THE SMITHS LYRICS COMPLETE COMPILATION Reviewed on the 12th of July 1996 Here are all THE SMITHS lyrics. If there something missing, wrong or any coments you want to make, write to me to the following address: deec277@tom.fe.up.pt I started writting this file in 1990. In 1994 I only had the lyrics of THE SMITHS, MEAT IS MURDER, THE QUEEN IS DEAD, THE WORLD WON'T LISTEN, LOUDER THAN BOMBS and STRANGEWAYS HERE WE COME... I first tried to write it as much as closed to what Morrissey sang, and then as much as close as the words where printed in the sleeves, so the many "Im" you can see instead of "I'm" in THE QUEEN IS DEAD LP are not errors. Thanks to Scott Krajewski and his site where I got the lyrics of HATFUL OF HOLLOW and of the songs WORK IS A FOUR LETTER WORD, I KEEP MINE HIDDEN and JEANE. Alejandro (I can't remember the complete name - SORRY) from Mexico sent me the lyrics of WONDERFUL WOMAN. Ron Sala from New York completed the NEVER HAD NO ONE EVER lyrics. Klausfiend gave me a help with STRETCH OUT AND WAIT Thanks to the all the folks that helped me perfecting this file. This file was written by Antonio Barros, from Portugal. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ "Reel Around the Fountain" It's time the tale were 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 "You've Got Everything Now" As merry as the days were long I was right and you were wrong Back at the old grey school I would win and you would lose But you've got everything now and what a terrible 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 really heard you laugh So who is rich and who is poor? I cannot say... You are your mother's only son and you're a desperate one But I don't want a lover I just want to be seen in the back of your car A friendship sadly lost? Well, this is true... and yet, it's false Did I ever tell you, by the way I never did like your face But you've got everything now and what a terrible mess I've made of my life No, I've never had a job because I'm too shy But I don't want a lover I just want to be tied to the back of your car. "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 So, goodbye I know I need hardly say how much I love your casual way 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-but twice you have corrupt my innocent mind not once-but 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 into the depths of the criminal world I followed her... I need advice, I need advice because 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 so take me when you go. "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 makes the graves End of the pier, end of the bay you tug my arm and say: "Give into lust, give up to lust, oh heaven knows we'll soon be dust..." But 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 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 "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle" Please don't cry 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 when darkness lifts and the room is bright I'll still be by your side for you are all that matters and I'll love you till the day I die there never need to 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 you're untouched, unsoiled, wonderous eyes my life down I shall lie should restless spirits try to play tricks on you sacred mind I once had a child, it saved my life but whom I never even gave a name I just looked into his wonderous eyes and said "never never never again" all too soon I did return just like a moth to a flame so rattle my bones all over the stones because I'm only a beggar-man whom nobody owns 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 "This Charming Man" Punctured bicycle on a hillside desolate Will nature make a man of me yet? Then 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 ring" (he knows so much about these things) This charming man This charming man 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 ring" (he knows so much about these things) "Still Ill" I decree today that life is simply taking and not giving England is mine and it owes me a living ask me why, and I'll spit in your eye 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 dunno... 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? Does the body rule the mind or does the mind rule the body? I dunno... Ask me why, and I'll die ask me why, and I'll die and if you must go to work tomorrow well, if I were you I 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? "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 I really don't know and I really don't care Hand in glove the Good People laugh yes, we may be hidden by rags but we have something they'll never have 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 The Good Life is out there, somewhere so stay on my arm, you little charmer But I know my luck too well and I'll probably never see you again. "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 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 feel so ashamed because I've only got two hands well, I'm still fond of you So, what difference does it make? so, what difference does it make? it makes none but you have gone and your prejudice won't keep you warm tonight So, no more apologies no more apologies I'm too tired I'm too sick and tired and I'm feeling very sick and ill today But I'm still fond of you. "I Don't Owe You Anything" Bought on stolen wine a nod was the first step you know 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" but you will for you must I don't owe you anything but