Morrissey, the lead singer of The Smiths, was a hero figure in the 1980s among gays - the time when being gay was not as accepted as it is today.
No, not everyone liked the band. Many criticised Morrissey's lyrics "too miserable" and Johnny Marr's music "too samey". But the tunes were catchy and easy to remember, and his songs spoke to many who felt different or left out. It was like our big brother telling us that we weren't alone.
His Honesty
Morrissey was known for being true to himself. His honest and direct way of expressing his feelings in his songs was refreshing. At a time when many singers kept their negative sides hidden, Morrissey was unapologetically direct. This honesty was like a light in the dark for many of us when struggling with our own identity. We saw someone who was brave and true, and it gave us hope.
The Outspoken Advocate
If you think Morrissey was/is a kind-hearted, sweet cherry pie, no, not exactly. His sharp tongue was something. He took a stand against arrogant politicians, big-headed know-it-all critics and ignorants, using his incisive wit and eloquence. There was no social media in those days for public expression. So he naturally became our voice, and we loved him for it.
Music That Speaks
As I said, the Smiths' music was full of emotions and stories that we could relate to. Morrissey's words often captured the feelings of longing, love, and loneliness that many faced but didn’t know how to express. Through his music, Morrissey created a safe space for his listeners to explore and express their feelings.
Did You Know?
- Billboard Success: The Smiths had several albums on the Billboard 200, with "The Queen Is Dead" peaking at number 70.
- UK Chart Success: Their album "Meat Is Murder" (1985) was their only album to reach number 1 in the UK Charts.
- Critical Acclaim: "The Queen Is Dead" is frequently listed in 'Greatest Albums' lists, topping NME’s 2013 list.
- Cult Following: The Smiths have maintained a devoted fan base, with fan clubs still active more than 30 years after their split.
- Influence on Other Artists: Influenced bands like Radiohead, Oasis, and The Stone Roses.
1. "This Charming Man"
from the album "The Smiths"
Lyrics: “Will nature make a man of me yet?"
This line can be interpreted in many ways, but it may echo the questioning and exploration of masculinity and identity that some gay boys might have been experiencing.
2. "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out"
from the album "The Queen Is Dead"
Lyrics: “And if a double-decker bus crashes into us, to die by your side is such a heavenly way to die."
These lyrics could encapsulate the desire for love and acceptance, even in the face of adversity or societal rejection.
3. "Asleep"
from the album "The Queen Is Dead"
Lyrics: “Sing me to sleep, sing me to sleep, I'm tired and I want to go to bed."
This song could be seen as a desire for comfort and understanding, something that many vulnerable youth may have been seeking during difficult times.
4. "Unloveable"
from the album "The World Won't Listen"
Lyrics: "I know I'm unloveable. You don't have to tell me."
This line may resonate with those feeling alienated or unaccepted, expressing a shared sense of unloveability that some individuals might have experienced.
5. "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want"
from the album "Hatful of Hollow"
Lyrics: "So for once in my life, let me get what I want."
This song captures a plea for fulfillment and happiness, emotions that many people, including gay and vulnerable individuals, can relate to.
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6. "Rubber Ring"
from the album "The World Won't Listen"
Lyrics: "The most impassionate song to a lonely soul is so easily outgrown."
Here, Morrissey talks about the deep connection one can have with music, something that many in the LGBTQ+ and vulnerable communities might find relatable.
7. "Handsome Devil"
from the album "Hatful of Hollow"
Lyrics: "Let me get my hands on your mammary glands."
This line is more playful and flirty, yet it hints at sexual liberation and self-expression, which can be empowering for listeners.
Did You Know?
- Cover Versions: Songs like "How Soon Is Now?" have been covered by over 20 different artists.
- Film and TV Uses: Their music has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, enhancing their cultural impact.
- Reissues and Remasters: The Smiths' albums have been reissued and remastered multiple times, indicating enduring popularity.
- Record Sales: The Smiths sold several million albums worldwide despite their relatively brief existence.
- Streaming Numbers: Their tracks accumulate millions of streams on platforms like Spotify, with "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" leading.
