The Smiths is a legendary British rock band that formed in Manchester in 1982. The band was composed of Morrissey as the lead vocalist, Johnny Marr as the lead guitarist, Andy Rourke as the bassist, and Mike Joyce as the drummer. The band’s unique sound and Morrissey’s lyrics often talked about love, loneliness, and despair. One of their most popular songs is “I Want The One I Can’t Have.”
The Lyrics
The lyrics of “I Want The One I Can’t Have” talk about Morrissey’s longing for someone he can’t have. The song’s opening lines are:
There’s a club, if you’d like to go
You could meet somebody who really loves you
So you go, and you stand on your own
And you leave on your own
And you go home, and you cry, and you want to die
The song continues to describe Morrissey’s desire for someone who is unattainable. He sings:
And when you want to live
How do you start?
Where do you go?
Who do you need to know?
…I want the one I can’t have
The Meaning
The song’s meaning is open to interpretation, but it’s clear that Morrissey is struggling with unrequited love. He sings about the pain of being alone and the desire for someone who is out of reach. It’s a relatable theme that many people have experienced in their own lives.
Some people have speculated that the song is about Morrissey’s own sexuality. The Smiths were known for their support of the LGBTQ+ community, and Morrissey has been open about his own sexuality in interviews. However, the song’s meaning is ultimately up to the listener to decide.
The Music
“I Want The One I Can’t Have” is a classic Smiths song with a jangly guitar riff and Morrissey’s distinctive vocals. The band’s sound was heavily influenced by 1960s pop music, and this song is no exception. The music perfectly complements the lyrics, creating a melancholy yet catchy tune.
The song was released on The Smiths’ 1987 album “The Queen Is Dead,” which is considered one of the greatest albums of all time. The album features other classic songs like “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” and “Bigmouth Strikes Again.”
In Conclusion
“I Want The One I Can’t Have” is a classic Smiths song that continues to resonate with listeners today. The lyrics describe the pain of unrequited love, and the music perfectly complements the melancholy tone. The song is a testament to The Smiths’ unique sound and Morrissey’s exceptional songwriting.
