Barbarism Begins at Home

The Smiths

About Barbarism Begins at Home

"Barbarism Begins at Home" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths. Featured on the February 1985 album Meat Is Murder, it was given an initial limited release in Germany and Italy in April 1985 but was not released as a single in the UK until 1988. It is known for Andy Rourke's funk-inspired repetitive bassline synced with Johnny Marr's funk riff, with few alterations during the track.


Year:
1985
6:55
188 
#2

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Unruly boys
Who will not grow up
Must be taken in hand
Unruly girls
Who will not settle down
They must be taken in hand

A crack on the head
Is what you get for not asking
And a crack on the head
Is what you get for asking

Unruly boys
Who will not grow up
Must be taken in hand
Unruly girls
Who will not settle down
They must be taken in hand

A crack on the head
Is what you get for not asking
And a crack on the head
Is what you get for asking

No...a crack on the head
Is what you get for not asking
And a crack on the head
Is what you get for asking

A crack on the head
Is just what you get
Why? Because of who you are!
And a crack on the head
Is just what you get
Why? Because of what you are!
A crack on the head
Because of :
Those things you said
Things you said
The things you did

Unruly boys
Who will not grow
Must be taken in hand
Unruly girls
Who will not grow
They must be taken in hand
Ah...oh, no...oh, no
Ah...oh, no...oh, no
No...no, no, no
No...no, no

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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


11 facts about this song

Song Composition
"Barbarism Begins at Home" is penned by the group's lead vocalist and lyricist, Morrissey, and guitarist, Johnny Marr, establishing their signature songwriting partnership.
Release Information
The song is part of The Smiths' second album, "Meat is Murder," released on February 11, 1985.
Musical Style
This song is renowned for its funk-style bassline which strays away from The Smiths' usual indie pop sound.
Song Duration
"Barbarism Begins at Home" stands out for being one of The Smiths' longest recorded songs, with a running time of over 6 minutes.
Song Content
The lyrics describe corporal punishment at home, aligning with the album's overall theme about the abuse of power and individual rights.
Chart Performance
Despite not being released as a single in the UK, it reached No. 57 in the New Zealand singles chart in July 1985.
Live Performances
It was often played live by The Smiths and featured extended instrumental breaks showcasing the bassline.
Remix Version
The song was slightly remixed in 1988 for the compilation album "The World Won't Listen," shortening the track to 4:59 minutes.
Music Video
The official music video features a live performance of the song at the Assembly Rooms in Derby, England, in 1983.
Unique Interpretations
Morrissey, known for his dramatic onstage performances, often made a whip-cracking motion during live performances of this track, further underscoring the song's themes.
Cover Versions
Several artists have covered "Barbarism Begins at Home", including French band Nouvelle Vague who included the song in their second studio album, Bande à Part.

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