Articulate, broodingly charismatic frontman Morrissey and supple guitarist Johnny Marr made the Smiths one of the most significant English bands of the '80s. (Rolling Stone)


Friday, February 29, 2008

The Smiths: Cemetry Gates

The Smiths: The Queen Is DeadAlbum: The Queen Is Dead (1986)
Produced by Morrissey and Johnny Marr
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 5: Cemetry Gates
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr


Video: The Smiths - Cemetry Gates
Wolverhampton 1986


Lyrics: The Smiths - Cemetry Gates

A dreaded sunny day
so I meet you at the cemetry gates
Keats and Yeats are on your side
a dreaded sunny day
so I meet you at the cemetry gates
Keats and Yeats are on your side
while Wilde is on mine
So we go inside and we gravely read the stones
all those people all those lives
where are they now?
with loves, and hates
and passions just like mine
they were born
and then they lived
and then they died
which seems so unfair
and I want to cry
You say: "ere thrice the sun done
salutation to the dawn"
and you claim these words as your own
but Im well-read, have heard them said
a hundred times (maybe less, maybe more)
if you must write prose/poems
the words you use should be your own
dont plagiarise or take "on loan"
there's always someone, somewhere
with a big nose, who knows
and who trips you up and laughs
when you fall
who'll trip you up and laugh
when you fall
You say: "ere long done do does did"
words which could only be your own
you then produce the text
from whence was ripped
(some dizzy whore, 1804)
A dreaded sunny day
so let's go where we're happy
and I meet you at the cemetry gates
Keats and Yeats are on your side
a dreaded sunny day
so let's go where we're wanted
and I meet you at the cemetry gates
Keats and Yeats are on your side
but you lose
because Wilde is on mine.

Thursday, February 28, 2008

The Smiths: Never Had No One Ever

The Smiths: The Queen Is DeadAlbum: The Queen Is Dead (1986)
Produced by Morrissey and Johnny Marr
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 4: Never Had No One Ever
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr


Video: The Smiths - Never Had No One Ever


Lyrics: The Smiths - Never Had No One Ever

When you walk without ease
on these
the very streets where you were raised
I had a really bad dream
it lasted 20 years, 7 months, and 27 days
Never had no one ever

Source: The Queen Is Dead (record)

Lyrics: The Smiths - Never Had No One Ever

When you walk without ease
On these
Streets where you were raised
I had a really bad dream
It lasted 20 years, 7 months, and 27 days
I never, I'm alone, and I
Never, ever oh ... had no one ever

Now I'm outside your house
I'm alone
And I'm outside your house
I hate to intrude ...
Oh, Alone, I'm Alone, I'm Alone, I'm Alone
I'm Alone
I'm Alone
And I never, never ... oh ... had no one ever
I never had no one ever
I never had no, no one ever
Had no one never
Never ... no ...
Oh ...

Source: www.sing365.com

Wednesday, February 27, 2008

The Smiths: I Know It's Over

The Smiths: The Queen Is DeadAlbum: The Queen Is Dead (1986)
Produced by Morrissey and Johnny Marr
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 3: I Know It's Over
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr


Video: The Smiths - I Know It's Over
(live London palladium)


Lyrics: The Smiths - I Know It's Over

Oh Mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head
and as I climb into an empty bed
Oh well. Enough said.
I know it's over - still I cling
I don't know where else I can go
Oh Mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head
see, the sea wants to take me
the knife wants to cut me
do you think you can help me?
Sad veiled bride, please be happy
handsome groom, give her room
loud, loutish lover, treat her kindly
(although she needs you
more than she loves you)
and I know it's over - still I cling
I don't know where else I can go
I know it's over
and it never really began
but in my heart it was so real
and you even spoke to me, and said:
"If you're so funny
then why are you on your own tonight?
and if you're so clever
why are you on your own tonight?
if you're so very entertaining
why are you on your own tonight?
if you're so terribly good-looking
then why do you sleep alone tonight?
because tonight it's just like any other night
that's why you're on your own tonight
with your triumphs and your charms
while they are in each other's arms..."
It's so easy to laugh
it's so easy to hate
it takes strength to be gentle and kind
It's so easy to laugh
it's so easy to hate
it takes guts to be gentle and kind
love is Natural and Real
but not for you, my love
not tonight, my love
love is Natural and Real
but not for such as you and I, my love
Oh Mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head
Oh Mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head
Oh Mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head
Oh Mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head
Oh Mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head

Note: The first vocal take Morrissey recorded for the song ended up as the one used for the album. (Wikipedia)

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The Smiths: Frankly, Mr Shankly