you owe me something repay me now you should never go to them let them come to you just like I do you should not go to them let them come to you just like I do Too freely on your lips words prematurely said 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 "Suffer Little Children" Over the moors, take me to the moors 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 scared head" Hindley wakes and Hindley says: "Wherever he has gone, I have gone" But fresh lilaced moorland fields cannot hide the stolid stench of death Hindley wakes and Hindley says: "Whatever he has done, I have done" But this is no easy ride for a child cries: "find me... find me, nothing more we're on a sullen misty moor we may be dead and we may be gone but 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 BUT YOU WILL NEVER DREAM!" Oh Manchester, so much to answer for Oh Manchester, so much to answer for Over the moor, I'm on the moor the child is on the moor. "William, It Was Really Nothing" The rain falls hard on a humdrum town this town has dragged you down oh, the rain falls hard on the humdrum town this town has dragged you down and everybody's got to live their life and God knows I've got to live mine God knows I've got to live mine William, William it was really nothing William, William it was really nothing How can you stay with a fat girl who'll say: "Would you like to marry me and if you like you can buy the ring" she doesn't care about anything would you like to marry me and if you like you can buy the ring I don't dream about anyone William, William it was really nothing William, William "These Things Take Time" Mine eyes have seen the glory of the sacred wunderkind you took me behind a dis-used railway line and said "I know a place we can go where we are not known" and then you gave me something that I won't forget too soon but I can't believe that you'd ever care and this is why you'll never care but these things take time and I know that I'm the most inept that ever stepped I'm spellbound, but a woman divides and the hills are alive with celibate cries but you know where you came from, you know where you're going and you know where you belong you said I was ill, and you were not wrong but I can't believe that you'd ever care and so, you never cared but these things take time and I know that I'm the most inept that ever stepped Oh the alcoholic afternoons when we sat in your room they meant more to me than any living thing on earth they had more worth than any living thing on earth vivid and in your prime you will leave me behind you will leave me behind "How Soon Is Now?" 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 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 "Handsome Devil" All streets are crammed with things eager to be held I know what hands are for and I'd like to help myself you ask me the time but I sense something more and I would like to give you what I think you are asking for you handsome devil you handsome devil Let me get my hands on your mammary glands let me get your head on the conjugal bed I say, I say, I say I crack the whip and you skip but you deserve it A boy in the bush is worth two in the hand I think I can help you get through your exams (refrain) And when we're in your scholarly room who will swallow whom? (refrain) There's more to life than books, you know but not much more. "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 heavens know 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 passed me by and heavens knows I'm miserable now I was looking for a job, and then I found a job and heavens know I'm miserable now In my life 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 "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 "You've been in the house too long" she said and I naturally fled In my life why do I give valuable time to people who don't care if I live or die "This Night Has Opened My Eyes" In a river the colour of lead immerse the baby's head wrap her up in the News Of The World dump her on a doorstep, girl this night has opened my eyes and I will never sleep again You kicked and cried like a bullied child a grown man of twenty-five he said he'd cure your ills but he didn't and he never will so, save your life because you've only got one The dream is gone but the baby is real oh you did a good thing she could have been a poet or, she could have been a fool oh you did a bad thing and I'm not happy and I'm not sad A shoeless child on a swing reminds you of your own again she took away your troubles oh but then again she left pain so, save your life because you've only got one The dream is gone but the baby is real oh you did a good thing she could have been a poet or, she could have been a fool oh you did a bad thing and I'm not happy and I'm not sad "Accept Yourself" Everyday you must say oh how do I feel about my life anything is hard to find when you will not open your eyes when will you accept yourself? I am sick and I am dull and I am plain how dearly I'd love to get carried away but dreams have a knack of just not coming through and time is against me now who and what to blame? anything is hard to find when you will not open your eyes when will you accept yourself? anything is hard to find when you will not open your eyes everyday you must say how do I feel about the past other conquered love-but I ran I sat in my room and I drew up a plan but plans can fall through as so often they do and time is against me now and there's no one left to blame tell me when will you when will you accept