Bigmouth Strikes Again

Last updated

"Bigmouth Strikes Again"
Bigmouth Strikes Again.jpg
Single by the Smiths
from the album The Queen Is Dead
B-side
  • "Money Changes Everything"
  • "Unloveable"
Released19 May 1986 (1986-05-19)
RecordedAugust–September 1985
Studio RAK, London
Genre
Length3:12
Label Rough Trade
Songwriter(s)
Producer(s)
  • Morrissey
  • Johnny Marr
The Smiths singles chronology
"The Boy with the Thorn in His Side"
(1985)		"Bigmouth Strikes Again"
(1986)		"Panic"
(1986)

"Bigmouth Strikes Again" is a 1986 song by the English rock band the Smiths from their third album The Queen Is Dead . Written by Johnny Marr and Morrissey, the song features self-deprecating lyrics that reflected Morrissey's frustrations with the music industry at the time. Musically, the song was inspired by the Rolling Stones' "Jumpin' Jack Flash" and centres around a guitar riff that Marr wrote during a 1985 soundcheck.

Contents

"Bigmouth Strikes Again" was released as the lead single from the album, bypassing Rough Trade's preferred choice, "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out". The single reached number 26 in the UK Singles Chart and has since seen critical acclaim along with several versions recorded by other artists.

Background

"Bigmouth Strikes Again" began as a lyric written by Morrissey in the summer of 1985. [2] The lyric was the final one of three written about Morrissey's frustration with the music industry, the previous two being "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" and "Rubber Ring." "Bigmouth Strikes Again" specifically reflects Morrissey's negative experiences with the music press. When asked by the NME about the song, Morrissey replied, "I can't think of one sentence [I regret saying]. We're still at that stage where if I rescued a kitten from drowning, they'd say: 'Morrissey Mauls Kitten's Body'. So what can you do?"

Morrissey intended the lyrics of the song to be humorous; he explained, "I would call it a parody if that sounded less like self-celebration, which it definitely wasn't. It was just a really funny song". [3] Drummer Mike Joyce commented, "What a fantastic title – one of Mozzer's better ones. And with this song, you can see why he made journalists cream their pants. Listen to the lyrical content. He was a one-off." [4]

Johnny Marr based the song's music on a guitar riff he had written during a soundcheck of the band's 1985 tour. Marr later claimed that he had been inspired by the Rolling Stones' "Jumpin' Jack Flash", stating, "I wanted something that was a rush all the way through, without a distinct middle eight as such. I thought the guitar breaks should be percussive, not too pretty or cordial". [2] Marr described the song as being "as close as getting to the sound of my heroes as we came". [4]

Music and lyrics

During the song, the protagonist compares himself to Joan of Arc as "the flames rose to her Roman nose" and also says "now I know how Joan of Arc felt". [5] In recent solo performances, Morrissey has changed the lyric "and her Walkman started to melt", to the more technologically current "and her iPod started to melt". [6] Morrissey included the lyric "and her hearing aid started to melt" as a tribute to the band's deaf and hard-of-hearing fans.

Initially the band had asked Kirsty MacColl to contribute backing vocals, but Marr found her harmonies "really weird" and they were left off the final recording. Instead, the backing vocals were recorded by Morrissey and altered to a higher pitch. This is credited to "Ann Coates", a reference to the Manchester district of Ancoats. [7]

Release

Though "Bigmouth Strikes Again" was initially planned to be released as the debut single from The Queen Is Dead in autumn 1985, by spring 1986, Rough Trade head Geoff Travis pushed for the band to release "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" instead. [3] At Marr's insistence, the band stuck with "Bigmouth Strikes Again": Marr preferred to release a more assertive single and liked the idea of releasing a single-calibre song as an album track on every Smiths album. [8]

"Bigmouth Strikes Again" was released as a single in May 1986, with the non-album instrumental song "Money Changes Everything" as the B-side. Marr later reused the music from "Money Changes Everything" for Bryan Ferry's 1987 hit single "The Right Stuff", which featured new lyrics from Ferry.