The Smiths: The Queen Is DeadAlbum: The Queen Is Dead (1986)
Produced by Morrissey and Johnny Marr
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 2: Frankly, Mr Shankly
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr


Video: The Smiths - Frankly, Mr Shankly
Live Irvine 1985


Lyrics: The Smiths - Frankly, Mr Shankly

Frankly, Mr. Shankly, this position Ive held
it pays my way, and it corrodes my soul
I want to leave, you will not miss me
I want to go down in musical history

Frankly, Mr. Shankly, Im a sickening wreck
Ive got the 21st century breathing down my neck
I must move fast, you understand me
I want to go down in celluloid history

Fame, Fame, fatal Fame
it can play hideous tricks on the brain
but still Id rather be Famous
than righteous or holy, any day

but sometimes Id feel more fulfilled
making Christmas cards with the mentally ill
I want to Live and I want to Love
I want to catch something that I might be ashamed of

Frankly, Mr. Shankly, this position Ive held
it pays my way and it corrodes my soul
oh, I didnt realise that you wrote poetry
(I didnt realise you wrote such bloody awful poetry)

Frankly, Mr. Shankly, since you ask
you are a flatulent pain in the arse
I do not mean to be so rude
but still, I must speak frankly, Mr. Shankly

Monday, February 25, 2008

The Smiths: The Queen Is Dead

The Smiths: The Queen Is DeadAlbum: The Queen Is Dead (1986)
Produced by Morrissey and Johnny Marr
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 1: The Queen Is Dead
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr


Video: The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead


Lyrics: The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead

Farewell to this lands cheerless marshes
hemmed in like a boar between arches
her very Lowness with a head in a sling
Im truly sorry - but it sounds like a wonderful thing
dear Charles, don't you ever crave
to appear on the front of the Daily Mail
dressed in your Mother's bridal veil?
So, I checked all the registered historical facts
and I was shocked into shame to discover
how Im the 18th pale descendent
of some old queen or other
has the world changed, or have I changed?
has the world changed, or have I changed?
as some 9-year old tough peddles drugs
(I never even knew what drugs were)
And so, I broke into the Palace
with a sponge and a rusty spanner
she said: "Eh, I know you, and you cannot sing"
I said: "that's nothing - you should hear me play piano"
We can go for a walk where it's quiet and dry
and talk about precious things
but when you're tied to your Mother's apron
No one talks about castration
We can go for a walk where it's quiet and dry
and talk about precious things
like love and law and poverty
these are the things that kill me
We can go for a walk where it's quiet and dry
and talk about precious things
but the rain that flattens my hair
these are the things that kill me
Passed the Pub that saps your body
and the church who'll snatch your money
the Queen is dead, boys
and it's so lonely on a limb
Passed the Pub that wrecks your body
and the church - all they want is your money
the Queen is dead, boys
you can trust me, boys
life is very long, when you're lonely
life is very long, when you're lonely
life is very long, when you're lonely
life is very long, when you're lonely

Sunday, February 24, 2008

The Smiths: How Soon is Now?

The Smiths: How Soon is Now?

Single: How Soon is Now? (1984/1985)

"How Soon Is Now?" is a 1984 song written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr and first released by their band The Smiths. Sire Records chief Seymour Stein called it "the 'Stairway to Heaven' of the Eighties", while co-writer Johnny Marr described it as "possibly our most enduring record. It's most people's favourite, I think.". Despite its prominent place in The Smiths' repertoire, however, it is not generally considered to be representative of the band's style.

Originally a B-side with "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want" on the 12" single version of "William, It Was Really Nothing" in 1984, the song was subsequently featured on the compilation album Hatful of Hollow and on US, Australian and Warner UK editions of Meat Is Murder. It was belatedly released as an A-side in the UK in 1985, reaching #24 on the singles chart.

Although a club favourite, "How Soon Is Now" did not chart as well as writers Morrissey and Marr had expected. Most commentators put this down to the fact that the song had been out on vinyl in a number of forms before being released as a single in its own right. The original track ran for nearly 7 minutes; however, the 7" single edit cut the length down to under four minutes. The complete version is generally used on compilations.

Source: Wikipedia

Video: The Smiths - How Soon is Now?



Lyrics: The Smiths - How Soon is Now?

