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 “Bigmouth Strikes Again” stands as one of the band’s most electrifying and sharply humorous releases, capturing their signature blend of sparkling guitar-pop and razor-edged lyricism. Johnny Marr’s rapid, chiming guitar riff drives the song with a sense of urgency, while Morrissey’s lyrics reflect on impulsiveness, regret, and the fallout of speaking too freely—all delivered with a mix of self-mockery and dramatic flair.
The track’s propulsive energy, paired with its satirical narrative voice, makes it both musically exhilarating and thematically rich. As a key highlight of The Queen Is Dead era, “Bigmouth Strikes Again” remains a defining moment in The Smiths’ catalog, showcasing their unmatched ability to turn personal angst into bold, unforgettable art.
The song peaked at No. 26 in the UK singles chart on 7th June 1986.
| A-Side | Bigmouth Strikes Again (3:13) (Morrissey, Marr) Produced By Morrissey, Marr |
| B-Side | Money Changes Everything (4:40) (Marr) Produced By John Porter |
| Genre | Rock, Pop, Indie |
| Release Date | May 1986 |
| Label | ROUGH TRADE |
| Catalogue Number | RT 192 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 31st May 1986 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 26 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 03 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [3 Weeks] – 31st May 1986 – 14th June 1986 |
Officially Released Versions
Bigmouth Strikes Again (Single Version) (3:13)
Versions On Spotify
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Lyrics
Sweetness
Sweetness, I was only joking when I said
I’d like to smash every tooth in your head
Oh-oh, 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 (Ah)
Bigmouth, la-da-da-da-da
Bigmouth la-da-da-da
Bigmouth strikes again
And I’ve got no right to take my place
With the human race, oh, oh, oh-oh
Bigmouth la-da-da-da-da
Bigmouth la-da-da-da
Bigmouth strikes again
And I’ve 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 (Oh-oh-oh)
As the flames rose to her Roman nose
And her hearing aid started to melt (Ah)
Bigmouth, la-da-da-da-da
Bigmouth, la-da-da-da
Bigmouth strikes again
And I’ve got no right to take my place
With the human race, oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh
Bigmouth, oh-oh-oh, ha-ha
Bigmouth, la-da-da-da
Bigmouth strikes again
And I’ve got no right to take my place
With the human race, oh, oh, oh, oh-oh-oh
Bigmouth, oh-oh-oh, ha-ha
Bigmouth, la-da-da-da
Bigmouth strikes again
And I’ve got no right to take my place
With the human race, oh, no, no, no, no, no
Bigmouth, la-da-da-da-da
Bigmouth, la-da-da-da
Bigmouth strikes again
And I’ve got no right to take my place
With the human race, oh, oh, no, no, no
Written By Morrissey, Marr
