Meaning of Never Had No One Ever - The Smiths
The Smiths' song "Never Had No One Ever" is a hauntingly beautiful ballad that explores the themes of loneliness and isolation. Written by lead singer Morrissey in 1986, this timeless classic continues to resonate with audiences today. Let's dive into the meaning behind the lyrics and unpack its significance.
The song begins with a line that sets the tone for the entire piece: "When you walk without ease / On these streets where you were raised." This immediately creates an image of someone struggling through their hometown, perhaps feeling out of place or disconnected from their surroundings. The next few lines further explore this theme, as Morrissey sings about a bad dream that lasted over two decades. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's feelings of being stuck in a rut or trapped by circumstances beyond their control.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more poignant and emotional. The repetition of "I'm alone" underscores the sense of isolation and desperation felt by the speaker. They are outside someone else's house, perhaps longing for connection or companionship. But there is a sense of reluctance and hesitancy as well. In the lines "Now I'm outside your house / I'm alone," Morrissey seems to be caught between wanting to be near this person and feeling uncomfortable or out of place.
The chorus, "And I never, ever oh / Had no one ever," is both a statement of fact and a cry for help. The repetition of "never" emphasizes the depth of the speaker's loneliness and longing for connection. It also highlights the sense of despair that comes with feeling disconnected from others. This sentiment is echoed in the final lines of the song, where Morrissey sings, "I never had no one ever / Had no one ever / Never... No // Oh." The repetition here creates a sense of hopelessness and resignation, as if the speaker has come to accept their isolation as an unchangeable fact.
But there is also a glimmer of hope in these lines. The fact that Morrissey sings "never" instead of "no one" suggests that there may be others out there who feel the same way he does. It's a reminder that loneliness and isolation are not uncommon experiences, and that there is solace to be found in connecting with others who understand what we're going through.
In conclusion, "Never Had No One Ever" is a powerful exploration of themes like loneliness, isolation, and longing for connection. Through its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, the song speaks to universal human experiences that continue to resonate with audiences today. Whether you're feeling alone or disconnected from those around you, this song serves as a reminder that we are all in this together, and that there is hope to be found in connecting with others who understand what we're going through.
The song begins with a line that sets the tone for the entire piece: "When you walk without ease / On these streets where you were raised." This immediately creates an image of someone struggling through their hometown, perhaps feeling out of place or disconnected from their surroundings. The next few lines further explore this theme, as Morrissey sings about a bad dream that lasted over two decades. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the speaker's feelings of being stuck in a rut or trapped by circumstances beyond their control.
As the song progresses, the lyrics become more poignant and emotional. The repetition of "I'm alone" underscores the sense of isolation and desperation felt by the speaker. They are outside someone else's house, perhaps longing for connection or companionship. But there is a sense of reluctance and hesitancy as well. In the lines "Now I'm outside your house / I'm alone," Morrissey seems to be caught between wanting to be near this person and feeling uncomfortable or out of place.
The chorus, "And I never, ever oh / Had no one ever," is both a statement of fact and a cry for help. The repetition of "never" emphasizes the depth of the speaker's loneliness and longing for connection. It also highlights the sense of despair that comes with feeling disconnected from others. This sentiment is echoed in the final lines of the song, where Morrissey sings, "I never had no one ever / Had no one ever / Never... No // Oh." The repetition here creates a sense of hopelessness and resignation, as if the speaker has come to accept their isolation as an unchangeable fact.
But there is also a glimmer of hope in these lines. The fact that Morrissey sings "never" instead of "no one" suggests that there may be others out there who feel the same way he does. It's a reminder that loneliness and isolation are not uncommon experiences, and that there is solace to be found in connecting with others who understand what we're going through.
In conclusion, "Never Had No One Ever" is a powerful exploration of themes like loneliness, isolation, and longing for connection. Through its haunting melody and poignant lyrics, the song speaks to universal human experiences that continue to resonate with audiences today. Whether you're feeling alone or disconnected from those around you, this song serves as a reminder that we are all in this together, and that there is hope to be found in connecting with others who understand what we're going through.
