Sweet and Tender Hooligan
The Smiths
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He was a sweet and tender hooligan, hooligan And he said that he'd never, never do it again And of course he won't (oh, not until the next time) He was a sweet and tender hooligan, hooligan And he swore that he'll never, never do it again And of course he won't (oh, not until the next time) Poor old man He had an "accident" with a three-bar fire But that's o.k. Because he wasn't very happy anyway Poor woman Strangled in her very own bed as she read But that's o.k. Because she was old and she would have died anyway Don't blame The sweet and tender hooligan, hooligan Because he'll never, never, never, never, never, never do it again (not until the next time) Jury, you've heard every word So before you decide Would you look into those "mother me" eyes I love you for you, my love, you my love You my love, you my love Jury, you've heard every word But before you decide Would you 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, hooligan Because he'll never, never do it again And... "In the midst of life we are in death etc." Don't forget the hooligan, hooligan Because he'll never, never do it again And... "In the midst of life we are in death etc." Etc! etc! etc! etc! In the midst of life we are in death etc! Etc! etc! etc! etc! In the midst of life we are in debt etc! Just will you free me? Will you find me? Will you free me? Will you find me? Will you free me, free me, free me, free me, free me, free me, free me? Jury will you free me? Will you find me? Will you free me? Will you find me? How will you find me, find me, find me, find me, find me, find me, find me? Oh etc! etc! etc! etc! etc! etc! Etc! etc! etc! etc! In the midst of life we are in debt etc! Oh...oh...
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: STEVEN MORRISSEY, JOHNNY MARR
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
14 facts about this song
Background"Sweet and Tender Hooligan" is a song by the English rock band The Smiths, sung by Morrissey, one of the most iconic and influential figures in alternative rock.
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Unreleased TrackInitially, the song was not released on any of The Smiths' studio albums.
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First AppearanceIt first appeared on the U.K. compilation album "The World Won't Listen" and the U.S. compilation album "Louder Than Bombs," both released in 1987.
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Written ByThe song was written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, who were the band's principal songwriters.
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Song Genre"Sweet and Tender Hooligan" is considered indie rock and jangle pop, genres typical of The Smiths' music.
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Live PerformancesDespite its non-appearance on a studio album, the song was performed live by The Smiths and has been covered by Morrissey in his solo career.
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Cultural ImpactThe song's title has been used as the name of a tribute band, underlining the cultural impact of The Smiths and their music.
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InspirationsMany of Morrissey's lyrics are inspired by real events and literature, although it's unclear whether "Sweet and Tender Hooligan" is based on a specific incident or book.
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Song MeaningThe song tells a loosely narrative story about a hooligan who commits crimes but asserts his innocence, which can be interpreted as a metaphor for societal expectations and prejudices.
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Rare RecordingThe studio recording of "Sweet and Tender Hooligan" made for the John Peel show on BBC One is one of the few Smiths songs to feature a solo by bassist Andy Rourke.
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Cover VersionsSeveral artists have covered "Sweet and Tender Hooligan," including the American punk rock band Superchunk and the English alternative rock band James.
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Television Series FeatureThe song was used in a scene of the U.S. TV series "Charmed," increasing its exposure to a wider audience.
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Film References"Sweet and Tender Hooligan" was also featured in the movie "The Wedding Singer," adding to the song's popular culture references.
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Album ArtworkThe cover art for the "The World Won't Listen" compilation, where the song first appeared, was designed by Morrissey himself. The cover featured British actor Richard Bradford - a motif of The Smiths using cultural icons for their album covers.
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Citation
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