Shakespeare's Sister

The Smiths

About Shakespeare's Sister

"Shakespeare's Sister" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths. Released in March 1985, it reached No. 26 in the UK Singles Chart. It is also featured on the compilation albums Louder Than Bombs and The World Won't Listen.


Year:
1987
2:08
77 

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

Young bones groan, and the rocks below say
"Throw your skinny body down, son"

But I'm going to meet the one I love
So please don't stand in my way
Because I'm going to meet the one I love
No, mama, let me go

Young bones groan and the rocks below say
"Throw your white body down"

But I'm going to meet the one I love
At last, at last, at last!
I'm going to meet the one I love
La-de-da, la-de-da
No, mama, let me go
No, no, no, no, no, no

I thought that if you had an acoustic guitar
Then it meant that you were
A protest singer
Oh, I can smile about it now
But at the time it was terrible
No, mama, let me go
No, no, no, no, no, no

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


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 Creation
"Shakespeare's Sister" was released by The Smiths, an English rock band, in 1985. The song did not appear on any of the band's original albums, but is often included in compilations.
Band Members
The song was written by The Smiths' vocalist Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, who were the main songwriting team for the band.
Song Title
"Shakespeare's Sister" was not about William Shakespeare's actual sister. The song title was borrowed from an essay by the British author Virginia Woolf, which is often used in feminist writings.
Chart Performance
The song peaked at No.26 on the British charts which was not as successful as their previous songs.
Musicality
The song is noted for its aggressive guitar play by Johnny Marr and Morrissey’s melodic vocal styling. It is generally regarded as a departure from The Smiths' usual sound, given its high energy levels.
Music Video
The music video for "Shakespeare's Sister" features Morrissey and his band members performing in what appears to be a dark and abandoned building. The video is filmed in black and white.
Record Label
The single "Shakespeare's Sister" was released under the record label 'Rough Trade', which was instrumental in promoting independent bands during the 80s.
Cover Art
The cover of the "Shakespeare's Sister" single features an image of actress Patricia Phoenix, who was known for her role in the long-running British soap opera "Coronation Street".
B-side Track
The B-side track of "Shakespeare's Sister" is a song titled "What She Said". This track later appeared on the band’s second studio album, "Meat is Murder".
Live Performances
Despite the song's relative lack of commercial success, "Shakespeare's Sister" was a concert staple for The Smiths, and they performed it live multiple times.
Contemporary Receptions
Over time, "Shakespeare's Sister" has received greater critical acclaim and is now regarded as a classic example of The Smiths' unique sound and lyrical ingenuity.

Discuss the Shakespeare's Sister Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Shakespeare's Sister Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/830117/The+Smiths/Shakespeare%27s+Sister>.

    Missing lyrics by The Smiths?

    Know any other songs by The Smiths? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Shakespeare's Sister

    58,859
    1,201     13

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    "Scaramouche, Scaramouche, can you do the fandango…"
    A Queen - Bohemian Rhapsody
    B Natasha Bedingfield - Unwritten
    C The Beach Boys - I Get Around
    D Foo Fighters – Times Like These

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    The Smiths tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!