The single version's sleeve cover contains a photograph of James Dean by Nelva Jean Thomas. On the 12″ single, the band quoted Oscar Wilde's famous line "Talent borrows, genius steals" on the runout groove. [9] The single reached number 26 in the UK. [10]

A live version of the song appeared as the closing song on the band's only live album, Rank . Another live version, recorded at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California in August 1986, was released in 2017 to promote a collector's edition of The Queen Is Dead. [11]

Reception

"Bigmouth Strikes Again" has seen critical acclaim since its release. Decades later critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine of AllMusic would praise the song's "minor-key rush," [12] while Clash wrote that the song's "brash Stones-esque rock and sharp guitar lines still sound vital today." [13] Far Out wrote that the song was "the perfect combination of Morrissey's playful self-deprecating lyricism coupled with Johnny Marr's ferociously upbeat riff which is a combination that many other acts have tried to replicate but nobody has managed to capture the magic that these two would create in their five active years together." [2]

Several publications have ranked the song as one of the band's best songs. Billboard ranked the song as the band's second best, [14] while NME named it the band's fourth best. [15] Paste called it the band's tenth best, [16] while Louder included it in their unranked top ten, writing, "This could be their most iconic song." [17] Rolling Stone ranked it as the Smiths' 13th best, writing, "'Bigmouth' was the funniest song they'd ever done – that drum break alone is a comic masterpiece." [18] Consequence of Sound listed the song as the band's 19th best. [19]

Track listing

7" RT192
No.TitleLength
1."Bigmouth Strikes Again"3:12
2."Money Changes Everything"4:40
12" RTT192
No.TitleLength
1."Bigmouth Strikes Again"3:12
2."Money Changes Everything"4:40
3."Unloveable"3:54

Charts

ChartPeak
position
Belgium (Ultratop) [20] 38
UK Singles (The Official Charts Company) [10] 26

Certifications

RegionCertification Certified units/sales
United Kingdom (BPI) [21] Gold400,000‡

‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone.

Cover versions

Treepeople version

Seattle-based, Idaho indie rock/grunge band Treepeople covered "Bigmouth Strikes Again" on their 1992 double EP Something Vicious for Tomorrow/Time Whore, released by an independent Seattle label C/Z Records. The Treepeople version changes the second line of the first verse from "When I said by rights you should be bludgeoned in your bed" to "When I said I am gonna miss you when you're dead." This version was notable for having been recorded by Seattle grunge pioneer/producer Jack Endino of Skin Yard, who had previously worked with Mudhoney, Nirvana and Soundgarden, as well as having been mixed by Seattle producer Steve Fisk, known for his work with Nirvana, Screaming Trees, the Afghan Whigs and more. [22]

Placebo version

The song was covered in 1996 by alternative band Placebo, who were asked by the French magazine Les Inrockuptibles to perform the song for the various artists compilation The Smiths Is Dead . This version changed the lyric "and her Walkman started to melt'" to "and her Discman/Megadrive started to melt." Their rendition of the song also appeared as a B-side to "Nancy Boy", as well as on Disc 2 of the Sleeping with Ghosts special edition. Far Out described the band's version as "simply brilliant" and wrote, "[Brian] Molko's vocal performance is both far removed and utterly akin to Morrissey's own performance, yet somehow Molko takes it to another level." [23]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Smiths</span> English rock band

The Smiths were an English rock band formed in Manchester in 1982, composed of Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitar), Andy Rourke (bass) and Mike Joyce (drums). Morrissey and Marr formed the songwriting partnership. The Smiths are regarded as one of the most important acts to emerge from 1980s British independent music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Johnny Marr</span> Musician (born 1963)

John Martin Marr is a musician, songwriter and singer. He first achieved fame as the guitarist and co-songwriter of the Smiths, who were active from 1982 to 1987. He has since performed with numerous other bands and embarked on a solo career.

<i>The Queen Is Dead</i> 1986 studio album by the Smiths

The Queen Is Dead is the third studio album by the English rock band the Smiths. It was released on 16 June 1986 in the UK by Rough Trade Records, and on 23 June 1986 in the US by Sire Records.

<i>Strangeways, Here We Come</i> 1987 studio album by the Smiths

Strangeways, Here We Come is the fourth and final studio album by the English rock band the Smiths. It was released on 28 September 1987 by Rough Trade Records, several months after the group disbanded. All of the songs were composed by Johnny Marr, with lyrics written and sung by Morrissey.

<i>The World Wont Listen</i> 1987 compilation album by the Smiths

The World Won't Listen is a compilation album by English rock band the Smiths, released in the United Kingdom on 23 February 1987 by Rough Trade Records. The album is the second of three compilation albums—the others being Hatful of Hollow and Louder Than Bombs—released by the Smiths while they were still an active band. It reached No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart, staying on the charts for 15 weeks. In the United States Louder Than Bombs was released in place of The World Won't Listen.

