatic lyrics123.

Recording and Release
The song was recorded in April 1978 at Escape Studios in Kent, England, using a 16-track analogue tape machine and a Helios mixing console. Although it was not a commercial hit upon its initial release, it gained cult status and critical acclaim over time. It first charted in New Zealand in 1981 and was re-released in the UK in 1992, reaching No. 57 on the UK Singles Chart1.

Lyrics and Meaning
The lyrics of "Another Girl, Another Planet" have long been the subject of debate. Many listeners and critics interpreted the song as a metaphor for heroin addiction, citing lines like "I always flirt with death, I look ill but I don't care about it" and the song’s dreamy, otherworldly atmosphere132. However, Peter Perrett has clarified in several interviews that the song was inspired by a real woman—a "space cadet" from Yugoslavia whom he found fascinating for her eccentricity and unpredictability45. Perrett explained:

"It was inspired by this girl from Yugoslavia. I didn’t go out with her, but she was like a total space cadet... She’d say crazy things, and it just got me thinking that every girl has something different to offer."45

Perrett also acknowledged that he enjoys writing ambiguous lyrics that can be interpreted on multiple levels, and while drug-related imagery is present, the song is fundamentally about infatuation and the intoxicating rush of new love45. He has said, "At that time I was more addicted to sex and infatuation than I was to drugs"4.

Musical Style and Impact
Musically, the song is a blend of power-pop, punk, and classic rock, featuring John Perry’s acclaimed guitar solos and Perrett’s languid, emotive vocals32. The track’s energy and melodic sophistication set it apart from much of the punk-dominated late '70s scene, and its influence can be heard in the work of later bands such as The Libertines and Nirvana3.

Cultural Legacy
"Another Girl, Another Planet" has been covered by numerous artists and featured in the soundtracks of several films, including That Summer! (1979), Me Without You (2001), and Paul (2011)1. It was ranked number 18 in John Peel’s all-time Festive Fifty and placed at number 83 on Q magazine’s list of the 100 Greatest Guitar Tracks1. AllMusic described it as "arguably, the greatest rock single ever recorded"13.

Key Facts Table

Summary
"Another Girl, Another Planet" endures as a cult classic and a high-water mark of late '70s British rock. Its ambiguous lyrics, emotional intensity, and melodic brilliance have ensured its place as a perennial favorite among fans and musicians alike14325.