I am the son
and the heir
Of a shyness that is criminally vulgar
I am the son and heir
Of nothing in particular

You shut your mouth
How can you say
I go about things the wrong way
I am Human and I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does

I am the son
and the heir
Of a shyness that is criminally vulgar
I am the son and the heir
Of nothing in particular

You shut your mouth
How can you say
I go about things the wrong way
I am Human and I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does

There's a club, if you'd like to go
You could meet somebody who really loves you
So you go, and you stand on your own
And you leave on your own
And you go home
And you cry
And you want to die

When you say it's gonna happen now,
Well, when exactly do you mean?
See I've already waited too long
And all my hope is gone

I am Human And I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does

Source: www.sing365.com

Saturday, February 23, 2008

The Smiths: Meat is Murder

The Smiths: Meat is MurderAlbum: Meat is Murder (1985)
Produced by The Smiths
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 9: Meat is Murder
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr


Video: The Smiths - Meat is Murder


Lyrics: The Smiths - Meat is Murder

Heifer whines could be human cries
closer comes the screaming knife
this beautiful creature must die
this beautiful creature must die
a death for no reason
and death for no reason is MURDER
and the flesh you so fancifully fry
is not succulent, tasty or nice
it's death for no reason
and death for no reason is MURDER
and the calf that you carve with a smile
is MURDER
and the turkey you festively slice
is MURDER
do you know how animals die?
kitchen aromas aren't very homely
it's not "comforting", "cheery" or kind
it's sizzling blood and the unholy stench
of MURDER
it's not "natural", "normal" or kind
the flesh you so fancifully fry
the meat in your mouth
as you savour the flavour
of MURDER
NO, NO, NO, IT'S MURDER
NO, NO, NO, IT'S MURDER
who hears when animals cry?

Friday, February 22, 2008

The Smiths: Barbarism Begins at Home

The Smiths: Meat is MurderAlbum: Meat is Murder (1985)
Produced by The Smiths
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 8: Barbarism Begins at Home
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr


Video: The Smiths - Barbarism Begins at Home


Lyrics: The Smiths - Barbarism Begins at Home

Unruly boys
who will not grow up
must be taken in hand
Unruly girls
who will not settle down
they must be taken in hand

A crack on the head
is what you get for not asking
and a crack on the head
is what you get for asking

Thursday, February 21, 2008

The Smiths: Well I Wonder

The Smiths: Meat is MurderAlbum: Meat is Murder (1985)
Produced by The Smiths
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 7: Well I Wonder
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr

Video: The Smiths - Well I Wonder


Lyrics: The Smiths - Well I Wonder

Well I wonder
Do you hear me when you sleep ?
I hoarsely cry

Well I wonder
Do you see me when we pass ?
I half die

Please keep me in mind
please keep me in mind

Gasping - but somehow still alive
This is the fierce last stand of all I am

Gasping - dying - but somehow still alive
This is the final stand of all I am

Please keep me in mind

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

The Smiths: Nowhere Fast

The Smiths: Meat is MurderAlbum: Meat is Murder (1985)
Produced by The Smiths
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 6: Nowhere Fast
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr

Video: The Smiths - Nowhere Fast


Lyrics: The Smiths - Nowhere Fast

I'd like to drop my trousers to the world
I am a man of means (of slender means)
each household appliance
is like a new science in my town
and if the day came when I felt a
natural emotion
I'd get such a shock I'd probably jump
in the ocean
and when a train goes by
it's such a sad sound

I'd like to drop my trousers to the Queen
every sensible child will know what this means
the poor and the needy
are selfish and greedy on her terms
and if the day came when I felt a
natural emotion
I'd get such a shock I'd probably jump
in the ocean
and when a train goes by
it's such a sad sound

And when I'm lying in my bed
I think about life
and I think about death
and neither one particularly appeals to me
and if the day came when I felt a
natural emotion
I'd get such a shock I'd probably lie
in the middle of the street and die
I'd lie down and die

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

The Smiths: That Joke isn't Funny Anymore

The Smiths: Meat is MurderAlbum: Meat is Murder (1985)
Produced by The Smiths
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 5: That Joke isn't Funny Anymore
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr


Video: The Smiths - That Joke isn't Funny Anymore
The Smiths live in Madrid - 1985


Lyrics: The Smiths - That Joke isn't Funny Anymore

Park the car at the side of the road
you should know
time's tide will smother you
and I will too
when you laugh about people who feel so
very lonely
their only desire is to die
well, I'm afraid
it doesn't make me smile
I wish I could laugh
but that joke isn't funny anymore
it's too close to home
and it's too near the bone
it's too close to home
and it's too near the bone
more than you'll ever know

It was dark as I drove the point home
and on cold leather seats
well, it suddenly struck me
I just might die with a smile on my
face after all

I've seen this happen in other people's
lives
and now it's happening in mine

Monday, February 18, 2008

The Smiths: What She Said

The Smiths: Meat is MurderAlbum: Meat is Murder (1985)
Produced by The Smiths
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 4: What She Said
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr


