Pretty Girls Make Graves
The Smiths
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Upon the sand, upon the bay "There is a quick and easy way" you say Before you illustrate I'd rather state : "I'm not the man you think I am I'm not the man you think I am" And sorrow's native son He will not smile for anyone And pretty girls make graves Oh... End of the pier, end of the bay You tug my arm, and say : "give in to lust, Give up to lust, oh heaven knows we'll Soon be dust... " Oh, I'm not the man you think I am I'm not the man you think I am And sorrow's native son He will not rise for anyone And pretty girls make graves Oh really ? Oh... I could have been wild and I could have Been free But nature played this trick on me She wants it now And she will not wait But she's too rough And I'm too delicate Then, on the sand Another man, he takes her hand A smile lights up her stupid face (and well, it would) I lost my faith in womanhood I lost my faith in womanhood I lost my faith... Oh... Hand in glove... The sun shines out of our behinds... Oh...
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Written by: STEVEN MORRISSEY, JOHNNY MARR
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Release Date"Pretty Girls Make Graves" was originally released by The Smiths within their debut self-titled album, "The Smiths," on February 20, 1984. It was also included in their compilation album "Hatful of Hollow," released in November 1984.
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InspirationThe track's title, "Pretty Girls Make Graves," is borrowed from Jack Kerouac's novel "Dharma Bums." Its lyrical content reveals Morrissey's strong literary influences.
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Song MeaningThe song is about the internal struggle of the singer (Morrissey) set against societal expectations of sexuality. He ponders the difficulties posed due to the societal pressure of being a man.
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Band MembersThe song features Morrissey on vocals, Johnny Marr on guitar and harmonica, Andy Rourke on bass guitar, and Mike Joyce on drums.
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Writing CreditsAs with most songs by The Smiths, the lyrics of "Pretty Girls Make Graves" were penned by lead vocalist Morrissey, with the music composed by guitarist Johnny Marr.
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Musical StyleThe track is a blend of post-punk and indie rock, a style that The Smiths is well-known for. It also features Johnny Marr’s jangly, Byrds-inspired guitar playing, which became a defining element of The Smiths' sound.
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Emotional Content"Pretty Girls Make Graves" stands out due to its emotionally complex lyrics, rife with themes of desire, guilt, and celibacy, narrated with Morrissey's disarming honesty.
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ReceptionDespite not being released as a single, the song remains a fan favorite and is considered a pivotal track within The Smiths discography.
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Live Performances"Pretty Girls Make Graves" featured heavily in The Smiths' live performances, especially in their earlier shows around the mid-1980s.
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LegacyThe song's title later inspired the name of an American indie rock band from Seattle, proof of the far-reaching influence and enduring appeal of The Smiths' music.
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