your life the one that you hate anything is hard to find when you will not open your eyes everyday you must say how do I feel about my shoes they make me awkward and plain how dearly I would love to kick with the fray but I once had a dream and it never came true and time is against me now and there's no one but yourself to blame anything is hard to find when you will not open your eyes when will you accept yourself? "Girl Afraid" Girl afraid where does his intentions lay? Or does he even have any? She says: "He never really looks at me I give him every opportunity in the room downstairs he sat and stared in the room downstairs he sat and stared I'll never make that mistake again!" Boy afraid prudence never pays and everything she wants costs money "But she doesn't even LIKE me! and I know because she said so in the room downstairs she sat and stared in the room downstairs she sat and stared I'll never make that mistake again!" "Back to the Old House" I would rather not go back to the old house I would rather not go back to the old house there's too many bad memories there When you cycled by here began all my dreams the saddest thing I've ever seen and you never knew how much I really liked you because I never even told you oh, and I meant to Are you still there? or have you moved away? I would love to go back to the old house but I never will "Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want" Good times for a change See, the luck I've had would make a good man turn bad So please please please let me, let me, let me let me get what I want this time Haven't had a dream in a long time See, the life I've had would make a good man bad So for once in my life let me get what I want Lord knows it would be the first time Lord knows it would be the first time "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 want to 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 want to stay 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 wanna go home I don't want to stay "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 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) and though I walk home alone 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 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?" 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?" 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) and though I walk home alone my faith in love is still devout "I Want the One I Can't Have" 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 written all over my face (repeat) 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 (refrain) 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 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 written all over my face "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!" "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 "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 "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 "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 "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 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 Queen Is Dead" Farewell to this lands cheerless marshes hemmed in like a boar between arches her very Lowness with her head in a sling Im truely sorry-but it sounds like a wonderful thing I say, Charles dont 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 swear to God, I swear 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 are tied to your mother's apron not 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 Pass the Pub that wrecks your body and the church-all they want is your money the Queen is dead, boys and it's so lonely on a limb |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 "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 I 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 the arse I do not mean to be so rude but still, I must speak frankly, Mr Shankly "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 dont 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 are 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 very good looking then why do you sleep alone tonight? because tonight is 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 fell the soil falling over my head Oh Mother, I can fell the soil falling over my head Oh Mother, I can fell the soil falling over my head Oh Mother, I can fell the soil falling over my head Oh Mother, I can fell the soil falling over my head "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 Never had no one ever. Now Im outside your house Im alone And Im outside your house I hate to intrude Im alone And I never ever had no one ever... "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 seems so unfair and I want to cry You say: "ere thrice the sun hath done salutation to the dawn" and you claim these words as your own but Ive red well and 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 and 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. "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 of 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 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 know? "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 wouldn't cover the head of a child |that woudn't cover the head of a goose as Rose collects the money in the 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 combating ignorance, dust and disease as Rose counts the money in the cannister as natural as rain he dances again and the fabric of a tu-tu any man could get used