Video: The Smiths - What She Said
Nottingham 86 Live


Lyrics: The Smiths - What She Said

What she said:
"How come someone hasn't noticed
that I'm dead
and decided to bury me
God knows, I'm ready"
What she said was sad
but then, all the rejection she's had
to pretend to be happy
could only be idiocy
What she said was not for the job or
lover that she never had
What she read
all heady books
she'd sit and prophesise
(It took a tattooed boy from
Birkenhead
to really really open her eyes)
What she read
all heady books
she'd sit and prophesise
(it took a tattooed boy from
Birkenhead
to really really open her eyes)
What she said:
"I smoke 'cos I'm hoping for an
early death
AND I NEED TO CLING TO SOMETHING!"
What she said:
"I smoke 'cos I'm hoping for an
early death
AND I NEED TO CLING TO SOMETHING!"

Sunday, February 17, 2008

The Smiths: I Want The One I Can't Have

The Smiths: Meat is MurderAlbum: Meat is Murder (1985)
Produced by The Smiths
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 3: I Want The One I Can't Have
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr


Video: The Smiths - I Want The One I Can't Have


Lyrics: The Smiths - I Want The One I Can't Have

On the day that your mentality
Decides to try to catch up with your biology

Come round ...
'Cause I want the one I can't have
And it's driving me mad
It's all over, all over, all over my face

On the day that your mentality
Catches up with your biology

I want the one I can't have
And it's driving me mad
It's all over, all over, all over my face

A double bed
And a stalwart lover for sure
These are the riches of the poor

A double bed
And a stalwart lover for sure
These are the riches of the poor

And I want the one I can't have
And it's driving me mad
It's all over, all over my face

A tough kid who sometimes swallows nails
Raised on Prisoner's Aid
He killed a policeman when he was
Thirteen
And somehow that really impressed
Me
And it's written all over my face

Oh, these are the riches of the poor
These are the riches of the poor

I want the one I can't have
And it's driving me mad
It's written all over my face

On the day that your mentality
Catches up with your biology

And if you ever need self-validation
Just meet me in the alley by the
Railway station
It's all over my face
Oh ...

Fonte: www.sing365.com

Thursday, February 14, 2008

The Smiths: Rusholme Ruffians

The Smiths: Meat is MurderAlbum: Meat is Murder (1985)
Produced by The Smiths
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 2: Rusholme Ruffians
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr


Video: The Smiths - Rusholme Ruffians


Lyrics: The Smiths - Rusholme Ruffians

The last night of the fair
By the big wheel generator
A boy is stabbed
And his money is grabbed
And the air hangs heavy like a dulling wine

She is Famous
She is Funny
An engagement ring
Doesn't mean a thing
To a mind consumed by brass (money)

And though I walk home alone
I might walk home alone ...
...But my faith in love is still devout

The last night of the fair
From a seat on a whirling waltzer
Her skirt ascends for a watching eye
It's a hideous trait (on her mother's side)
From a seat on a whirling waltzer
Her skirt ascends for a watching eye
It's a hideous trait (on her mother's side)

And though I walk home alone
I might walk home alone ...
...But my faith in love is still devout

Then someone falls in love
And someone's beaten up
Someone's beaten up
And the senses being dulled are mine
And someone falls in love
And someone's beaten up
And the senses being dulled are mine

And though I walk home alone
I might walk home alone ...
...But my faith in love is still devout

This is the last night of the fair
And the grease in the hair
Of a speedway operator
Is all a tremulous heart requires
A schoolgirl is denied
She said : "How quickly would I die
If I jumped from the top of the parachutes ?"
La ...

This is the last night of the fair
And the grease in the hair
Of a speedway operator
Is all a tremulous heart requires
A schoolgirl is denied
She said : "How quickly would I die
If I jumped from the top of the parachutes ?"
La ...

So ... scratch my name on your arm with a fountain pen
(This means you really love me)
Scratch my name on your arm with a fountain pen
(This means you really love me)
Oh ...

And though I walk home alone
I just might walk home alone
But my faith in love is still devout
I might walk home alone
But my faith in love is still devout
I might walk home alone
But my faith in love is still devout
La ...

Source: www.sing365.com

-The Chord sequence in "Rusholme Ruffians" is identical to the Elvis classic '(Marie's The Name) of His Latest Flame'. Occasionally when playing live the band would incorporate both into a medley.
-"Rusholme Ruffians" was inspired by an early comic song by Victoria Wood called "Fourteen Again" and has some lyrics in common (including "She is famous, she is funny"), giving the viewpoint of the boys in the Wood song.
-"The Headmaster Ritual" was covered by Radiohead in a 2007 webcast.

