The Smiths — Bigmouth Strikes Again
Album: The Queen Is DeadAvg rating:
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Total ratings: 3811
Length: 3:07
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Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking
When I said I'd like to smash every tooth
In your head
Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking
When I said by rights you should be
Bludgeoned in your bed
And now I know how Joan of Arc felt
Now I know how Joan of Arc felt
As the flames rose to her Roman nose
And her walkman started to melt
Bigmouth
Bigmouth
Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race
Bigmouth
Bigmouth
Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race
And now I know how Joan of Arc felt
Now I know how Joan of Arc felt
As the flames rose to her Roman nose
And her hearing aid started to melt
Bigmouth
Bigmouth
Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race
Bigmouth
Bigmouth
Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race
Bigmouth
Bigmouth
Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race
Bigmouth
Bigmouth
Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race
When I said I'd like to smash every tooth
In your head
Sweetness, sweetness I was only joking
When I said by rights you should be
Bludgeoned in your bed
And now I know how Joan of Arc felt
Now I know how Joan of Arc felt
As the flames rose to her Roman nose
And her walkman started to melt
Bigmouth
Bigmouth
Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race
Bigmouth
Bigmouth
Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race
And now I know how Joan of Arc felt
Now I know how Joan of Arc felt
As the flames rose to her Roman nose
And her hearing aid started to melt
Bigmouth
Bigmouth
Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race
Bigmouth
Bigmouth
Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race
Bigmouth
Bigmouth
Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race
Bigmouth
Bigmouth
Bigmouth strikes again
And I've got no right to take my place
With the Human race
Comments (372)add comment
Morrissey wouldn't get away with such misogyny these days. I loved this song back in the 80s and did hear it as yer man being self-deprecatingly OTT, but over time it's left a bad taste in the mouth, particularly with Morrissey's journey into reaction on recent years. Johnny Marr's guitar is the dog's bollocks, though :o)
This was a 9, but now a 4
This was a 9, but now a 4
Fucking ace album and fucking ace band. And yes, Johnny Marr is a top guy.
jp33442 wrote:
I Agree completely!
Even though morrissey turned into a complete asshole, i still consider the smiths a damn good band
I Agree completely!
MARR'S GUITAR STRIKES AGAIN! Go, Johnny, GO! Come on, CRANK it! THIS was such a crucial, integral part of that Mid-'80s Madness, that Living-a-Vacation Vibe, that Endless Party that we're still putting on here! Make those neighbors knock on the door and ask What the Hell?! And then tell 'em, Don't blame me, blame RP!
Even though morrissey turned into a complete asshole, i still consider the smiths a damn good band
Marr was and is still God
aspicer wrote:
nonsense. Marr's guitar deserves better
Happen to notice "Jangle pop" in the info area - never heard of such types of music?! (apparently now I have...)
nonsense. Marr's guitar deserves better
yes, the queen is dead.
may she rest in peace.
may she rest in peace.
Eventually the album title proved to be right.
A rather different kind of song. Confessional(?) mixed with nonsense, inside a fairly catchy, bouncy tune, but it's hard to take his voice. I'll give it a 6 just so it doesn't show up in my Faves but still a decent tune.
Happen to notice "Jangle pop" in the info area - never heard of such a type of music?! (apparently now I have...). It is a disservice to the brilliance of Marr's playing IMHO. [updated for clarity]
can´t think of a band that made a more intelligent pop.
dmcanany wrote:
I Agree! ...And, his Wiki photo is scary!!!
Glad he's self-aware and all, but I can't imagine what it would be like to be in a relationship with him. Yikes!
I Agree! ...And, his Wiki photo is scary!!!
Johnny Marr 
Glad he's self-aware and all, but I can't imagine what it would be like to be in a relationship with him. Yikes!
Great tune! I love it! ...Thanx RP!
icuski2 wrote:
Then hit the skip button and shut up!
I like music. I listen to a lot of it. Music this is not! 
Then hit the skip button and shut up!
icuski2 wrote:
Au contraire, mon ami
I like music. I listen to a lot of it. Music this is not!
Au contraire, mon ami
I like music. I listen to a lot of it. Music this is not!
Is it a love song, or an out of love song?
Johnny Mar is superb on this track😊
From the Smiths Wiki:
Ann Coates is a fictional singer credited with backing vocals on the 1986 single "Bigmouth Strikes Again" by The Smiths, also included on their album The Queen Is Dead.
In reality, the singer-on-helium effect was achieved by speeding up a regular harmony part by singer Morrissey. Morrissey and co-producer Johnny Marr then jokingly decided to credit this to a fictitious person.
"Her" name is derived from the Manchester district of Ancoats.