to and I am a living sign. "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 is such a heavenly way to die and if a ten ton truck kills the both of us to die by your side well 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 couldn't 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 Oh, there is a light and it never goes out... "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. "Panic" Panic on the streets of London Panic on the streets of Birmingham I wonder to myself Could life ever be sane again On the Leeds side-streets that you slip down I wonder to myself Hopes may rise on the Grasmeres But Honey Pie, you're not safe here So you run down To the safety of the town But there's Panic on the streets of Carlisle Dublin, Dundee, Humberside I wonder to myself Burn down the Disco Hang the blessed D.J. Because the music that they constantly play IT SAYS NOTHING TO ME ABOUT MY LIFE Hang the blessed D.J. Because the music they constantly play On the Leeds side-streets that you slip down On the provincial towns that you jog 'round Hang the D.J., Hang the D.J., Hang the D.J. Hang the D.J., Hang the D.J., Hang the D.J. HANG THE D.J., HANG THE D.J., HANG THE D.J. HANG THE D.J., HANG THE D.J., HANG THE D.J. "Ask" Shyness is nice, but Shyness can stop you >From doing all the things in life That you'd like to So, if there's something you'd like to try If there's something that you'd like to try ASK ME-I WON'T SAY "NO"-HOW COULD I? Coyness is nice, but Coyness can stop you from saying all the things in life that you want to So, if there's something that you'd like to try If there's something that you'd like to try ASK ME-I WON'T SAY "NO"-HOW COULD I? Spending warm, Summer days indoors Writing frightening verse To a buck-toothed girl in Luxembourg ASK ME, ASK ME ,ASK ME ASK ME, ASK ME ,ASK ME Because if it's not Love Then it's the Bomb That will bring us together Nature is a language-can't you read? Nature is a language-can't you read? ASK ME, ASK ME, ASK ME ASK ME, ASK ME, ASK ME Because if it's not Love Then it's the Bomb That will bring us together "London" Smoke Lingers 'round your fingers Train Heave on-to Euston Do you think you've made The right decision this time? You left Your tired family grieving And you think they're sad because you're leaving But didn't you see the Jealousy in the eyes Of the ones who had to stay behind? And do you think you've made The right decision this time? You left Your girlfriend on the platform With this really ragged notion that you'll return But she knows That when he goes He really goes So do you think you've made The right decision this time? "Shakespeare's Sister" Young bones groan And the rocks below, say: "Throw your skinny body down, son!" But I am going to meet the one I love So, please don't stand in my way Because I'm going to meet the one I love No, Mamma, let me go! Young bones groan And the rocks below, say: "Throw your white body down!" But I am going to meet the one I love At last! At last! At last! I am going to meet the one I love La-de-da, la-de-da No, Mamma, let me go! I thought that if you had An acoustic guitar Then it meant that you were A Protest Singer Oh I can smile about it now But at the time it was terrible No, Mamma, let me go. "Shoplifters of the World Unite" Learn to love me Assemble the ways Now, today, tomorrow and always My only weakness is a list of crimes My only weakness is... well, never mind Shoplifters of the world Unite and take over Shoplifters of the world Hand it over Hand it over Hand it over Learn to love me Assemble the ways Now, today, tomorrow and always My only weakness is a listed crime But last night the plans of a future war Was all I saw on Channel Four Shoplifters of the world Unite and take over Shoplifters of the world Hand it over Hand it over Hand it over A heartless hand on my shoulder A push-and it's over Alabaster crashes down (Six months is a long time) I tried living in the real world Instead of a shell But I was bored before I even began I was bored before I even began Shoplifters of the world Unite and take over Shoplifters of the world Unite and take over Shoplifters of the world Take over "Asleep" Sing me to sleep Sing me to sleep I'm tired and I I want to go to bed Sing me to sleep Sing me to sleep And then leave me alone Don't try to wake me in the morning 'Cause I will be gone Don't feel bad for me I want you to know Deep in the cell of my heart I will feel so glad to go Sing me to sleep Sing me to sleep I don't want to wake up On my own anymore Sing to me Sing to me I don't want to wake up On my own anymore Don't feel bad for me I want you to know Deep in the cell of my heart I really want to go There is another world There is a better world Well, there must be Well, there must be Bye bye. "Unloveable" I know I'm unloveable You don't have to tell me I don't have much in my life But take it-it's yours I know I'm unloveable You don't have to tell me Message received Loud and clear I don't have much in my life But take it-it's yours I know I'm unloveable You don't have to tell me Message received Loud and clear I don't have much in my life But take it-it's yours I wear Black on the outside Because Black is how I feel on the inside I wear Black on the outside Because Black is how I feel on the inside And if I seem a little strange Well, that's because I am If I seem a little strange That's because I am But I know that you would like me If only you could see me If only you would meet me "Half a Person" Call me morbid, call me pale I've spent six