Source: Wikipédia

Wednesday, February 13, 2008

The Smiths: The Headmaster Ritual

The Smiths: Meat is MurderAlbum: Meat is Murder (1985)
Produced by The Smiths
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 1: The Headmaster Ritual
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr


Video: The Smiths - The Headmaster Ritual


Lyrics: The Smiths - The Headmaster Ritual

Belligerent ghouls
Run Manchester schools

Spineless swines
Cemented minds

Sir leads the troops
Jealous of youth
Same old suit since 1962

He does the military two-step
Down the nape of my neck

I wanna go home
I don't wanna stay
Give up education
As a bad mistake

Mid-week on the playing fields
Sir thwacks you on the knees

Knees you in the groin
Elbow in the face
Bruises bigger than dinner plates

I wanna go home
I don't wanna stay

Da-da-da ...

Belligerent ghouls
Run Manchester schools

Spineless bastards all ...

Sir leads the troops
Jealous of youth
Same old jokes since 1902

He does the military two-step
Down the nape of my neck

I wanna go home
I don't want to stay
Give up life
As a bad mistake

Please excuse me from gym
I've got this terrible cold coming on
He grabs and devours
He kicks me in the showers
Kicks me in the showers
And he grabs and devours

I want to go home
I don't want to stay...

Da-da-da ...

Source: www.sing365.com

Tuesday, February 12, 2008

The Smiths: Suffer Little Children

The SmithsAlbum: The Smiths (1984)
Produced by John Porter
Length: 45:36
Label: Rough Trade

Track 10: Suffer Little Children
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr

Pictures: The Smiths - Suffer Little Children
Some information about the victims of the Moor Murders in 1960s Manchester, accompanied by "Suffer Little Children" by The Smiths.


Lyrics: The Smiths - Suffer Little Children

Over the moor, take me to the moor
Dig a shallow grave
And I'll lay me down

Over the moor, take me to the moor
Dig a shallow grave
And I'll lay me down

Lesley-Anne, with your pretty white beads
Oh John, you'll never be a man
And you'll never see your home again
Oh Manchester, so much to answer for

Edward, see those alluring lights ?
Tonight will be your very last night

A woman said : "I know my son is dead
I'll never rest my hands on his sacred head"

Hindley wakes and Hindley says :
Hindley wakes, Hindley wakes, Hindley wakes, and says :
"Oh, wherever he has gone, I have gone"

But fresh lilaced moorland fields
Cannot hide the stolid stench of death
Fresh lilaced moorland fields
Cannot hide the stolid stench of death

Hindley wakes and says :
Hindley wakes, Hindley wakes, Hindley wakes, and says :
"Oh, whatever he has done, I have done"

But this is no easy ride
For a child cries :

"Oh, find me ... find me, nothing more
We are on a sullen misty moor
We may be dead and we may be gone
But we will be, we will be, we will be, right by your side
Until the day you die
This is no easy ride
We will haunt you when you laugh
Yes, you could say we're a team
You might sleep
You might sleep
You might sleep
BUT YOU WILL NEVER DREAM !
Oh, you might sleep
BUT YOU WILL NEVER DREAM !
You might sleep
BUT YOU WILL NEVER DREAM !"

Oh Manchester, so much to answer for
Oh Manchester, so much to answer for

Oh, find me, find me !
Find me !
I'll haunt you when you laugh
Oh, I'll haunt you when you laugh
You might sleep
BUT YOU WILL NEVER DREAM !
Oh ...
Over the moors, I'm on the moor
Oh, over the moor
Oh, the child is on the moor

The Smiths: I Don't Owe You Anything

The SmithsAlbum: The Smiths (1984)
Produced by John Porter
Length: 45:36
Label: Rough Trade

Track 9: I Don't Owe You Anything
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr

Video: The Smiths - I Don't Owe You Anything
Live at the Hacienda, Manchester, 6 July 1983


Lyrics: The Smiths - I Don't Owe You Anything

Bought on stolen wine
A nod was the first step
You knew very well
What was coming next

Bought on stolen wine
A nod was the first step
You knew very well
What was coming next

Did I really walk all this way
Just to hear you say :
"Oh, I don't want to go out tonight" ?
"Oh, I don't want to go out tonight"

Oh, but you will
For you must

I don't owe you anything, no
But you owe me something
Repay me now

You should never go to them
Let them come to you
Just like I do
Just like I do

You should not go to them
Let them come to you
Just like I do
Just like I do

Did I really walk all this way
Just to hear you say :
"Oh, I don't want to go out tonight" ?
"Oh, I don't want to go out tonight"

But you will
For you must

I don't owe you anything, no
But you owe me something
Repay me now

Too freely on your lips
Words prematurely sad
Oh, but I know what will make you smile tonight

Life is never kind
Life is never kind
Oh, but I know what will make you smile tonight

Source: www.sing365.com

The Smiths: What Difference Does It Make?