Ann Coates is a fictional singer credited with backing vocals on the 1986 single "Bigmouth Strikes Again" by The Smiths, also included on their album The Queen Is Dead.
In reality, the singer-on-helium effect was achieved by speeding up a regular harmony part by singer Morrissey. Morrissey and co-producer Johnny Marr then jokingly decided to credit this to a fictitious person.
"Her" name is derived from the Manchester district of Ancoats.
Seems like the lyrics are from a random text generator. But the music is grooving, so who cares?
junebaby65 wrote:
By whom? Names and badge numbers please!
We'll hunt them down and then they'll know how Joan of Arc felt.
Love the guitar work on this. Johnny Marr is underrated.
By whom? Names and badge numbers please!
We'll hunt them down and then they'll know how Joan of Arc felt.
Now i know. He knows how Joan D'arc felt
Oh, if our president only had a conscience attached to his bigmouth...but he never will.
Just superb. A rare ten from me.
dear pinhead,
lets hear you sing
lets hear you sing
junebaby65 wrote:
Yes, Johnny Marr is an excellent guitarist but I can’t stand Morrisey’s voice
Love the guitar work on this. Johnny Marr is underrated.
Yes, Johnny Marr is an excellent guitarist but I can’t stand Morrisey’s voice
SmackDaddy wrote:
And how the hell did he know she had a hearing aid?
And I'm not 100% convinced she had a Walkman either
And how the hell did he know she had a hearing aid?
And I'm not 100% convinced she had a Walkman either
(Dances unabashedly on the gym floor as the wife shakes her head and pretends not to know me)
10!
"Big mouth, fa la la la?"
cely wrote:
I don't think he's really comparing himself to JoA. It's called humour. Arf, arf...
Johnny Marr is one of the very best guitar innovators, and I've made peace with Morrisey's voice. My friend used to call it "Little Lord Fauntleroy whining for a biscuit," but now I just hear it as one piece of a great band. What bugs me about this song is the gall (Gaul?) of comparing yourself to Joan of Arc. Really? You know how she felt to lead an army? To talk to Saints? To be burned at the stake? Get some perspective.
I don't think he's really comparing himself to JoA. It's called humour. Arf, arf...
cely wrote:
And how the hell did he know she had a hearing aid?
Johnny Marr is one of the very best guitar innovators, and I've made peace with Morrisey's voice. My friend used to call it "Little Lord Fauntleroy whining for a biscuit," but now I just hear it as one piece of a great band. What bugs me about this song is the gall (Gaul?) of comparing yourself to Joan of Arc. Really? You know how she felt to lead an army? To talk to Saints? To be burned at the stake? Get some perspective.
And how the hell did he know she had a hearing aid?
hbs47 wrote:
Can only second this. How can he be sing so tunelessly?
How can you write so ungrammarly?
Can only second this. How can he be sing so tunelessly?
How can you write so ungrammarly?
Rockit9 wrote:
Used too much. Really annoys me when I'm hungry. Dammit.
I like the backup vocal by Alvin!
Used too much. Really annoys me when I'm hungry. Dammit.
cely wrote:
Ah, you've rather missed Mozza's tongue-in-cheek irony here. He's deliberately being over the top in his lyrics.
Johnny Marr is one of the very best guitar innovators, and I've made peace with Morrisey's voice. My friend used to call it "Little Lord Fauntleroy whining for a biscuit," but now I just hear it as one piece of a great band. What bugs me about this song is the gall (Gaul?) of comparing yourself to Joan of Arc. Really? You know how she felt to lead an army? To talk to Saints? To be burned at the stake? Get some perspective.
Ah, you've rather missed Mozza's tongue-in-cheek irony here. He's deliberately being over the top in his lyrics.
I like the backup vocal by Alvin!
cely wrote:
His lyrics tended to contain a lot hyperbole and irony; he wasn't making a historical comparison in this song. You know - poetic license and all. Do you really think he wanted to "smash every tooth" in the subject's head, or thought they "should be bludgeoned in (their) bed" as well?
Johnny Marr is one of the very best guitar innovators, and I've made peace with Morrisey's voice. My friend used to call it "Little Lord Fauntleroy whining for a biscuit," but now I just hear it as one piece of a great band. What bugs me about this song is the gall (Gaul?) of comparing yourself to Joan of Arc. Really? You know how she felt to lead an army? To talk to Saints? To be burned at the stake? Get some perspective.
His lyrics tended to contain a lot hyperbole and irony; he wasn't making a historical comparison in this song. You know - poetic license and all. Do you really think he wanted to "smash every tooth" in the subject's head, or thought they "should be bludgeoned in (their) bed" as well?
