The Smiths’ song “There is a Light That Never Goes Out” is one of the most iconic and beloved tracks of the 1980s. Written by the band’s frontman, Morrissey, the song’s lyrics and melody have become a symbol of hope and love for many. Here, we explore the story behind the track and the lasting impact it has had on Smiths’ fans and music listeners around the world.
The Story Behind “There is a Light That Never Goes Out”
The song was first released in 1986 on The Smiths’ third studio album, The Queen Is Dead. Morrissey wrote the lyrics to “There is a Light That Never Goes Out” while in a taxi on the way to the studio. The song is thought to be inspired by a line in a play written by British playwright Alan Bennett. The play, entitled ‘Enjoy’, features a character saying “There must be a place that’s warm and dry”, which is a line echoed in the Smiths’ track.
The lyrics of the song reflect a sense of longing and loneliness, with Morrissey singing “Take me out tonight/Where there’s music and there’s people/And they’re young and alive”. The chorus of the song is a powerful message of hope and optimism, with Morrissey singing “And if a double-decker bus/Crashes into us/To die by your side/Is such a heavenly way to die”.
The track has been praised for its beautiful melody, with the song’s guitar riff being one of the most recognizable in the Smiths’ discography. The song was a fan favourite when performed live, with Morrissey often dedicating it to the audience with a heartfelt message.
The Smiths and the Lasting Impact of the Song
“There is a Light That Never Goes Out” is one of the most beloved songs of the Smiths’ discography and has had a lasting impact on the band’s fans and music listeners around the world. The song has been covered by multiple artists, including Spanish singer Alejandro Sanz and American rock band My Chemical Romance.
The song was featured in the film adaptation of the novel ‘High Fidelity’, with the film’s protagonist, Rob, citing the song as a favourite. The track has also been featured in multiple television shows, including