The SmithsAlbum: The Smiths (1984)
Produced by John Porter
Length: 45:36
Label: Rough Trade

Track 8: What Difference Does It Make?
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr

Video: The Smiths - What Difference Does It Make?
Live at the Hacienda, Manchester, 6 July 1983.


Lyrics: The Smiths - What Difference Does It Make?

All men have secrets and here is mine
So let it be known
We have been through hell and high tide
I can surely rely on you ...
And yet you start to recoil
Heavy words are so lightly thrown
But still i'd leap in front of a flying bullet for you

So, what difference does it make ?
So, what difference does it make ?
It makes none
But now you have gone
And you must be looking very old tonight

The devil will find work for idle hands to do
I stole and i lied, and why ?
Because you asked me to !
But now you make me feel so ashamed
Because i've only got two hands
Well, i'm still fond of you, oh-ho-oh

So, what difference does it make ?
Oh, what difference does it make ?
Oh, it makes none
But now you have gone
And your prejudice won't keep you warm tonight

Oh, the devil will find work for idle hands to do
I stole, and then i lied
Just because you asked me to
But now you know the truth about me
You won't see me anymore
Well, i'm still fond of you, oh-ho-oh

But no more apologies
No more apology
Oh, i'm too tired
I'm so very tired
And i'm feeling very sick and ill today
But i'm still fond of you, oh-ho-oh

Oh, my sacred one ...
Oh ...

Source: www.lyricsfreak.com

The Smiths: Hand in Glove

The SmithsAlbum: The Smiths (1984)
Length: 45:36
Label: Rough Trade

Track 7: Hand in Glove
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr
Remixed by John Porter

Video: The Smiths - Hand in Glove


Video: The Smiths - Hand in Glove

Hand in glove
The sun shines out of our behinds
No, it's not like any other love
This one is different - because it's us

Hand in glove
We can go wherever we please
And everything depends upon
How near you stand to me

And if the people stare
Then the people stare
Oh, I really don't know and I really don't care

Kiss My Shades

Hand in glove
The Good People laugh
Yes, we may be hidden by rags
But we've something they'll never have

Hand in glove
The sun shines out of our behinds
Yes, we may be hidden by rags
But we've something they'll never have

And if the people stare
Then the people stare
Oh, I really don't know and I really don't care

Kiss My Shades ... oh ...

So, hand in glove I stake my claim
I'll fight to the last breath

If they dare touch a hair on your head
I'll fight to the last breath

For the Good Life is out there somewhere
So stay on my arm, you little charmer

But I know my luck too well
Yes, I know my luck too well
And I'll probably never see you again
I'll probably never see you again
I'll probably never see you again
Oh ...

Source: www.sing365.com

The Smiths: Still Ill

The SmithsAlbum: The Smiths (1984)
Produced by John Porter
Length: 45:36
Label: Rough Trade

Track 6: Still Ill
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr

Video: The Smiths - Still Ill
Broadcast live on the Tube 1984.


Lyrics: The Smiths - Still Ill

I decree today that life
Is simply taking and not giving
England is mine - it owes me a living
But ask me why, and I'll spit in your eye
Oh, ask me why, and I'll spit in your eye
But we cannot cling to the old dreams anymore
No, we cannot cling to those dreams

Does the body rule the mind
Or does the mind rule the body ?
I don´t know....

Under the iron bridge we kissed
And although I ended up with sore lips
It just wasn't like the old days anymore
No, it wasn't like those days
Am I still ill ?
Oh ...
Am I still ill ?
Oh ...

Does the body rule the mind
Or does the mind rule the body ?
I don´t know...

Ask me why, and I'll die
Oh, ask me why, and I'll die
And if you must, go to work - tomorrow
Well, if I were you I really wouldn't bother
For there are brighter sides to life
And I should know, because I've seen them
But not very often ...
Under the iron bridge we kissed
And although I ended up with sore lips
It just wasn't like the old days anymore
No, it wasn't like those days
Am I still ill ?

Source: www.sing365.com
Oh ...
Oh, am I still ill ?
Oh ...