years on your trail Six long years On your trail Call me morbid, call me pale I've spent six years on your trail Six full years of my life on your trail And if you have five seconds to spare Then I'll tell you the story of my life: Sixteen, clumsy and shy I went to London and I I booked myself in at the Y....W.C.A I said: "I like it here... can I stay? I like it here-can I stay? And, do you have a vacancy For a Back-scrubber?" She was left behind, and sour And she wrote to me equally dour, She said: "In the days when you were hopelessly poor I just liked you more..." So if you have five seconds to spare Then I'll tell you the story of my life: Sixteen, clumsy and shy I went to London and I I booked myself in at the Y....W.C.A I said: "I like it here... can I stay? I like it here-can I stay? And, do you have a vacancy For a Back-scrubber?" Call me morbid call me pale I've spent too long on your trail Far too long Chasing your tail And if you have five seconds to spare Then I'll tell you the story of my life: Sixteen, clumsy and shy That's the story of my life Sixteen, clumsy and shy The story of my life That's the story of my life That's the story of my life That's the story of my life "Stretch Out and Wait" All the lies that you make up |On the high-rise estate What's at the back of your mind? |What's at the back of your mind? Your face I can see |On a three-day debate And it's desperately kind |On a high rise estate But what's at the back of your mind? Two icy-cold hands conducting the way It's the Eskimo blood in my veins Amid concrete and clay And general decay Nature must still find a way So ignore all the codes of the day Let your juvenile impulses sway This way and that way This way and that way God, how sex implores you To let yourself lose yourself Stretch out and wait Stretch out and wait Let you puny body lie down, lie down As we lie, you say As we lie, you say Stretch out and wait Stretch out and wait Let you puny body lie down, lie down As we lie, you say: Will the world end in the day time? (I really don't know) Or will the world end in the night time? (I really don't know) And is there any point ever having children? I really don't know All I do know is that we're Here and it's Now So stretch out and wait Stretch out and wait There is no debate, no debate, no debate How can you consciously contemplate When there's no debate, no debate Stretch out and wait "You Just Haven't Earned It Yet Baby" If you're wondering why All the love that you long for eludes you And people are rude and cruel to you I'll tell you why I'll tell you why I'll tell you why You just haven't earned it yet, baby You just haven't earned it yet, son You just haven't earned it yet, baby You must suffer and cry for a longer time You just haven't earned it yet, baby And I'm telling you now If you're wondering why When all I wanted from life was to be Famous I have tried so long, it's all gone wrong I'll tell you why I'll tell you why I'll tell you why But you wouldn't believe me You just haven't earned it yet, baby You just haven't earned it yet, son You just haven't earned it yet, baby You must suffer and cry for a longer time You just haven't earned it yet, baby And I'm telling you now Today I am remembering the time When they pulled me back And held me down And looked me in the eyes and said You just haven't earned it yet, baby You just haven't earned it yet, son You just haven't earned it yet, baby You must stay on your own for a slightly longer You just haven't earned it yet, baby And I'm telling you now. "Rubber Ring" A sad fact widely known The most impassionate song To a lonely soul Is so easily outgrown But don't forget the songs That made you smile And the songs that made you cry When you lay in awe On the bedroom floor And said: "Oh, smother me, Mother..." The passing of time And all of its crimes Is making me sad again The passing of time And all of its sickening crimes Is making me sad again But don't forget the songs That made you cry And the songs that saved your life Yes, you're older now And you're a clever swine But they were the only ones who ever stood by you The passing of time leaves empty lives Waiting to be filled The passing of time Leaves empty lives Waiting to be filled I'm here with the cause I'm holding the torch In the corner of your room Can you hear me? And when you're dancing and laughing And finally living Hear my voice in your head And think of me kindly. Do you Love me like you used to? "Is It Really So Strange?" I left the North I travelled South I found a tiny house I can't help the way I feel Oh yes you can kick me and you can punch me and you break my face but you won't change the way I feel 'Cause I love you And is it really so strange? Is it really so strange? Is it really so, really so strange? I say NO, you say YES (but you will change your mind!) I left the South I travelled North I got confused-I killed a horse I can't help the way I feel Oh yes you can kick me and you can butt me and you can break my spine but you won't change the way I feel 'Cause I love you And is it really so strange? Is it really so strange? Is it really so, really so strange? I say NO, you say YES (but you will change your mind!) I left the North again I travelled South again I got confused-I killed a nun I CAN'T HELP THE WAY I FEEL I CAN'T HELP THE WAY I FEEL (I lost my bag in Newport Pagnell) Why is the last mile the hardest mile My throat was dry, with the sun in my eyes And I realised, I realised That I could never I could never, never go back home again "Sheila Take A Bow" Is it wrong to want to live on your own? No, it's not wrong-but I must know How can someone so young Sing words so sad? Sheila take a, Sheila take a bow Boot the grime of this world in the crotch, dear And don't go home tonight Come out and find the one that you love and who loves you Is it wrong not to always be glad No, it's not wrong-but I must add How can someone so young Sing words so sad? Sheila take a, Sheila take a bow Boot the grime of this world in the crotch, dear And don't go home tonight Come out and find the one that you love and who loves you Take my hand and off we stride You're a girl and I'm a boy Take my hand and off we stride I'm a girl and you're a boy Sheila take a, Sheila take a bow Throw your homework into the fire Come out and find the one you love Come out and find the one that you love "Sweet and Tender Hooligan" he was a sweet and tender hooligan and he swore that he'd never, never do it again and of course he won't (not until the next time) poor old man he had an "accident" with a three bar fire but that's OK because he wasn't very happy anyway poor woman strangled in her very own bed as she read but that's OK because she was old and she would have died anyway DON'T BLAME this sweet and tender hooligan because he'll never, never do it again (at least not until the next time) So jury you've heard every word but before you decide would you look into those "Mother-me" eyes I love life for you, my love, you my love you my love, you my love So jury you've heard every word but before you decide look into those "Mother-me" eyes I love you for you my love, you my love I love you just for you, my love don't blame the sweet and tender hooligan who claims that "In the midst of life we are in debt ETC" ETC! ETC! ETC! ETC! IN THE MIDST OF LIFE WE ARE IN DEBT ETC! "Golden Lights" Golden lights displaying your name golden lights it's a terrible shame but oh my darling WHY DID YOU CHANGE? Boy in a million, idol, a big star I didn't tell you how great you were I didn't grovel or scream Or rip your brand new jacket at the seams You made a record, they liked your singing All of a sudden my phone stopped ringing I never thought that you would let The glory make you forget Golden lights displaying your name golden lights it's a terrible shame but oh my darling WHY DID YOU CHANGE? Top ten idol, king of your age but who do you turn to when you're backstage? Don't you remember you once knew a girl Who loved you more than the world Is life always like this, brother Good for some but bad for the other I must put you behind me tonight 'Cause you belong to the lights Golden lights displaying your name golden lights it's a terrible shame but oh my darling WHY DID YOU CHANGE? "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 blood stream 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 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 "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 "Death of a Disco Dancer" The death of a disco dancer well, it happens a lot 'round here and if you think Peace is a common goal well, that goes to show just how little you know The death of a disco dancer well, I'd rather not get involved I never talk to my neighbour I'd just rather not get involved Love, peace and harmony? Love, peace and harmony? Oh, very nice very nice very nice very nice ...but maybe in the next world "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 time 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 "Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" Stop me, stop me stop me if you think that you've heard this one before stop me, stop me stop me if you think that you've heard this one before nothing's changed I still love you, oh I still love you ...only slightly less than I used to I was delayed, I was way-laid an emergency stop I smelt the last ten seconds of life I crashed down on the crossbar and the pain was enough to make a shy, bald buddhist reflect and plan a mass-murder who said I'd lied to her? who said I'd lied because I never who said I'd lied because I never I was detained, I was restrained he broke my spleen he broke my knees (and then he really laid into me) Friday night in Out-patients who said I'd lied to her? who said I'd lied-because I never who said I'd lied-because I never Oh, so I drank one or was it four and when I fell on the floor... ...I drank more stop me, stop me stop me if you think that you've heard this one before nothing's changed I still love you I still love you but only slightly less than I used to "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" Last night I dreamt that somebody loved me no hope-but no harm just another false alarm Last night I felt real arms around me no hope-no harm just another false alarm so, tell me how long before the last one? and tell me how long before the right one? this story is old-I KNOW but it goes on this story is old-I KNOW but it goes on "Unhappy Birthday" I've come to wish you an unhappy birthday I've come to wish you an unhappy birthday because you're evil and you lie and if you should die I may feel slightly sad (but I won't cry) Loved and lost and some may say when usually its Nothing surely you're happy it should be this way? I say "No, I'm gonna kill my dog" and: "May the lines sag heavy and deep tonight XXX" I've come to wish you an unhappy birthday I've come to wish you an unhappy birthday because you're evil and you lie and if you should die I may feel slightly sad (But I won't cry) Loved and lost some people say when