Bigmouth Strikes Again

The Smiths

About Bigmouth Strikes Again

"Bigmouth Strikes Again" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths. It appears on their third album The Queen Is Dead and was the lead single from the album, reaching No. 26 in the UK Singles Chart. It is also the closing song on the band's only live album, Rank.


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Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking
When I said I'd like to smash every tooth
In your head
Oh 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

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
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
As the flames rose to her Roman nose
And her hearing aid started to melt

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
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

Bigmouth, oh oh oh oh, 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
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

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The Smiths

The Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of vocalist Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, the band also included bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce. Critics have called them the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s. The group was signed to the independent record label Rough Trade Records, on which they released four studio albums, several compilations, and numerous non-LP singles. Although they had limited commercial success outside the UK while they were still together, and never released a single that charted higher than number 10 in their home country, The Smiths won a significant following, and remain cult an… more »

4 fans

Written by: Steven Morrissey, Johnny Marr

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Artist History
"Bigmouth Strikes Again" is a song by the British indie rock band The Smiths. The band was formed in 1982 and comprises of Morrissey, Johnny Marr, Andy Rourke, and Mike Joyce.
Album Details
This song is from their third studio album called "The Queen Is Dead," which was released in June 1986.
Song Ranking
"Bigmouth Strikes Again" reached no. 26 on the UK Singles Chart. Despite not reaching the top 10, it is considered by fans and critics as one of The Smiths' best songs.
Multiple Interpretations
The song can be interpreted in several ways. Some believe it is about a person in a position of power who speaks their mind, while others see it as a critique on censorship.
Lyrics Controversy
The lyrics of "Bigmouth Strikes Again," which reference the burning of Joan of Arc, stirred controversy. However, Morrissey, the lyricist, is known for his tongue-in-cheek writing style.
Legacy
The song has left quite a legacy, and other artists have covered it in their performances. Notably, Placebo has played it at live concerts.
Music Video
Though The Smiths often avoided making promotional videos, an unofficial music video featuring the band's performance of the song on a popular UK TV show now exists.
Solo Performances
Even after the band's split, Morrissey continued to perform "Bigmouth Strikes Again" during his solo shows.
Influential Sound
The unique alternation between major and minor chords in the song is said to have heavily influenced the "Britpop" sound of the 90s.
Recording Process
Johnny Marr is quoted in saying that he had to spend more than twenty hours recording the guitar parts for the album "The Queen Is Dead," and "Bigmouth Strikes Again" was one of the most time-consuming songs.
Unique Sound
The high-pitched backing vocals on the song were in fact Morrissey's own voice but sped up to create a unique sound.
Cultural Reference
The song was featured in John Hughes' movie "She's Having A Baby" starring Kevin Bacon.
Enduring Popularity
Decades after its release, "Bigmouth Strikes Again" is still considered a fan favorite and often played on alternative rock radio stations.

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