Meaning of Bigmouth Strikes Again - The Smiths
The Smiths’ song ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’ is a classic that has captivated audiences for decades. While it may seem like a lighthearted jab at a chatterbox, upon closer inspection, the lyrics reveal deeper meaning and symbolism. In this article, we’ll explore the hidden messages behind the song and how they relate to our own lives.
Let's start with the opening lines: "Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking when I said/I’d like to smash every tooth in your head." This initial statement may sound aggressive, but it actually serves as a metaphor for confronting someone's over-the-top personality. The singer is saying that they were exaggerating their annoyance and didn't intend to physically harm the person. However, it highlights how exasperating it can be when someone constantly speaks without thinking.
The second verse is where the symbolism really begins to take shape. "And now I know how Joan of Arc felt/Now I know how Joan of Arc felt," Morrissey sings as flames engulf Joan's 'Roman nose.' This image represents the feeling of being overwhelmed by a situation, much like how Joan of Arc may have felt during her trial and execution. The melting Walkman is a symbol for the inability to escape from noise and constant chatter. We can all relate to this sentiment; we’ve all been in situations where we just want some peace and quiet, but the sound of someone's voice won't stop ringing in our ears.
The repetition of "Bigmouth" throughout the song is a direct reference to someone who talks excessively. However, the singer's realization that they themselves are "no right to take [their] place/With the human race" speaks to our own insecurities. It suggests that everyone has something to contribute, and it’s important not to be too critical or dismissive of others' opinions.
The chorus, where Morrissey sings "Bigmouth strikes again," can be interpreted as a warning against overconfidence and arrogance. The line "And I’ve got no right to take my place/With the human race" highlights our own insecurities and self-doubt. We're all guilty of feeling like we don't belong or that our opinions aren't valid, but this song encourages us to embrace our unique perspectives and contributions.
The final lines, "Bigmouth oh-ho-ho, ha ha, Bigmouth la-da-da-da/Bigmouth strikes again," are a call to action against excessive talking. It’s a reminder that we should all strive to be more mindful of our communication habits and consider the impact our words have on others.
In conclusion, ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’ is not just a fun pop song but also a thought-provoking commentary on communication and self-reflection. Its lyrics are full of hidden meanings that speak to universal themes such as insecurity, arrogance, and the importance of listening and being mindful of our words. The next time you find yourself talking too much or dismissing someone else's opinion, take a moment to reflect on Morrissey's message and strive to be a better communicator. After all, as Joan of Arc once said (or sang), "I was only joking when I said…"
Let's start with the opening lines: "Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking when I said/I’d like to smash every tooth in your head." This initial statement may sound aggressive, but it actually serves as a metaphor for confronting someone's over-the-top personality. The singer is saying that they were exaggerating their annoyance and didn't intend to physically harm the person. However, it highlights how exasperating it can be when someone constantly speaks without thinking.
The second verse is where the symbolism really begins to take shape. "And now I know how Joan of Arc felt/Now I know how Joan of Arc felt," Morrissey sings as flames engulf Joan's 'Roman nose.' This image represents the feeling of being overwhelmed by a situation, much like how Joan of Arc may have felt during her trial and execution. The melting Walkman is a symbol for the inability to escape from noise and constant chatter. We can all relate to this sentiment; we’ve all been in situations where we just want some peace and quiet, but the sound of someone's voice won't stop ringing in our ears.
The repetition of "Bigmouth" throughout the song is a direct reference to someone who talks excessively. However, the singer's realization that they themselves are "no right to take [their] place/With the human race" speaks to our own insecurities. It suggests that everyone has something to contribute, and it’s important not to be too critical or dismissive of others' opinions.
The chorus, where Morrissey sings "Bigmouth strikes again," can be interpreted as a warning against overconfidence and arrogance. The line "And I’ve got no right to take my place/With the human race" highlights our own insecurities and self-doubt. We're all guilty of feeling like we don't belong or that our opinions aren't valid, but this song encourages us to embrace our unique perspectives and contributions.
The final lines, "Bigmouth oh-ho-ho, ha ha, Bigmouth la-da-da-da/Bigmouth strikes again," are a call to action against excessive talking. It’s a reminder that we should all strive to be more mindful of our communication habits and consider the impact our words have on others.
In conclusion, ‘Bigmouth Strikes Again’ is not just a fun pop song but also a thought-provoking commentary on communication and self-reflection. Its lyrics are full of hidden meanings that speak to universal themes such as insecurity, arrogance, and the importance of listening and being mindful of our words. The next time you find yourself talking too much or dismissing someone else's opinion, take a moment to reflect on Morrissey's message and strive to be a better communicator. After all, as Joan of Arc once said (or sang), "I was only joking when I said…"