Love the guitar work on this. Johnny Marr is underrated.
Imagine writing these lyrics now... 😳
Johnny Marr is one of the very best guitar innovators, and I've made peace with Morrisey's voice. My friend used to call it "Little Lord Fauntleroy whining for a biscuit," but now I just hear it as one piece of a great band. What bugs me about this song is the gall (Gaul?) of comparing yourself to Joan of Arc. Really? You know how she felt to lead an army? To talk to Saints? To be burned at the stake? Get some perspective.
skuzzfud wrote:
That's funny, mate! If only I knew lyrics to their songs I could try it! I was actually about to go 5→6 on this, then heard that 'chipmunk' backing vocal...and went 5→4.
I always enjoy singing along to any Smiths song using the lyrics from any OTHER Smiths song. Try it. Works flawlessly.This is the only enjoyment I gain from Smiths songs.
That's funny, mate! If only I knew lyrics to their songs I could try it! I was actually about to go 5→6 on this, then heard that 'chipmunk' backing vocal...and went 5→4.
I always enjoy singing along to any Smiths song using the lyrics from any OTHER Smiths song. Try it. Works flawlessly.This is the only enjoyment I gain from Smiths songs.
DrLex wrote:
DrLex, are you a medical doctor? If so I would seek a second opinion on your ailment because those two songs are insidious ear worms and will definitely need treatment!
At one point, probably due to chronic fatigue or some other health problem, I've had this song stuck in my head for a whole week. No matter how much music I listened to, when I stopped playing it, the song would return within a few minutes. Surprisingly, it doesn't drive me mad when I hear it again now.
If you think that must have been awful, it has also happened with “Beautiful Stranger” from Madonna. I'll take Bigmouth over that one any time.
If you think that must have been awful, it has also happened with “Beautiful Stranger” from Madonna. I'll take Bigmouth over that one any time.
DrLex, are you a medical doctor? If so I would seek a second opinion on your ailment because those two songs are insidious ear worms and will definitely need treatment!
DocStrangelove wrote:
Can only second this. How can he be sing so tunelessly?
such a great band
such a horrible singer
such a horrible singer
Can only second this. How can he be sing so tunelessly?
Best of the Best
such a great band
such a horrible singer
such a horrible singer
Their very best
At one point, probably due to chronic fatigue or some other health problem, I've had this song stuck in my head for a whole week. No matter how much music I listened to, when I stopped playing it, the song would return within a few minutes. Surprisingly, it doesn't drive me mad when I hear it again now.
If you think that must have been awful, it has also happened with “Beautiful Stranger” from Madonna. I'll take Bigmouth over that one any time.
If you think that must have been awful, it has also happened with “Beautiful Stranger” from Madonna. I'll take Bigmouth over that one any time.
good one.
I just find Morrisey's voice horrendously annoying, which is a shame, since this would otherwise be a brilliant song. Johnny Marr is top-notch.
Some really awesome guitar work there Mr. Marr.
SmackDaddy wrote:
30 years late to the party?
Never too late for a Smiths party.
30 years late to the party?
Never too late for a Smiths party.
coloradojohn wrote:
And Andy Rourke's bass lines.
Behind the cynical lyrics and snarky vocals (which I love; I think they're among the best in Music at doing it) there's the Marr guitar.
And Andy Rourke's bass lines.
Behind the cynical lyrics and snarky vocals (which I love; I think they're among the best in Music at doing it) there's the Marr guitar.
fredriley wrote:
He is maudlin, whiny and incredibly irritating, as a person - I'd hate to be stuck in a lift with him. However, his songs and The Smiths were quite brilliant, inventive and witty.
Quite agree with that. I can't stand his solo work, but with Marr and Co., his grousing is tolerable.
He is maudlin, whiny and incredibly irritating, as a person - I'd hate to be stuck in a lift with him. However, his songs and The Smiths were quite brilliant, inventive and witty.
Quite agree with that. I can't stand his solo work, but with Marr and Co., his grousing is tolerable.
DuncanC wrote:
He is maudlin, whiny and incredibly irritating, as a person - I'd hate to be stuck in a lift with him. However, his songs and The Smiths were quite brilliant, inventive and witty.
What's "puling" when it's at home?
I've always found Morrissey maudlin, whiny, and incredibly irritating. I usually have to turn off RP whenever you play Morrissey or the Smiths. I for one vote to permanently remove his puling from the RP playlist.
He is maudlin, whiny and incredibly irritating, as a person - I'd hate to be stuck in a lift with him. However, his songs and The Smiths were quite brilliant, inventive and witty.
