Alex Turner can't help but write songs about women.

The Arctic Monkeys frontman, who previously dated model-and-presenter Alexa Chung, admits most of his band's tracks are about the ladies in his life but claims they are also inspired by loneliness.

Speaking in the May edition of Esquire magazine, he said: ''I write about women, yes. I haven't really found a way round it yet.

''There's other things I eventually might get round to writing about. But for now ... in a sense they're about girls. But in a sense they're about loneliness. And longing.''

Despite being known for his outspoken opinions on rock 'n' roll, he often hides behind his music and doesn't like being in the spotlight.

He explained: ''I'm in a difficult position in the sense that, preposterous as this might sound, I don't like being the centre of attention.

''I don't even like opening my birthday presents in front of people, either.''

However, the 28-year-old singer insists he can laugh at himself and feels it's what helps him cope with being in the music industry.

He said: ''Certainly, in this day and age, a sense of humour [is important].

''Because it's pretty ridiculous. Not to name-drop but we bumped into [Led Zeppelin frontman] Robert Plant last night and he's hilarious. Just funny, straight away. These days I think if you start taking it too seriously, which I'm, like, sometimes definitely in danger of doing ... then it gets ugly.''