Meaning of This Night Has Opened My Eyes - The Smiths
In the song "This Night Has Opened My Eyes" by The Smiths, lead singer Morrissey paints a vivid picture with his lyrics that leaves listeners pondering over its meaning. The song is filled with metaphors and imagery that are both haunting and thought-provoking. In this article, we will explore the meaning behind these lyrics and provide examples to help our readers better understand the message of the song.
The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, as Morrissey describes a river "the color of lead" which immediately brings to mind images of pollution and despair. The mention of immersing a baby's head in this river is both shocking and disturbing, as it suggests that this act could potentially harm or even endanger the child's life.
The following lines continue to build upon this sense of danger and uncertainty, as Morrissey describes wrapping the child in the News Of The World, a tabloid known for its sensationalism and scandal-mongering, and then leaving her on a doorstep. This act is both cruel and irresponsible, as it leaves the baby's fate uncertain and puts her at risk of harm.
The chorus of the song, "Save your life / Because you've only got one," serves as a stark reminder that life is fragile and precious, and that every decision we make has the potential to change its course irrevocably. Morrissey's message here is clear: we must be careful in our actions, as they can have significant consequences for ourselves and others around us.
The second verse of the song introduces a new character, a man who claims he can cure the baby's ills but ultimately fails to do so. This figure represents the many people in life who promise us solutions to our problems but are unable or unwilling to deliver on their promises. Morrissey's message here is that we must be wary of such figures and not rely too heavily on them, as they may lead us down a path of disappointment and heartache.
The final lines of the song return to the image of a child swinging in the park, which serves as a powerful metaphor for the innocence and purity that we all possess at birth. Morrissey's message here is that we must hold onto this innate goodness and not let it be taken away by the harsh realities of life. The repetition of the chorus in the final lines reinforces this message, as Morrissey urges us to save our lives and cherish the preciousness of existence.
In conclusion, "This Night Has Opened My Eyes" is a poignant and thought-provoking song that explores themes of danger, innocence, and responsibility. Through its use of metaphor and imagery, Morrissey invites us to reflect on our own lives and the choices we make, urging us to be careful in our actions and to hold onto the goodness within us. As we continue to navigate through life's ups and downs, may we remember these lessons and strive to live a life that is both responsible and kind.
The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the song, as Morrissey describes a river "the color of lead" which immediately brings to mind images of pollution and despair. The mention of immersing a baby's head in this river is both shocking and disturbing, as it suggests that this act could potentially harm or even endanger the child's life.
The following lines continue to build upon this sense of danger and uncertainty, as Morrissey describes wrapping the child in the News Of The World, a tabloid known for its sensationalism and scandal-mongering, and then leaving her on a doorstep. This act is both cruel and irresponsible, as it leaves the baby's fate uncertain and puts her at risk of harm.
The chorus of the song, "Save your life / Because you've only got one," serves as a stark reminder that life is fragile and precious, and that every decision we make has the potential to change its course irrevocably. Morrissey's message here is clear: we must be careful in our actions, as they can have significant consequences for ourselves and others around us.
The second verse of the song introduces a new character, a man who claims he can cure the baby's ills but ultimately fails to do so. This figure represents the many people in life who promise us solutions to our problems but are unable or unwilling to deliver on their promises. Morrissey's message here is that we must be wary of such figures and not rely too heavily on them, as they may lead us down a path of disappointment and heartache.
The final lines of the song return to the image of a child swinging in the park, which serves as a powerful metaphor for the innocence and purity that we all possess at birth. Morrissey's message here is that we must hold onto this innate goodness and not let it be taken away by the harsh realities of life. The repetition of the chorus in the final lines reinforces this message, as Morrissey urges us to save our lives and cherish the preciousness of existence.
In conclusion, "This Night Has Opened My Eyes" is a poignant and thought-provoking song that explores themes of danger, innocence, and responsibility. Through its use of metaphor and imagery, Morrissey invites us to reflect on our own lives and the choices we make, urging us to be careful in our actions and to hold onto the goodness within us. As we continue to navigate through life's ups and downs, may we remember these lessons and strive to live a life that is both responsible and kind.
