The Smiths: Girlfriend In A Coma

Album: Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)
Produced by Johnny Marr, Morrissey and Stephen Street
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 4: Girlfriend In A Coma
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr




Video: The Smiths - Girlfriend In A Coma


Lyrics: The Smiths - Girlfriend In A Coma

Girlfriend in a coma, I know
I know - it's serious
Girlfriend in a coma, I know
I know-it's really serious
there were times when I could
have "murdered" her
(But, you know, I would hate
anything to happen to her)
NO, I DON'T WANT TO SEE HER
Do you really think
she'll pull through?
Do you really think
she'll pull through?
Girlfriend in a coma, I know
I know - it's serious
there were times when I could
have "strangled" her
(but, you know, I would hate
Anything to happen to her)
WOULD YOU PLEASE
LET ME SEE HER !
Do you really think
she'll pull through?
Do you really think
she'll pull through?
Let me whisper my last goodbyes

I know - IT'S SERIOUS

"Girlfriend in a Coma" is a song by The Smiths. It was released as a single in August 1987, reaching #13 in the UK Singles Chart.

It was the first of three singles from the band's last studio album Strangeways, Here We Come. As such, it was the last single to include newly recorded material on the b-side. It holds the distinction of containing the last recorded Smiths song, "I Keep Mine Hidden". Also included — and recorded at the same session — is a cover version of a Cilla Black song, "Work Is a Four-Letter Word". Morrissey's insistence on recording this song incurred the wrath of Johnny Marr who left the band not long afterwards.

The single itself is a tongue-in-cheek, music hall inflected song that clocks in at a mere two minutes and two seconds. Though seemingly "lightweight" and catchy, the song features acidic, ambiguous lyrics. The song also contains peak guitar work by Johnny Marr.

The video, which featured clips from the film "The Leather Boys" (starring Rita Tushingham), was directed by Tim Broad.

The cover features playwright Shelagh Delaney from a 1961 edition of "A Taste of Honey". The photo was tinted grey for 7"s in all countries except in Australia where it was tinted green as for the 12"s. This was the second time Delaney appeared on a Smiths cover; she appeared as the cover star on the recently released Louder Than Bombs album.

Source: Wikipedia

The Smiths: I Started Something I Couldn't Finish

Album: Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)
Produced by Johnny Marr, Morrissey and Stephen Street
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 2: I Started Something I Couldn't Finish
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr



Video: The Smiths - I Started Something I Couldn't Finish


Lyrics: The Smiths - I Started Something I Couldn't Finish

The lanes were silent
with nothing or no one around for miles
I doused our friendly venture
with a hard-faced
three-word gesture
I started something
I forced you into a zone
and you were clearly
never meant to go
hair brushed and parted
typical me, typical me
typical me
I started something
... and now I'm not too sure
I grabbed you by the guilded beams
that's what Tradition means
and I doused another venture
with a gesture
that was... absolutely vile
I started something
forced you to a zone
and you were clearly
never meant to go
hair brushed and parted
typical me, typical me
typical me
I started something
... and now I'm not too sure
I grabbed you by the guilded beams
that's what Tradition means
and now eighteen months' hard-labour
seems... fair enough
I started something
forced you to a zone
and you were clearly
never meant to go
hair brushed and parted
typical me, typical me
Typical me
I started something
and now I'm not too sure

"I Started Something I Couldn't Finish" is a song by The Smiths. It was released as a single in November 1987, reaching #23 in the UK Singles Chart.

It was the second of three UK singles from the band's last studio album Strangeways, Here We Come, and was released after the band had announced their split. The record company had originally intended to release "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" as a single in the UK but felt this would be inappropriate following the Hungerford massacre (the lyrics contain a reference to "mass murder").

"Stop Me..." was still released as a single in other countries, but its promotional video - which featured Morrissey plus a large number of Morrissey lookalikes - was used in the UK to promote "I Started Something I Couldn't Finish".

The cover of the single features actress Avril Angers in a film still from the 1966 film The Family Way.

