#27 What diff’rence does it make

#27 What difference does it make – The Smiths

The first track from the Smiths which has belatedly crept into the top 100. The Smiths have been a huge influence on the UK, starting in the 80’s then through to the 90’s and continuing to this day. Guitarists from Blur, Oasis and Stone Roses all cite Johnny Marr as being a heavy influence – all bands which successfully transliterated the melancholy of the Smiths into the upbeat commercial jingle-jangle of 90’s Britpop. There are have also been several other less successful bands who were influenced by the Smiths (in particular Morrissey’s lyrics): James, Cranberries, Belles & Sebastian and even a clutch of bands who named themselves after Smiths’s song (Shakespeare’s Sister ++).

Naturally enough, such an influential band weren’t that successful commercially in terms of chart placings – although they did alright – but they had (and still have)  a huge cult following;
gigs were always packed out and the fans went all the way (and if the particularly nasty post-band court case is anything to go by, they coined it in no uncertain manner).

I don’t know what Morrissey has against this track; it’s one of my favourites – hence it’s here. If you happen to have a copy of the single with the cover pictured here, look after it – it’s worth a bit. This is Morrissey doing his best Terrence Stamp impression (the milk replacing the chloroform). I’m sure everyone’s read the book and/or seen the movie, so you’ll know what it’s all about.

Lyrics

All men have secrets and here is mine so let it be known
we have been through hell and high tide
I can surely rely on you
and yet you start to recoil
heavy words are so lightly thrown
but I’d still leap in front of a flying bullet for you

 

... supposedly in Paris - recognise it?

 

So what difference does it make?
so what difference does it make?
it makes none, but now you have gone
and you must be looking very old tonight

The devil will find work for idle hands to do
I stole and I lied, and why? because you asked me to
but now you make me feel so ashamed
because I’ve only got two hands
well, I’m still fond of you

So what difference does it make?
so what difference does it make?
it makes none, but now you have gone
and your prejudice won’t keep you warm tonight

Oh the devil will find work for idle hands to do
I stole and then I lied just because you asked me to
but now you know the truth about me
you won’t see me anymore
well, I’m still fond of you

But no more apologies
no more apologies
I’m too tired, I’m so very tired
and I’m feeling very sick and ill today
but I’m still fond of you