8. "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me"
from the album "Strangeways, Here We Come"
Lyrics: "Last night I dreamt that somebody loved me, no hope, no harm, just another false alarm."
The longing for love and the despair of not finding it is a universal theme that certainly resonated with many listeners, providing a sense of shared experience and understanding.
9. "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now"
from the album "Hatful of Hollow"
Lyrics: "I was happy in the haze of a drunken hour, but heaven knows I'm miserable now."
The contrast between fleeting happiness and enduring sadness may reflect the emotional turbulence that some listeners were going through.
10. "How Soon Is Now?"
from the album "Meat Is Murder"
Lyrics: “I am human and I need to be loved, just like everybody else does."
These lyrics express a universal desire for love and acceptance, something that many gay boys and vulnerable individuals likely yearned for.
11. "Half a Person"
from the album "The World Won't Listen"
Lyrics: "Call me morbid, call me pale, I've spent six years on your trail."
This could reflect feelings of obsession, longing, or the desire for acceptance, which may resonate with those feeling isolated or unloved.
12. "Panic"
from the album "The World Won't Listen"
Lyrics: "Burn down the disco, Hang the blessed DJ, Because the music that they constantly play, It says nothing to me about my life."
The frustration towards mainstream culture and feeling of alienation expressed here might resonate with listeners who feel disconnected from societal norms or popular culture.
13. "These Things Take Time"
from the album "Hatful of Hollow"
Lyrics: "I know that I'm the most inept that ever stepped."
Expressing a sense of inadequacy or failure, these lyrics could resonate with individuals grappling with self-esteem or self-acceptance issues.
14. "Pretty Girls Make Graves"
from the album "The Smiths"
Lyrics: "I could have been wild and I could have been free, But nature played this trick on me."
This line might reflect a sentiment of restriction or the unfulfilled desire to live authentically, themes that could resonate deeply with individuals struggling with societal expectations or personal identity.
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15. "Never Had No One Ever"
from the album "The Queen Is Dead"
Lyrics: "When you walk without ease, on these, the very streets where you were raised."
This might reflect feelings of alienation or estrangement in familiar or once-comfortable places, a sentiment that could resonate with individuals feeling out of place.
16. "I Know It's Over"
from the album "The Queen Is Dead"
Lyrics: "It's so easy to laugh, It's so easy to hate, It takes strength to be gentle and kind."
The lyrics here explore the challenges of kindness and compassion in a harsh world, themes that may have resonated deeply with vulnerable individuals.
17. "What Difference Does It Make?"
from the album "The Smiths"
Lyrics: "The devil will find work for idle hands to do."
A statement on idleness and possibly the dark thoughts or actions that can emerge in solitude or neglect, which might resonate with individuals grappling with inner turmoil.
18. "Suffer Little Children"
from the album "The Smiths"
Lyrics: "Oh, find me, find me, nothing more."
These lyrics may reflect a cry for recognition, understanding, or acceptance, echoing the feelings of those who feel overlooked or marginalized.
Did You Know?
- Vinyl Sales: The Smiths' vinyl releases continue to sell well, often appearing in top vinyl sales charts.
- Live Performances: Over their career, The Smiths played approximately 160 live shows, influencing their live album sales.
- Compilation Albums: Compilation albums like "Louder Than Bombs" and "Singles" have also charted, showing continued interest in their music.
- Award Nominations and Wins: While the band didn't win major music awards during their active years, their legacy has been recognized in various retrospectives.
- Books and Biographies: Numerous books, biographies, and documentaries have been produced about The Smiths and Morrissey, highlighting their cultural significance.
19. "You've Got Everything Now"
from the album "The Smiths"
Lyrics: "No, I've never had a job because I've never wanted one."
This could be an expression of nonconformity and a critique of societal expectations, likely resonating with those who feel at odds with mainstream culture.
20. "Reel Around The Fountain"
from the album "The Smiths"
Lyrics: "I dreamt about you last night, and I fell out of bed twice."
Expressing a sense of longing and the emotional tumult it can cause, these lyrics could resonate with anyone facing unreciprocated feelings or desires.
21. "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before"
from the album "Strangeways, Here We Come"
Lyrics: "And so I drank one, or was it four, and when I fell on the floor... I drank more."
