The Smiths were one of the most influential British alternative bands of the 1980s, known for their distinctive blend of jangly guitar pop, poetic lyricism, and sharp emotional clarity. Formed in Manchester in 1982 by vocalist Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr—with bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce completing the lineup—the group quickly became a defining force in indie music.
Their songs combined Marr’s intricate, melodic guitar work with Morrissey’s introspective, often provocative lyrics, creating a sound that was both timeless and unmistakably their own. Though their career was relatively brief, ending in 1987, The Smiths left behind a catalog that shaped the direction of modern guitar-based music and inspired generations of alternative and indie artists. Their legacy endures as one of originality, authenticity, and artistic impact.
Sadly, Andy Rourke passed away in 2023.
The Smiths’ 1986 single “Ask” is one of the band’s brightest and most uplifting tracks, showcasing a lighter, more melodic side of their distinctive sound. Driven by Johnny Marr’s shimmering guitar work and a breezy, fast-paced rhythm, the song contrasts its sunny arrangement with Morrissey’s signature blend of vulnerability and wit. Lyrically, “Ask” encourages openness and bravery—an invitation to overcome fear and embrace connection—which adds a rare note of optimism to the band’s catalog.
Its polished production and accessible charm helped the single become a fan favorite, illustrating The Smiths’ ability to balance emotional nuance with infectious indie-pop craftsmanship.
The song peaked at No. 14 in the UK singles chart on the 8th November 1986.
| A-Side | Ask (2:59) (Morrissey, Marr) Produced By John Porter |
| B-Side | Cemetery Gates (2:39) (Morrissey, Marr) Produced By Morrissey, Marr |
| Genre | Rock, Pop, Indie |
| Release Date | 20th October 1986 |
| Label | ROUGH TRADE |
| Catalogue Number | RT 194 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 1st November 1986 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 14 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 04 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [4 Weeks] – 1st November 1986 – 22nd November 1986 |
Officially Released Versions
Ask (Single Version) (2:59)
Ask (Album Version) (3:18)
Versions On Spotify
If you have an active Spotify account you will be able to play the complete versions of the songs below. If you don’t have an account, you will only be able to hear a 30-second sample.
Lyrics
Shyness is nice and shyness can stop you
From doing all the things in life you’d like to
Shyness is nice and shyness can stop you
From doing all the things in life you’d like to
So, if there’s something you’d like to try
If there’s something you’d like to try
Ask me, I won’t say “no,” how could I?
Coyness is nice and coyness can stop you
From saying all the things in life you’d like to
So, if there’s something you’d like to try
If there’s something 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, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb
The bomb, the bomb, the bomb that will bring us together
Nature is a language, can’t you read?
Nature is a language, can’t you read?
So ask me, ask me, ask me
Ask me, ask me, ask me
Because if it’s not love
Then it’s the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb
The bomb, the bomb, the bomb that will bring us together
If it’s not love, then it’s the bomb
Then it’s the bomb that will bring us together
So ask me, ask me, ask me
Ask me, ask me, ask me, oh
La-da-da-da-da-da-da-dum
La-da-da-da-da-da-da-dum
La-da-da-da-da-da-da-dum
La-da-da-da-da-da-da-dum
La-da-da-da-da-da-da-dum
La-da-da-da-da-da-da-dum
La-da-da-da-da-da-da-dum
La-da-da-da-da-da-da-dum
Written By Morrissey, Marr