What's "puling" when it's at home?
heatherchutson@gmail.com wrote:
30 years late to the party?
I actually am liking Morrisey and the Smiths more and more.
30 years late to the party?
Well 12:55 here in the east. With this song playing, time to turn it off and go back to work. Yuk.
I actually am liking Morrisey and the Smiths more and more.
What a load of boring dullness
Outstanding tune , album, and band..
PSD PSD PSD 
bokey wrote:
one more vote on this feature
Need auto PSD
one more vote on this feature
Need auto PSD
DuncanC wrote:
i'm with you on that - but no need to switch off - checkout the PSD (Play Sumat Different) feature - works for me
I've always found Morrissey maudlin, whiny, and incredibly irritating. I usually have to turn off RP whenever you play Morrissey or the Smiths. I for one vote to permanently remove his puling from the RP playlist.
i'm with you on that - but no need to switch off - checkout the PSD (Play Sumat Different) feature - works for me
PSD for me thanks.
Nuff said.
Thank you & Goodnight
Nuff said.
Thank you & Goodnight
...and I'm just reading about Morrissey storming off stage in Warsaw after he gets insulted by fan... 
An easy 1.
An easy 10.
....... a worthy 9 from Manchester's finest
MilesW wrote:
You bring new meaning to the title of this song. (you set yourself up for that one!)
Sick sad crap.
You bring new meaning to the title of this song. (you set yourself up for that one!)
Sick sad crap.
A comedic classic. 10
One of rock and roll's great lines:
"Now I know how Joan of Arc felt"
"Now I know how Joan of Arc felt"
Never realized how disturbing this song is.
So back in '86 I abhored Morrisey and his flower waving ways.
I think I mellowed, love it now!
I think I mellowed, love it now!
Why not try listening to Alanis Morissette for a change?
subdude wrote:
Getting very sick of wining singers!
Everybody in my church loves this song...
listened to this on 11
wished there was a higher-rez version
Absolute classic!!
Going to see Johnny Marr play in a month or two and will probably hear most of the big Smiths hits without Morrissey singing them. Guitar legend that he is, I am seeing him at a small venue and it will be packed with people wanting to party. . . I can't wait!
This song is too damn good!!
Brilliant song. Read this letter from Morrissey to a pen pal from the early 80s, https://www.lettersofnote.com/2010/09/accept-me-for-what-i-am-completely.html
valeriogonzalez wrote:
DITTO!
I FUCKING LOVE THE SMIIIIIIIIITHS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 
DITTO!
super wondrous, Smiths are GREAT
morrisey's big mouth strikes again
morrisey's big mouth strikes again
I FUCKING LOVE THE SMIIIIIIIIITHS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Where is the -10 score, please stop playing this tuneless mutt. Band are great, but unfortunately instant mute.
Godlike is the only appropriate description.
maybe you would like broadway tunes from the 40's
I've always found Morrissey maudlin, whiny, and incredibly irritating. I usually have to turn off RP whenever you play Morrissey or the Smiths. I for one vote to permanently remove his puling from the RP playlist.
I see Chip n Dale are still recording as session vocalists then.
"Sweetness"? All I can think of, in the context of this sort of psychotic song is Colbert
fredriley wrote:
It's debatable and uncertain, at least going by his Wikipedia entry. With his narcissism and egotism, though, I suspect that the only person he really fancies is himself.
Brutal. Likely accurate, but brutal.
It's debatable and uncertain, at least going by his Wikipedia entry. With his narcissism and egotism, though, I suspect that the only person he really fancies is himself.
I must have been busy listening to R.E.M. when this album came out back in the day. Not a complete waste of time, but some of it could have been better spent.
Getting very sick of wining singers!
Marr does some excellent guitar work on this.
Cellocaster_Paul wrote:
You hit the nail on the head. I can't imagine being up at 2:30am to put this on the turntable one more time. Loaded with memories, this.
Man, I had so much more ENERGY when this song came out...
You hit the nail on the head. I can't imagine being up at 2:30am to put this on the turntable one more time. Loaded with memories, this.
flames rose to her Roman nose.... and her hearing aid started to melt.
Hannio wrote:
My feelings exactly. RP has been a big part of my musical education, opening my ears to stuff I thought I didn't like.
You know, I thought I'd never say this, but after being forced to listen to the Smiths and Morrissey on RP, I think I have started to acquire a taste for them.
My feelings exactly. RP has been a big part of my musical education, opening my ears to stuff I thought I didn't like.
Cellocaster_Paul wrote:
You're not the only one. Great tune.
Man, I had so much more ENERGY when this song came out...
You're not the only one. Great tune.