S

Monday, February 11, 2008

The Smiths: The Hand That Rocks The Cradle

The SmithsAlbum: The Smiths (1984)
Produced by John Porter
Length: 45:36
Label: Rough Trade

Track 5: The Hand That Rocks The Cradle
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr

Pictures: The Smiths - The Hand That Rocks The Cradle


Lyrics: The Smiths - The Hand That Rocks The Cradle

Please don't cry
For the ghost and the storm outside
Will not invade this sacred shrine
Nor infiltrate your mind
My life down I shall lie
If the bogey-man should try
To play tricks on your sacred mind
To tease, torment, and tantalise
Wavering shadows loom
A piano plays in an empty room
There'll be blood on the cleaver tonight
And when darknesss lifts and the room is bright
I'll still be by your side
For you are all that matters
And I'll love you to till the day I die
There never need be longing in your eyes
As long as the hand that rocks the cradle is mine
Ceiling shadows shimmy by
And when the wardrobe towers like a beast of prey
There's sadness in your beautiful eyes
Oh, your untouched, unsoiled, wonderous eyes
My life down I shall lie
Should restless spirits try
To play tricks on your sacred mind
I once had a child, and it saved my life
And I never even asked his name
I just looked into his wondrous eyes
And said : "never never never again"
And all too soon I did return
Just like a moth to a flame
So rattle my bones all over the stones
I'm only a beggar-man whom nobody owns
Oh, see how words as old as sin
Fit me like a glove
I'm here and here I'll stay
Together we lie, together we pray
There never need be longing in your eyes
As long as the hand that rocks the cradle is mine
As long as the hand that rocks the cradle is mine
Mine
Climb up on my knee, sonny boy
Although you're only three, sonny boy
You're - you're mine
And your mother she just never knew
Oh, your mother ...
As long ... as long ... as long
I did my best for her
I did my best for her
As long ... as long ... as long as ... as long
I did my best for her
I did my best for her
Oh ...

Source: www.sing365.com

The Smiths: Pretty Girls Make Graves

The SmithsAlbum: The Smiths (1984)
Produced by John Porter
Length: 45:36
Label: Rough Trade

Track 4: Pretty Girls Make Graves
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr

Video: The Smiths - Pretty Girls Make Graves (12.07.83) Derby Assembly Room


Lyrics: The Smiths - Pretty Girls Make Graves

Upon the sand, upon the bay
"There is a quick and easy way" you say
Before you illustrate
I'd rather state :
"I'm not the man you think I am
I'm not the man you think I am"

And Sorrow's native son
He will not smile for anyone

And Pretty Girls Make Graves
Oh ...

End of the pier, end of the bay
You tug my arm, and say : "Give in to lust,
Give up to lust, oh heaven knows we'll
Soon be dust ... "

Oh, I'm not the man you think I am
I'm not the man you think I am

And Sorrow's native son
He will not rise for anyone

And Pretty Girls Make Graves
Oh really ?
Oh ...

I could have been wild and I could have
Been free
But Nature played this trick on me

She wants it Now
And she will not wait
But she's too rough
And I'm too delicate

Then, on the sand
Another man, he takes her hand
A smile lights up her stupid face
(and well, it would)

I lost my faith in Womanhood
I lost my faith in Womanhood
I lost my faith ...
Oh ...

Source: www.sing365.com

The Smiths: Miserable Lie

The SmithsAlbum: The Smiths (1984)
Produced by John Porter
Length: 45:36
Label: Rough Trade

Track 3: Miserable Lie
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr

Video: The Smiths - Miserable Lie (Paris)


Lyrics: The Smiths - Miserable Lie

So, goodbye
Please stay with your own kind
And I'll stay with mine

There's something against us
It's not time
It's not time
So, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye

I know I need hardly say
How much I love your casual way
Oh, but please put your tongue away
A little higher and we're well away
The dark nights are drawing in
And your humour is as black as them
I look at yours, you laugh at mine
And "love" is just a miserable lie
You have destroyed my flower-like life
Not once - twice
You have corrupt my innocent mind
Not once - twice
I know the wind-swept mystical air
It means: I'd like to see your underwear
I recognise that mystical air
It means: I'd like to seize your underwear
What do we get for our trouble and pain?
Just a rented room in Whalley Range
What do we get for our trouble and pain?
...Whalley Range!
Into the depths of the criminal world
I followed her...

I need advice, I need advice
I need advice, I need advice
Nobody ever looks at me twice
Nobody ever looks at me twice

I'm just a country-mile behind
The world

I'm just a country-mile behind
The whole world
Oh oh, oh...

I'm just a country-mile behind
The world

I'm just a country-mile behind
The whole world
Oh oh, oh...

Take me when you go
Oh oh, oh...

Take me when you go
Oh oh, oh...

