"Bigmouth Strikes Again" is a defining single by The Smiths, released on May 22, 1986, as the lead single from their landmark third album, The Queen Is Dead. Written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, the song is celebrated for its biting wit, energetic guitar work, and enduring influence on alternative and indie rock1234.
Musical Style and Composition
The track is driven by Johnny Marr's brash, Stones-inspired guitar riff—he aimed for a rush similar to The Rolling Stones’ "Jumpin’ Jack Flash"—and a relentless, upbeat tempo14. Marr wrote the riff during a 1985 soundcheck, and the song was recorded later that year with Morrissey and Marr producing, and Stephen Street engineering25. The backing vocals, credited to "Ann Coates" (a play on Manchester’s Ancoats district), are actually Morrissey himself, processed through a harmonizer after Kirsty MacColl’s contributions were set aside24.
Lyrics and Themes
Morrissey's lyrics are a masterclass in self-deprecating humor and irony, reflecting his frustrations with the music industry and the media’s tendency to twist his words1647. The song opens with the narrator assuring a loved one he was "only joking" about violent threats, then pivots to a famous comparison:
"And now I know how Joan of Arc felt / As the flames rose to her Roman nose / And her Walkman started to melt"37.
This absurd juxtaposition of martyrdom and modernity typifies Morrissey’s style, using historical and contemporary references to highlight feelings of persecution and misunderstanding—particularly by the press647. The chorus, repeating "Bigmouth strikes again," is a wry acknowledgment of the trouble caused by speaking out, and the alienation that follows37.
Cultural Impact and Reception
Though it peaked at No. 26 on the UK Singles Chart, "Bigmouth Strikes Again" has become one of The Smiths' most beloved and critically acclaimed songs, often ranked among their very best by publications like Billboard, NME, and Rolling Stone12. Its blend of sharp lyricism and jangly, urgent guitar has influenced generations of indie and alternative bands164.
Key Facts Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | The Smiths |
| Album | The Queen Is Dead (1986) |
| Release Date | 22 May 1986 |
| Writers | Morrissey, Johnny Marr |
| Producer(s) | Morrissey, Johnny Marr |
| Chart Peak (UK) | No. 26 |
| Notable B-sides | "Money Changes Everything", "Unloveable" |
| Notable Lyric | "And now I know how Joan of Arc felt..." |
| Legacy | Indie rock classic, critical favorite |
Summary
"Bigmouth Strikes Again" endures as a witty, self-aware anthem of frustration and alienation, pairing Morrissey's sardonic lyricism with Marr's electrifying guitar work. Its humor, historical allusions, and melodic rush encapsulate The Smiths at their creative peak, making it a cornerstone of alternative music123647.
