What She Said by The Smiths Lyrics Meaning – The Echoes of Despair and the Search for Meaning
Lyrics
“How come someone hasn’t noticed
That I’m dead
And decided to bury me?
God knows, I’m ready!”
La-la-la…
What she said was sad
But then, all the rejection she’s had
To pretend to be happy
Could only be idiocy
La-la-la…
What she said was not for the job or
Lover that she never had
Oh…
No no no…
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 ’cause I’m hoping for an
Early death
And I need to cling to something!”
What she said :
“I smoke ’cause I’m hoping for an
Early death
And I need to cling to something!”
No no no no…
In the labyrinth of The Smiths’s discography, ‘What She Said’ resonates with a particular brand of angst and existential despondency. Written by the maestro of melancholy himself, Morrissey, and set to the chiming guitar backdrop crafted by Johnny Marr, the track from the 1985 album ‘Meat Is Murder’ is a mournful anthem that continues to haunt listeners.
It would be pedestrian to simply label ‘What She Said’ as a somber tune; it is, in fact, an intricate exploration of human despair and the feigned facade of contentment. As we peel back the lyrical layers, we encounter a profound narrative wrapped in the guise of gothic pop.
Dissecting The Cry For Existential Validation
The opening lines of ‘What She Said’ cut through with a raw plea for acknowledgement. ‘How come someone hasn’t noticed that I’m dead’ isn’t just a macabre thought; it’s a call for recognition of existence, a deep-seated fear of being unremarkable and invisible even in one’s demise. The character depicted feels as though they are already figuratively dead, rendering their life inconsequential.
The craving for validation reaches beyond the desire for superficial attention—it’s a yearning for an affirmation of identity, a confirmation that one’s presence actually impacted the world. This unsettled yearning is a timeless sentiment and one that The Smiths encapsulate with piercing precision in their musical storytelling.
The Masquerade of Happiness and the Pangs of Rejection
Deeper into the song, we dive into the theme of feigned happiness in the face of constant rejection. The persona Morrissey portrays speaks to the human condition of masking one’s true feelings. The line ‘To pretend to be happy could only be idiocy’ is not only a reflection of personal disillusionment but also a scathing critique of societal expectations to maintain a cheerful facade.
This tension between authenticity and the manufactured veneer of joy is palpable throughout the song. It speaks volumes about our times, where showing vulnerability is often perceived as a weakness, forcing many to bear their travails in silence and with a forced smile.
A Tattooed Boy from Birkenhead: The Spark of Revelation
Contrary to the initial despair, the lyrics pivot with the introduction of a ‘tattooed boy from Birkenhead’ who serves as the bringer of epiphanies. His appearance in the song represents the unexpected individual that enters one’s life, bringing new perspectives and changing one’s world view.
While the song doesn’t elaborate on the nature of their relationship or exchange, it’s clear that this character plays a crucial role in the protagonist’s journey. Herein lies the strength of The Smiths’ songwriting—leaving enough ambiguity for listeners to see themselves in the lyrics and draw their own life parallels.
Clinging to Vices in the Face of Impending Doom
Perhaps some of the most poignant and candid lines in the song are ‘I smoke ’cause I’m hoping for an early death / And I need to cling to something!’ Here the protagonist openly confronts their self-destructive tendencies not as an act of rebellion, but rather as a desperate bid to feel alive.
This admission is striking in its honesty, presenting a complex character who is acutely aware of their nihilistic desires yet simultaneously seeks something to hold onto, even if it’s harmful. This dual nature of self-awareness and self-destruction is emblematic of Morrissey’s introspective lyricism.
The Irresistible Allure of Notable Quotables
The Smiths have an uncanny ability to craft memorable phrases that resonate deeply with fans, and ‘What She Said’ is replete with such lyrical gems. The existential ache woven throughout the song is poignant, every line an anchor dragging listeners into shared depths of despair and introspection.
These lyrics function as both cries for help and sardonic acceptance of life’s cruel ironies, offering a sense of solidarity to anyone who has felt the chill of existential dread. The song remains a testament to the band’s impact, proving that some of the most profound thoughts can be encapsulated within the confines of a three-minute pop song.
