When I first heard The Smiths, I was exploring random playlists on Spotify in hopes to find music that spoke to my soul. The first song I came across was “I Know It’s Over” from their album “The Queen Is Dead.” The moment the song started I instantly fell deeply in love with the lead singer’s, Morrisey’s, voice and fell deeper in love with the meaning of the song itself. The song reached for my soul and I knew that The Smiths would be a band I would grow to love.

For those who don’t know, The Smiths are an English band from the 1980s. Their songs are quite dark. When you listen to their songs you are immersed in an emotional experience that makes you think very deeply… Well, at least it does that for me.

Though there are several wonderful songs by The Smiths, I think it’s important to shine a light on these:

“I Know It’s Over”

This was the song that started it all for me. Morrisey truly has one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard in my life… Seriously. The way I understand this song is about a poor soul who is completely suffocated by heartbreak. The opening line, “Oh Mother, I can feel the soil falling over my head” suggests the agonizing pain one goes through when they lose their lover. The lyrics that get to me the most are: “If you’re so funny/ Then why are you on your own tonight?/ And if you’re so clever/ Then why are you on your own tonight/ If you’re so very entertaining/ Then why are you on your own tonight/ If you’re so very good-looking/ Why do you sleep alone tonight.” I feel that these lyrics are so relatable. What us single folks tend to do when we get lonely is question every little thing about ourselves and blame ourselves for the loneliness we feel. Besides the moving lyrics, this song is filled with so much passion and emotion. It is one of the most beautiful songs ever recorded.

“Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me”

The title really gives away with this song is about… The protagonist in this song dreamt that somebody loved him and felt the warmth of being in his lover’s arms only to wake up to a cold and lonely reality.  The lyrics that stick out to me the most are: “No hope/ no harm/ Just another false alarm.” These lyrics are quite simple yet they perfectly capture the dire pain the protagonist feels in the entirety of the song. The combination of the melancholy-toned piano chords and the captivating, yet very gloomy lyrics make this song a true masterpiece. You will surely be needing tubs of ice cream and tissues when listening to this one.

“Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now”

This song is one of The Smith’s most well-known songs. I find this one particularly funny. The lyric that makes this song as extraordinary as I perceive it to be is when Morrissey sings: “In my life/ Why do I smile/ At people who I’d much rather kick in the eye?” It gives me a good laugh. This one is a true classic.

Simply said, The Smiths are quite incredible. Their songs are not the feel-good songs to listen to if you want to cheer yourself up. Their songs are the type of songs you listen to as you roll yourself in a blanket burrito and think very deeply about life. Regardless, each song by The Smiths is filled with immense passion, heart, and emotion. They are a band worth listening to.

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– Sam