<i>...Best II</i> 1992 greatest hits album by the Smiths

...Best II is a compilation album by the Smiths. It was released on November 2, 1992, by the new owner of their back catalogue, WEA. Its highest British chart position was #29; it did not chart in the U.S.

<i>The Very Best of The Smiths</i> 2001 greatest hits album by The Smiths

The Very Best of The Smiths is a compilation album by English rock band The Smiths. It was released in June 2001 by WEA in Europe, without consent or input from the band. It reached number 30 on the UK Albums Chart. The album was not released in the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Panic (The Smiths song)</span> 1986 single by the Smiths

"Panic" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths, released in 1986 and written by singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr. The first recording to feature new member Craig Gannon, "Panic" bemoans the state of contemporary pop music, exhorting listeners to "burn down the disco" and "hang the DJ" in retaliation. The song was released by Rough Trade as a single and reached No. 7 on the Irish Singles Chart and No. 11 in the UK Chart. Morrissey considered the song's appearance on daytime British radio a "tiny revolution" in its own way, as it aired amongst the very music it criticised.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">There Is a Light That Never Goes Out</span> 1992 single by the Smiths

"There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths, written by guitarist Johnny Marr and lead vocalist Morrissey. Featured on the band's third studio album The Queen Is Dead (1986), it was not released as a single in the United Kingdom until 1992, five years after their split, to promote the compilation album ...Best II. It peaked at No. 25 on the UK Singles Chart and No. 22 on the Irish Singles Chart. The song has received considerable critical acclaim; in 2014, NME listed it as the 12th-greatest song of all time. In 2021, it was ranked at No. 226 on Rolling Stone's "Top 500 Greatest Songs of All Time".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hand in Glove</span> 1983 single by The Smiths

"Hand in Glove" is the debut single by English rock band the Smiths, written by singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr. It was released in May 1983 on independent record label Rough Trade. It peaked at No. 3 on the UK Indie Chart but did not make the top 75 of the UK Singles Chart, settling outside at No. 124.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Girlfriend in a Coma (song)</span> 1987 single by The Smiths

"Girlfriend in a Coma" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths, written by singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr. It was the first of three UK singles from the band's fourth and final studio album, Strangeways, Here We Come. Inspired by the song "To Be Young, Gifted and Black", "Girlfriend in a Coma" features a lilting acoustic guitar line performed by Marr and lyrics about a hospital-bound lover sung by Morrissey.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sheila Take a Bow</span> 1987 single by the Smiths

"Sheila Take a Bow" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths, written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr. Featuring a glam rock-style beat and guitar riff, the song was originally planned to feature Sandie Shaw on backing vocals, but Shaw's distaste for the song and Morrissey's illness during her session resulted in the vocals not being used.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Cemetry Gates</span> 1986 song by The Smiths

"Cemetry Gates" is a 1986 song by English alternative rock band the Smiths from The Queen Is Dead, their third album. Written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, the song centres around a guitar riff that Marr initially thought was too uninteresting to base a song around. However, Morrissey liked it and convinced Marr that they could complete the song.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others</span> 1986 song by The Smiths

"Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths. Recorded in autumn 1985, it was first released on their third studio album The Queen Is Dead in June 1986. It was also released as a single in Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me</span> 1987 single by the Smiths

"Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths, written by singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr. It appears as the sixth track on the band's final album Strangeways, Here We Come (1987). It features a backdrop of crowd noises from the miners' strike of 1984–85. The song is a favourite of both Morrissey and Marr.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before</span> 1987 single by the Smiths

"Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths, written by singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr. The song was first released on the group's 1987 album Strangeways, Here We Come. Marr's music features a larger sound, courtesy of a 12-string Gibson ES-335, and one of his few guitar solos with the Smiths. Morrissey's lyrics allude to alcohol and deception.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">How Soon Is Now?</span> 1985 song by the Smiths

"How Soon Is Now?" is a song by English rock band the Smiths, written by singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr. Originally a B-side of the 1984 single "William, It Was Really Nothing", "How Soon Is Now?" was subsequently featured on the compilation album Hatful of Hollow and on US, Canadian, Australian, and Warner UK editions of Meat Is Murder. Belatedly released as a single in the UK in 1985, it reached No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart. When re-released in 1992, it reached No. 16.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Barbarism Begins at Home</span> 1985 single by The Smiths

"Barbarism Begins at Home" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths. Featured on their second studio album, Meat Is Murder (1985), the song has a lyric condemning child abuse and a funk-inspired track based around Andy Rourke's bass line.

