Somewhere Only We Know singer Lily Allen was surprised when she had an urge to write music again so soon after retiring in 2010.
The 28-year-old star left the industry four years ago to start a family and now has two children, Ethel, two, and 12-month-old Marnie, with husband Sam Cooper.
Speaking to Q magazine, Lily said: ''I wasn't surprised to come back again, but I was surprised to want to so soon.
''It's been quite a shock ... a lot has changed in four years.''
Lily further opened up about her controversial single, Hard Out Here, insisting that she was surprised by the negative attention it received.
She added: ''Because that saying, 'Never complain, never explain', is right to a degree ... but when you're offending people maybe it is a good idea to tackle it straight on.
''Oh, I don't know! Ultimately, I make pop music. I try and shove as much into three-and-a-half minutes as I can. I can't get it all right ... you can only try.''