usually its Nothing surely you're happy it should be this way? I said "No" and then I shot myself so, drink, drink, drink and be ill tonight from the one you left behind from the one you left behind from the one you left behind from the one you left behind XXXXXXXXX "Paint A Vulgar Picture" At the record company meeting On their hands-a dead star and ooh, the plans that they weave and ooh, the sickening greed At the record company party on their hands-a dead star the sycophantic slags all say: "I knew him first, and I knew him well" Re-issue! Re-package! Re-package! Re-evaluate the songs double-pack with a photograph Extra Track (and a tacky badge) A-list, playlist "Please them, please them!" "Please them! please them!" (sadly, THIS was your life) but you could have said no if you'd wanted to you could have said no if you'd wanted to BPI, MTV, BBC "Please them! Please them!" (sadly, this was your life) but you could have said no if you'd wanted to you could have walked away ...couldn't you? I touched you at the soundcheck you had no real way of knowing in my heart I begged "please, take me with you... I don't care where you're going" But to you I was faceless I was fawning, I was boring just a child from those ugly new houses who could never begin to know who could never really know Best of! Most of! Satiate the need slip them into different sleeves! Buy both, and be deceived climber-new entry, re-entry World tour! ("media whore") "Please the Press in Belgium!" (THIS was your life...) and when it fails to recoup? Well, maybe: You just haven't earned it yet, baby I walked a pace behind you at the soundcheck you're just the same as I am what makes most people feel happy leads us headlong into harm so, in my bedroom in those 'ugly new houses' I dance my legs down to the knees but me and my 'true love' we will never meet again... At the record company meeting on their hands-at last!-a dead star! but they cannot taint you in my eyes no, they cannot touch you now No, they cannot hurt you my darling they cannot touch you now but me and my 'true love' will never meet again "Death At One's Elbow" Ooh Glenn don't come to the house tonight Ooh, Glenn don't come to the house tonight because there's somebody here who really really loves you stay home be bored (it's crap, I KNOW) Ooh, Glenn don't come to the house tonight Ooh, Glenn don't come to the house tonight because there's somebody here who'll take a hatchet to your ear how the frustration renders me hateful, Glenn! don't come to the house tonight don't come to the house tonight because you'll slip on the trail of my bespattered remains and so, that's why GOODBYE MY LOVE, GOODBYE MY LOVE GOODBYE MY LOVE, GOODBYE MY LOVE GOODBYE MY LOVE, GOODBYE MY LOVE Belch "I Won't Share You" I won't share you I won't share you with the drive the ambition and the zeal I feel this is my time as the note I wrote was read, she said has the Perrier gone straight to my head or is life plainly sick and cruel, instead? "YES!" No-no-no-no-no-no I won't share you I won't share you with the drive and the dreams inside this is my time Life tends to come and go well, that's OK just as long as you know Life tends to come and go well, that's OK just as long as you know I won't share you I won't share you with the drive and the dreams inside this is my time this is my time "Work Is A Four Letter Word" Loving you Is driving me crazy People say That you were born lazy 'Cause you say That work is a four letter word So change your life There is so much I know (That) you can do (Please) Come and see me Wide awake and take all of this love That is waiting for you If you stay I'll stay right beside you And my love May (might) help to remind you To forget That work is a four letter word I don't need A house that's a showplace I just feel That we're going no place When you say That work is a four letter word "I Keep Mine Hidden" Hate love and war Force emotions to the fore But not for me of course of course I keep mine hidden I keep mine hidden But it's so easy for you Because you let yours flail into public view Yellow and green, a stumbling block I'm a twenty-digit combination to unlock With a past where to be 'touched' Meant to be 'mental' I keep mine hidden But life is so easy for you Because you let yours slide into public view Use your loaf "Jeane" Jeane The lowlife has lost its appeal And I'm tired of walking these streets To a room with its cupboard bare Jeane I'm not sure what happiness means But I look in your eyes And I know that it isn't there We tried, we failed We tried and we failed Jeane There's ice on the sink where we bath So how can you call this home When you know it's a grave But you still hope for ridding grace As you tidy the place But it will never be clean, Jeane We tried, we failed We tried and we failed Cash on the nail It's just a fairy tale And I don't believe in magic anymore, Jeane But I think you know I really think you know I think you know the truth Jeane No heavenly choir Not for me and not for you Because I think that you know I really think you know I think you know the truth Jeane That we tried, we failed We tried and we failed Oh Jeane "Wonderful Woman" Here her head she lay until she'd rise and say I'm starved of mirth let's go and trip a dwarf what to be done with her? Ice water for blood with neither heart or spine and then just to pastime let us go and rob the blind what to be done with her and I'll ask myself what to be said of her? But when she calls me I do not walk I run when she calls I do not walk I crawl...