<i>Adrenalin Baby</i> 2015 live album by Johnny Marr

Adrenalin Baby is a live album by musician Johnny Marr. It was released on 9 October 2015 by New Voodoo Records. The album was recorded at the Manchester Apollo, Glasgow Academy and Brixton Academy shows. It peaked at number 96 in the UK Albums Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Queen Is Dead (song)</span> 1986 song by The Smiths

"The Queen Is Dead" is a 1986 song by English alternative rock band the Smiths, appearing on their third studio album of the same name. Written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, the song features anti-monarchist lyrics that attracted controversy in the UK music press. Musically, the song was a result of experimentation and jamming, with Marr and rhythm section Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce using technology in the studio to enhance their performances.

References

  1. ↑ Molanphy, Chris (31 October 2019). "The Lost and Lonely Edition". Hit Parade | Music History and Music Trivia (Podcast). Slate . Retrieved 5 November 2023.
  2. 1 2 3 Taysom, Joe (22 May 2020). "The Story Behind The Song: 'Bigmouth Strikes Again' as The Smiths jab at the music business". Far Out Magazine . Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  3. 1 2 Fletcher, Tony (4 December 2012). A Light That Never Goes Out: The Enduring Saga of the Smiths. Crown. ISBN   978-0-307-71597-5.
  4. 1 2 "The Full Story Behind The Smiths' 'The Queen Is Dead'". NME. 16 June 2016. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  5. ↑ Stim, Rich (August 1986). "The Queen Is Dead - The Smiths (Rough Trade)". Spin.{{cite journal}}: Cite journal requires |journal= (help)
  6. ↑ Block, Ryan (10 May 2005). "Moz: Bigmouth Strikes Again strikes again with the iPod". Engadget. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  7. ↑ DiGravina, Tim. "Bigmouth Strikes Again - The Smiths | Song Info". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  8. ↑ Taysom, Joe (30 July 2020). "The Story Behind The Song: How The Smiths song 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out' became their 'hidden secret'". Far Out Magazine . Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  9. ↑ Luerssen, John D. (August 2015). The Smiths FAQ: All That's Left to Know About the Most Important British Band of the 1980s. Hal Leonard Corporation. ISBN   978-1-4950-4596-7.
  10. 1 2 "The Smiths". The Official Charts Company. Retrieved 8 August 2014.
  11. ↑ "Listen: The Smiths, 'Bigmouth Strikes Again' — unreleased live take from Berkeley 1986". Slicing Up Eyeballs . 4 September 2017. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  12. ↑ Erlewine, Stephen Thomas. "The Queen Is Dead - The Smiths | Songs, Reviews, Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  13. ↑ Beech, Alistair (8 June 2011). "Classic Albums: The Smiths - The Queen Is Dead". Clash Magazine. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  14. ↑ Lynch, Joe. "The Smiths' 20 Best Songs: Critic's Picks". Billboard. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  15. ↑ "The 20 best Smiths tracks, as voted by NME.COM users". NME. 25 November 2011. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  16. ↑ Marino, Nick (14 March 2017). "The 10 Best Smiths Songs". Paste Magazine. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  17. ↑ McNerney, Mat (12 January 2016). "The 10 best songs by The Smiths". loudersound. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  18. ↑ Sheffield, Rob (1 August 2017). "Rob Sheffield Ranks All 73 Smiths Songs". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 31 October 2020.
  19. ↑ "Ranking: Every Song by The Smiths from Worst to Best". Consequence of Sound. 21 February 2019. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
  20. ↑ "The Smiths - Bigmouth Strikes Again - ultratop.be". Ultratop .
  21. ↑ "British single certifications – Smiths – Bigmouth Strikes Again". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved 22 March 2024.
  22. ↑ Something Vicious for Tomorrow/Time Whore - Treepeople | Songs, Reviews, Credits | AllMusic , retrieved 29 June 2021
  23. ↑ "Listen back to Placebo's brilliant cover of The Smiths' 'Bigmouth Strikes Again'". Far Out Magazine . 24 January 2020. Retrieved 30 October 2020.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.