Meat Is Murder
The Smiths · The Smiths Complete [2011]
Heifer whines could be human cries
Closer comes the screaming knife
This beautiful creature must die
This beautiful creature must die
A death for no reason
And death for no reason is MURDER
And the flesh you so fancifully fry
Is not succulent, tasty or kind
It's death for no reason
And death for no reason is MURDER
And the calf that you carve with a smile
It is MURDER
And the turkey you festively slice
It is MURDER
Do you know how animals die ?
Kitchen aromas aren't very homely
It's not "comforting", cheery or kind
It's sizzling blood and the unholy stench
Of MURDER
It's not "natural", "normal" or kind
The flesh you so fancifully fry
The meat in your mouth
As you savour the flavour
Of MURDER
NO, NO, NO, IT IS MURDER
NO, NO, NO, IT IS MURDER
Oh ... and who hears when animals cry?
Closer comes the screaming knife
This beautiful creature must die
This beautiful creature must die
A death for no reason
And death for no reason is MURDER
And the flesh you so fancifully fry
Is not succulent, tasty or kind
It's death for no reason
And death for no reason is MURDER
And the calf that you carve with a smile
It is MURDER
And the turkey you festively slice
It is MURDER
Do you know how animals die ?
Kitchen aromas aren't very homely
It's not "comforting", cheery or kind
It's sizzling blood and the unholy stench
Of MURDER
It's not "natural", "normal" or kind
The flesh you so fancifully fry
The meat in your mouth
As you savour the flavour
Of MURDER
NO, NO, NO, IT IS MURDER
NO, NO, NO, IT IS MURDER
Oh ... and who hears when animals cry?
Meat Is Murder
Released on The Smiths' 1986 album The Queen Is Dead, 'Meat Is Murder' stands as a defining track of the Manchester indie scene, blending punk energy with melancholic melody. Written by Morrissey and performed by Johnny Marr, the song explores themes of consumerism and societal decay through its sharp, satirical lyrics. Its driving rhythm and Marr's distinctive guitar work established a template for alternative rock that would influence countless subsequent artists. As a staple of the band's discography, the recording captures the raw, intellectual edge of the mid-1980s, cementing The Smiths' legacy as pioneers of the genre.