Shoplifters of the World Unite
The Smiths
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Learn to love me Assemble the ways Now, today, tomorrow and always My only weakness is a list of crime My only weakness is well, never mind, never mind Oh, shoplifters of the world Unite and take over Shoplifters of the world Hand it over Hand it over Hand it over Learn to love me And assemble the ways Now, today, tomorrow, and always My only weakness is a listed crime But last night the plans of a future war Was all I saw on Channel Four Shoplifters of the world Unite and take over Shoplifters of the world Hand it over Hand it over Hand it over A heartless hand on my shoulder A push and it's over Alabaster crashes down (Six months is a long time) Tried living in the real world Instead of a shell But before I began I was bored before I even began Shoplifters of the world Unite and take over Shoplifters of the world Unite and take over Shoplifters of the world Unite and take over Shoplifters of the world Take over
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Written by: JOHNNY MARR, STEVEN PATRICK MORRISSEY
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
13 facts about this song
Song Origin"Shoplifters of the World Unite" is a song by the English rock band "The Smiths". It was released as a single in January 1987 and reached No. 12 on the UK Singles Chart.
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Album InclusionDespite being one of their biggest hits, "Shoplifters of the World Unite" was not included in an original studio album. It was, however, featured in the compilation albums "The World Won't Listen" and "Louder Than Bombs".
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Lyrics ControversyThe song's lyrics, written by lead singer Morrissey, sparked controversy due to their apparent endorsement of shoplifting which led to some misinterpretations and backlash.
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Inspiration Behind LyricsMorrissey, the lyricist and vocalist of The Smiths, often claimed that the lyrics have a deeper meaning and take inspiration from his teenage years spent as a social misfit in Manchester.
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Song Title's OriginThe song title "Shoplifters of the World Unite" is a pun on Karl Marx’s phrase “Workers of the world, unite!” and was designed to illustrate a rallying call for the marginalized and misunderstood.
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Current RatingThe song is highly rated today, appearing frequently in Best Of The Smiths song lists, and is considered a classic amongst the band’s fanbase.
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Cover Versions"Shoplifters of the World Unite" has been covered by various artists including David Johansen, Tanya Donelly, Colin Meloy, and Supergrass.
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Song's InfluenceThe song had enough cultural influence that an indie movie with the same name "Shoplifters of the World", inspired by an urban legend regarding The Smiths, was released in 2021.
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Side B TracksThe B-sides of the "Shoplifters of the World Unite" single release were "Half a Person" and "London".
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Song’s ReceptionIn a retrospective review, AllMusic critic Stephen Thomas Erlewine praised the "sense of outrage" in "Shoplifters of the World Unite" and called the song one of The Smiths' "great" singles.
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Musical StyleThe song's musical style continues the use of British Invasion rock and post-punk guitar pop, which The Smiths were famous for. It displays the band’s signature guitar jangle and Morrissey’s witty and satirical lyricism.
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Song LengthDespite its popularity, "Shoplifters of the World Unite" is relatively short, with the official song length being just 2 minutes and 57 seconds.
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The Smiths’ Line upWhen "Shoplifters of the World Unite" was released, The Smiths consisted of Morrissey (vocals), Johnny Marr (guitars, keyboard), Andy Rourke (bass), and Mike Joyce (drums).
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Citation
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"Shoplifters of the World Unite Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 16 Apr. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4691459/The+Smiths/Shoplifters+of+the+World+Unite>.
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