Man, I had so much more ENERGY when this song came out...
romeotuma wrote:
I love this song... it is good for the ears...
Very much so, Romeo. I have very pleasant memories connected to this tune - despite (or perhaps because of) its unorthodox lyrics.
I love this song... it is good for the ears...
Very much so, Romeo. I have very pleasant memories connected to this tune - despite (or perhaps because of) its unorthodox lyrics.
fredriley wrote:
It's debatable and uncertain, at least going by his Wikipedia entry. With his narcissism and egotism, though, I suspect that the only person he really fancies is himself.
Fred, you alright. Great song BTW.
It's debatable and uncertain, at least going by his Wikipedia entry. With his narcissism and egotism, though, I suspect that the only person he really fancies is himself.
Fred, you alright. Great song BTW. apd wrote:
It's debatable and uncertain, at least going by his Wikipedia entry. With his narcissism and egotism, though, I suspect that the only person he really fancies is himself.
But PS: pretty certain Moz is gay.)
It's debatable and uncertain, at least going by his Wikipedia entry. With his narcissism and egotism, though, I suspect that the only person he really fancies is himself.
fredriley wrote:
STFU homophobe. As it happens, Morrissey isn't gay, at least publicly, though there's plainly an element of homoeroticism in his work. And if he were gay, WTF difference would it make?
Oh, and quit molesting Marina.
Nicely done, Fred, with an obscure Gerry Anderson reference FTW.
(But PS: pretty certain Moz is gay.)
STFU homophobe. As it happens, Morrissey isn't gay, at least publicly, though there's plainly an element of homoeroticism in his work. And if he were gay, WTF difference would it make?
Oh, and quit molesting Marina.
Nicely done, Fred, with an obscure Gerry Anderson reference FTW.
(But PS: pretty certain Moz is gay.)
I've been on both sides of the love-hate relationship with Morrissey and the Smiths. Right now I rate this a 9.
One of the great Smiths tracks. I love moving to this!
Anax wrote:
It's pop anarchy. There's nothing to get.
Throw everything on your desk into the fire and go dancing down the middle of the street.
I gave it a 9.
Wasn't there, don't get him at all.
It's pop anarchy. There's nothing to get.
Throw everything on your desk into the fire and go dancing down the middle of the street.
I gave it a 9.
Wasn't there, don't get him at all.
big mouth by ~unedeuxtrois
Tory Foulk ©2007-2010 ~unedeuxtrois
i've been listening to the smiths a lot lately.
Stingray wrote:
STFU homophobe. As it happens, Morrissey isn't gay, at least publicly, though there's plainly an element of homoeroticism in his work. And if he were gay, WTF difference would it make?
Oh, and quit molesting Marina.
HATE GAY-ROCKERS with lyrical attitudes!
STFU homophobe. As it happens, Morrissey isn't gay, at least publicly, though there's plainly an element of homoeroticism in his work. And if he were gay, WTF difference would it make?
Oh, and quit molesting Marina.
quesarah wrote:
He was, and still is, an arrested adolescent with the emotional maturity of a 14yo. Great songwriter, and I used to be a major Smiths fan, but he's not the sort of guy you'd want to be stuck in the lift with. Or, if you're a woman, go out with. It's fair to say that he has 'emotional issues', but for us listeners that's a plus as his adolescent angst generates great songs.
Good LORD. Sweetness. ( Reminds me of Colbert. )
What is/was wrong with that guy?
What is/was wrong with that guy?
He was, and still is, an arrested adolescent with the emotional maturity of a 14yo. Great songwriter, and I used to be a major Smiths fan, but he's not the sort of guy you'd want to be stuck in the lift with. Or, if you're a woman, go out with. It's fair to say that he has 'emotional issues', but for us listeners that's a plus as his adolescent angst generates great songs.
I actually understand why some might not like this, however, I do.
i really try hard not to listen to the lyrics, unfortunately they seep in like a leak in your boat. Now i want to gouge out my ears with a rusty fork. MOMMY
I wish I would have seen them live.
Good LORD. Sweetness. ( Reminds me of Colbert. )
What is/was wrong with that guy?
What is/was wrong with that guy?
From the Smiths Wiki:
Ann Coates is a fictional singer credited with backing vocals on the 1986 single "Bigmouth Strikes Again" by The Smiths, also included on their album The Queen Is Dead.
In reality, the singer-on-helium effect was achieved by speeding up a regular harmony part by singer Morrissey. Morrissey and co-producer Johnny Marr then jokingly decided to credit this to a fictitious person.
"Her" name is derived from the Manchester district of Ancoats.
I always wondered... thanks for the post!