Source: Wikipedia

The Smiths: A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours

Album: Strangeways, Here We Come (1987)
Produced by Johnny Marr, Morrissey and Stephen Street
Label: Rough Trade Records

Track 1: A Rush and a Push and the Land is Ours
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr



Video: The Smiths - A Rush and a Push and the Land is Ours


Lyrics: The Smiths - A Rush and a Push and the Land is Ours

HELLO
I am the ghost of Troubled Joe
hung by his pretty white neck
some eighteen months ago
I travelled to a mystical time zone
but I missed my bed
so I soon came home
they said:
"there's too much caffeine
in your bloodstream
and a lack of real spice
in your life"
I said:
"leave me alone
because I'm alright, dad
just surprised to still
be on my own..."
Ooh, but don't mention love
I'd hate the strain of the pain again
a rush and a push and the land that
we stand on is ours
it has been before
so it shall be again
and people who are uglier than you and I
they take what they need, and just leave
Ooh, but don't mention love
I'd hate the pain of the strain all over again
a rush and a push and the land that
we stand on is ours
it has been before
so why can't it be now?
and people who are weaker than you and I
they take what they want from life
Ooh, but don't mention love
no-just don't mention love!
a rush and a push and the land that
we stand on is ours
your youth may be gone
but you're still a young man
so phone me, phone me, phone me
so phone me, phone me, phone me
Ooh, I think I'm in love
Ooh, I think I'm in love
Ooh, I think I'm in love
Urrgh, I think I'm in lerv

A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours is a song by The Smiths, from their album Strangeways, Here We Come. It is the first song on the album, and is notable for not featuring Johnny Marr's guitarwork. The title comes from a poem by Oscar Wilde's mother. The phrase "A rush and a charge and the land is ours", which is a traditional Irish battle cry, is very likely to have influenced Morrissey during the writing of the song.

Source: Wikipedia

The Smiths: Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others

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

Track 10: Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr



Video: The Smiths - Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others


Lyrics: The Smiths - Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others

From the ice-age to the dole-age
there is but one concern
and I have just discovered:
some girls are bigger than others
some girls are bigger than others
some girls mothers are bigger than
other girls mothers

As Anthony said to Cleopatra
as he opened a crate of ale:
some girls are bigger than others
some girls are bigger than others
some girls mothers are bigger than
other girls mothers

The Smiths: There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

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

Track 9: There Is A Light That Never Goes Out
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr


Video: The Smiths - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out


Lyrics: The Smiths - There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

Take me out tonight
where there's music and there's people
who are young and alive
driving in your car
I never never want to go home
because I havent got one
anymore
take me out tonight
because I want to see people and I
want to see lights
driving in your car
oh please dont drop me home
because it's not my home, it's their
home, and Im welcome no more
and if a double-decker bus
crashes into us
to die by your side
such a heavenly way to die
and if a ten ton truck
kills the both of us
to die by your side
the pleasure and the privilege is mine
take me out tonight
oh take me anywhere, I dont care
and in the darkened underpass
I thought Oh God, my chance has come at last
(but then a strange fear gripped me and I
just couldnt ask)
take me out tonight
take me anywhere, I dont care
just driving in your car
I never never want to go home
because I havent got one
I havent got one

there is a light and it never goes out

"There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" is a song by the English rock group The Smiths, written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr. It was originally featured on their 1986 album The Queen Is Dead, but despite its enduring popularity it was not released as a single until 1992, after The Smiths split up. Morrissey re-released the song as a double A-side live single (with his cover of Patti Smith's "Redondo Beach") in 2005, which reached #11 in the UK singles chart.

The song lyrically utilises a first-person narrative concerning yearning, anxiety, and implied romance. Morrissey assumes the role of a person who has, one could infer from the lyrics, been kicked out of home, so seeks solace and company in the form of the person the song addresses - the car's driver.

Musically, the song begins with a staccato bridge similar to that heard on "Hitch Hike" by Marvin Gaye and "There She Goes Again" by The Velvet Underground, which recurs as a musical motif throughout the song. With synthesized strings, a balladesque arrangement and yearning lyrics, many listeners have viewed "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" as a straightforward love song despite some ambiguity in the lyrics themselves.

Source: Wikipédia

The Smiths: Vicar In A Tutu

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

Track 8: Vicar In A Tutu
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr



Video: The Smiths - Vicar In A Tutu
With Craig Gannon.