I need advice, I need advice

Source: www.seeklyrics.com

Sunday, February 10, 2008

The Smiths: You've Got Everything Now

The SmithsAlbum: The Smiths (1984)
Produced by John Porter
Length: 45:36
Label: Rough Trade

Track 2: You've Got Everything Now
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr

Video: The Smiths - You've Got Everything Now
Live at the Hacienda, Manchester, 6 July 1983.


Lyrics: The Smiths - You've Got Everything Now

As merry as the days were long
"i am right and you are wrong"

Back at the old grey school
I would win and you would lose

But you've got everything now
You've got everything now
And what a terrible mess i've made of my life
Oh, what a mess i've made of my life

No, i've never had a job
Because i've never wanted one

I've seen you smile
But i've never heard you laugh

So who is rich and who is poor ?
I cannot say ... oh

Oh, you are your mother's only son
And you're a desperate one
Oh ...

But i don't want a lover
I just want to be seen ... oh ... in the back of your car

A friendship sadly lost ?
Well this is true ... and yet, it's false
Oh ...

But did i ever tell you, by the way ?
I never did like your face
Oh ...

But you've got everything now
You've got everything now
And what a terrible mess i've made of my life
Oh, what a mess i've made of my life

No, i've never had a job
Because i'm too shy

I've seen you smile
But i've never really heard you laugh

So who is rich and who is poor ?
I cannot say ... oh

Oh ...
You are your mother's only son
And you're a desperate one
Oh ...

But i don't want a lover
I just want to be tied ... oh ... to the back of your car
To the back of your car
To the back of your car
To the back of your car
The back of your car
The back of your car
Oh ... the back of your car

Source: www.lyricsfreak.com

The Smiths: Reel Around the Fountain

The SmithsAlbum: The Smiths (1984)
Produced by John Porter
Length: 45:36
Label: Rough Trade

Track 1: Reel Around the Fountain
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr

Video: The Smiths - Reel Around the Fountain


Lyrics: The Smiths - Reel Around the Fountain

It's time the tale was told
of how you took a child
and you made him old
Reel around the fountain
slap me on the patio
I'll take it now
Fifteen minutes with you
well, I wouldn't say no
people said that you were virtually dead
and they were so wrong
fifteen minutes with you
well, i wouldn't say no
people said that you were easily led
and they were half-right
I dreamt about you last night
and i fell out of bed twice
you can pin and mount me like a butterfly
but take me to the haven of your bed
was something that you never said
two lumps, please
you're the bee's knees
but so am I
Meet me at the fountain
shove me on the patio
I'll take it slowly
Fifteen minutes with you
oh I wouldn't say no
people see no worth in you
oh but I do

Source: www.lyricsfreak.com

The Smiths: Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now

The Smiths: Heaven Knows I'm Miserable NowSingle: Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now (1984)

Label: Rough Trade


Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr

Video: The Smiths - Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now


Lyrics: The Smiths - Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now

I was happy in the haze of a drunken hour
But heaven knows i'm miserable now

I was looking for a job, and then i found a job
And heaven knows i'm miserable now

In my life
Why do i give valuable time
To people who don't care if i live or die ?

Two lovers entwined pass me by
And heaven knows i'm miserable now

I was looking for a job, and then i found a job
And heaven knows i'm miserable now

In my life
Oh, why do i give valuable time
To people who don't care if i live or die ?

What she asked of me at the end of the day
Caligula would have blushed

"oh, you've been in the house too long" she said
And i (naturally) fled

In my life
Why do i smile
At people who i'd much rather kick in the eye ?

I was happy in the haze of a drunken hour
But heaven knows i'm miserable now

"oh, you've been in the house too long" she said
And i (naturally) fled

In my life
Oh, why do i give valuable time

Source: www.lyricsfreak.com

The Smiths: This Charming Man

Single: This Charming Man (1983)
Produced by John Porter
Label: Rough Trade


Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr

Video: The Smiths - This Charming Man



Lyrics: The Smiths - This Charming Man

Punctured bicycle
On a hillside desolate
Will nature make a man of me yet ?
When in this charming car
This charming man

Why pamper life's complexities
When the leather runs smooth
On the passenger seat ?

I would go out tonight
But i haven't got a stitch to wear
This man said "it's gruesome
That someone so handsome should care"

A jumped-up pantry boy
Who never knew his place
He said "return the rings"
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things

I would go out tonight
But i haven't got a stitch to wear
This man said "it's gruesome
That someone so handsome should care"
Oh, la-la, la-la, la-la, this charming man ...
Oh, da-da, da-da, da-da, this charming man ...

A jumped-up pantry boy
Who never knew his place
He said "return the ring"
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things

Source: www.lyricsfreak.com