How Soon Is Now?

The Smiths

About How Soon Is Now?

"How Soon Is Now?" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths, written by singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr. Originally a B-side of the 1984 single "William, It Was Really Nothing", "How Soon Is Now?" was subsequently featured on the compilation album Hatful of Hollow and on US, Canadian, Australian, and Warner UK editions of Meat Is Murder. Belatedly released as a single in the UK in 1985, it reached No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart. When re-released in 1992, it reached No. 16. In 2007, Marr said "How Soon Is Now?" is "possibly [the Smiths'] most enduring record. It's most people's favourite, I think." Despite its prominent place in the Smiths' repertoire, it is not generally considered to be representative of the band's style. Although a club favourite, it did not chart as well as expected. Most commentators put this down to the fact that the song had been out on vinyl in a number of forms before being released as a single in its own right. The original track runs for nearly seven minutes; the 7" single edit cut the length down to under four minutes. The complete version is generally used on compilations. 


Year:
2001
6:46
29 

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I am the son
And the heir
Of a shyness that is criminally vulgar
I am the son and heir
Of nothing in particular

You shut your mouth
How can you say
I go about things the wrong way?
I am human and I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does

I am the son
And the heir
Of a shyness that is criminally vulgar
I am the son and heir
Of nothing in particular

You shut your mouth
How can you say
I go about things the wrong way?
I am human and I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does

There's a club if you'd like to go
You could meet somebody who really loves you
So you go and you stand on your own
And you leave on your own
And you go home and you cry
And you want to die

When you say it's gonna happen "now"
Well when exactly do you mean?
See I've already waited too long
And all my hope is gone

You shut your mouth
How can you say
I go about things the wrong way?
I am human and I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does

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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: Johnny Marr, Steven Patrick Morrissey

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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


3 facts about this song

The Smiths" Version
1. "How Soon Is Now?" was originally a B-side track: The song was first released as a B-side to the 1984 single "William, It Was Really Nothing" by English rock band, The Smiths. 2. Johnny Marr's unique guitar sound: Marr achieved the unique sliding guitar effect using a nurturing technique where the strings are vibrated along with the amplifier tremolo. 3. Immensely popular despite a slow start: Although it wasn't initially a commercial hit, "How Soon Is Now?" is now recognized as one of The Smiths' most famous songs, often featured on greatest hits compilations. 4. Not originally included in album: Interestingly, this song was not originally included on "Meat Is Murder", The Smiths' second studio album. However, it was added to the U.S. release and subsequent UK reissues. 5. Inspirations and Symbolism: Morrissey used the song to express feelings of social alienation, taking inspiration from lines in books and exploring themes like the fragility of human relationships and the torment of existence.
Love Spit Love" Version
6. Featured on the soundtrack for "The Craft": The cover version by American alternative rock band Love Spit Love was used in the 1996 film "The Craft", sparking renewed interest in the song. 7. Used as theme song for a popular TV show: Love Spit Love's version of "How Soon Is Now?" was also used as the theme song for the WB’s hit supernatural drama series "Charmed". 8. Music Video reference to “The Craft”: The music video for Love Spit Love's version connected to "The Craft", showing scenes from the movie.
Morrissey" Solo version
9. Morrissey's live performances: After The Smiths disbanded, Morrissey has included "How Soon Is Now?" in his solo setlists, testifying to its enduring popularity and relevance. 10. Collaborations: While performing this song live as a solo artist, Morrissey has collaborated with musicians like Chrissie Hynde of The Pretenders and Boz Boorer, his long-term writing partner. 11. New Lyrics in Live Performance: Occasionally in live performances, Morrissey has been known to alter the song's original lyrics, demonstrating his continued personal connection to the content of the song.

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