Lyrics: The Smiths - Vicar In A Tutu

I was minding my business
lifting some lead off
the roof of the Holy Name church
it was worthwhile living a laughable life
just to set my eyes on the blistering sight
of a vicar in a tu-tu
he's not strange
he just wants to live his life this way
A scanty bit of a thing
with a decorative ring
that wouldnt cover the head of a child
as Rose collects the money in a cannister
who comes sliding down the bannister
the vicar in a tu-tu
he's not strange
he just wants to live his life this way
The monkish monsignor
with a head full of plaster
said : "My man, get your vile soul dry-cleaned"
as Rose counts the money in the cannister
as natural as Rain
he dances again
vicar in a tu-tu
The next day in the pulpit
with Freedom and Ease
combatting ignorance, dust, and disease
as Rose counts the money in the cannister
as natural as Rain
he dances again
the fabric of a tu-tu
any man could get used to
And I am a living sign
And I'm a living sign.

The Smiths: The Boy With The Thorn In His Side

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

Track 7: The Boy With The Thorn In His Side
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr



Video: The Smiths - The Boy With The Thorn In His Side


Lyrics: The Smiths - The Boy With The Thorn In His Side

The boy with the thorn in his side
behind the hatred there lies
a murderous desire for love
how can they look into my eyes
and still they dont believe me?
how can they hear me say those words
and still they dont believe me?
and if they dont believe me now
will they ever believe me?
and if they dont believe me now
will they ever believe me?

The boy with the thorn in his side
behind the hatred there lies
a plundering desire for love
how can they see the Love in our eyes
and still they dont believe us?
and after all this time
they dont want to believe us
and if they dont believe us now
will they ever believe us?
and when you want to Live
how do you start?
where do you go?
who do you need to know?

"The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" is a song by The Smiths. It appears on their third album The Queen Is Dead but was released as a single (albeit in a different mix) several months before the album, reaching #23 in the UK Singles Chart in Autumn 1985.

This was the first Smiths single to be accompanied by a promotional video, something the band had previously resisted. Some of the Smiths' more purist fans at the time derided this as a sell-out.

The following year, the New Musical Express greeted the news that the band had signed a contract with EMI with the headline "The Boy With The Thorn-EMI On His Side".

The jumping man on the cover of the single release is a young Truman Capote.

The song was covered by Scottish band Bis on the tribute album The Smiths is dead. Music reviewer, Stephen Thomas Erlewine, trashed the cover, stating: "In particular, the Bis utterly disembowel 'The Boy with the Thorn in His Side' with a single-minded stupidity that is just bewildering."

The song has also been covered by Jeff Buckley, Belle & Sebastian and Dinosaur Jr's J Mascis in live performances. This song also shares its name with a book written by Pete Wentz, bassist of the band Fall Out Boy.

The song was featured in the third episode of the British drama musical series Blackpool.

Margi Clarke asked Morrissey if this song was inspired by Oscar Wilde and Morrissey replied: "No that's not true. The thorn is the music industry and all those people who never believed anything I said, tried to get rid of me and wouldn't play the records. So I think we've reached a stage where we feel: if they don't believe me now, will they ever believe me? What more can a poor boy do?

Source: Wikipedia

The Smiths: Bigmouth Strikes Again

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

Track 6: Bigmouth Strikes Again
Words by Morrissey
Music by Johnny Marr


Video: The Smiths - Bigmouth Strikes Again


Lyrics: The Smiths - Bigmouth Strikes Again

Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking
when I said Id like to smash every tooth
in your head
Sweetness, sweetness, I was only joking
when I said by rights you should be
bludgeoned in your bed
and now I know how Joan of Arc felt
now I know how Joan of Arc felt
as the flames rose to her roman nose
and her Walkman started to melt
Bigmouth, bigmouth
bigmouth strikes again
and Ive got no right to take my place
with the Human race
bigmouth, bigmouth
bigmouth strikes again
and Ive got no right to take my place
with the Human race
and now I know how Joan of Arc felt
now I know how Joan of Arc felt
as the flames rose to her roman nose
and her hearing aid started to melt
Bigmouth, bigmouth
bigmouth strikes again
and Ive got no right to take my place
with the Human race

The Smiths: Cemetry Gates

Album: 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.

The Smiths: Never Had No One Ever

Album: 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

The Smiths: I Know It's Over

Album: 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)

The Smiths: Frankly, Mr Shankly

Album: 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

The Smiths: The Queen Is Dead

Album: 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

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

The Smiths: Meat is Murder

Album: 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?

The Smiths: Barbarism Begins at Home

Album: 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

The Smiths: Well I Wonder

Album: 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

The Smiths: Nowhere Fast

Album: 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

The Smiths: That Joke isn't Funny Anymore

Album: 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

The Smiths: What She Said

Album: 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!"