Reflecting on moments of excess and perhaps escapism, which may resonate with individuals seeking refuge from their struggles.
22. "Back to the Old House"
from the album "Hatful of Hollow"
Lyrics: "I would rather not go, back to the old house."
These lyrics could evoke feelings of nostalgia, loss, or the desire to move forward from past pains, which may resonate with listeners who've experienced similar emotions.
23. "That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore"
from the album "Meat Is Murder"
Lyrics: "I've seen this happen in other people's lives and now it's happening in mine."
Expressing a sense of personal awakening or realization, these words may resonate with those facing a newfound awareness of their own circumstances.
24. "Still Ill"
from the album "The Smiths"
Lyrics: "Am I still ill?"
This may reflect on persistent inner turmoil or questioning one’s own state of mind or well-being, resonating with those grappling with personal or mental health issues.
25. "Shakespeare's Sister"
from the album "The World Won't Listen"
Lyrics: "I thought that if you had an acoustic guitar, then it meant that you were a protest singer."
These words may reflect a youthful naivety or the evolution of personal understanding, which could resonate with individuals as they grow and learn.
26. "Stretch Out And Wait"
from the album "The World Won’t Listen"
Lyrics: "Does the body rule the mind or does the mind rule the body? I don't know."
Exploring the complex interaction between the physical and mental, which could spark introspection among listeners.
27. "I Want the One I Can't Have"
from the album "Meat Is Murder"
Lyrics: "I want the one I can't have, and it's driving me mad."
This is a sentiment that might reflect the yearning and frustration experienced by individuals facing unrequited love or societal barriers to their desires.
28. "The Boy With The Thorn In His Side"
from the album "The Queen Is Dead"
Lyrics: "And when you want to live, how do you start? Where do you go? Who do you need to know?"
Expressing a sense of yearning for life and the challenges of beginning anew, these words may echo the uncertainties faced by individuals seeking a fresh start or self-discovery.
29. "Bigmouth Strikes Again"
from the album "The Queen Is Dead"
Lyrics: “Sweetness, I was only joking when I said by rights you should be bludgeoned in your bed.”
This lyric showcases Morrissey’s dark humor and sharp wit, which could provide a form of escapism or relief to those dealing with personal struggles.
30. "Well I Wonder"
from the album "Meat Is Murder"
Lyrics: “Well I wonder, do you see me when we pass? I half-die.”
Expressing feelings of longing and unnoticed affection, these lines may resonate with individuals who feel unseen or overlooked.
31. "This Night Has Opened My Eyes"
from the album "Hatful of Hollow"
Lyrics: “I'm not happy and I'm not sad.”
This line’s simplicity may encapsulate the feelings of emotional stagnation or indifference that some individuals might experience.
32. "I Don’t Owe You Anything"
from the album "The Smiths"
Lyrics: “I don't owe you anything, but you owe me something.”
This may reflect a sense of independence or the desire for recognition and reciprocity, which could resonate with individuals who feel undervalued or ignored.
33. "Barbarism Begins at Home"
from the album "Meat Is Murder"
Lyrics: “Unruly boys who will not grow up must be taken in hand.”
Perhaps touching on themes of discipline, conformity, and rebellion, these lines may reflect the desire for freedom and self-expression amid restrictive societal norms.
34. "Cemetry Gates"
from the album "The Queen Is Dead"
Lyrics: “So we go inside and we gravely read the stones, all those people, all those lives, where are they now?”
Reflecting perhaps on mortality and the transient nature of life, these lyrics might evoke contemplation and a sense of connection to the broader human experience.
35. "Miserable Lie"
from the album "The Smiths"
Lyrics: “So, goodbye, please stay with your own kind, and I'll stay with mine.”
These lines may reflect a sense of separation or the challenges in bridging understanding between different groups of people.
A Timeless Comforter
Even today, Morrissey’s music continues to reach new listeners. His raw emotion and tender topics has made him a timeless figure. For many fans, particularly who found themselves in vulnerable positions during the 1980s, he was a hero who gave them comfort, understanding, and a sense of belonging. His legacy of compassion and honesty continues. That's one enduring power of music. What else would you have asked for more?
