A Rush And A Push And The Land Is Ours

The Smiths · The Smiths Complete [2011]

Hello..

I am the ghost of Troubled Joe

hung by his pretty white neck

some eighteen months ago

I travelled to a mystical time zone

and I missed my bed

and I soon came home



they said:

"there's too much caffeine

in your blood stream

and a lack of real spice

in your life"

I said:

"leave me alone because I'm alright, dad

surprised to still be on my own...."



Ooh, but don't mention love

I'd hate the strain of the pain again



urrrrrrggghh a rush and a push and the land that

we stand on is ours

it has been before

so it shall be again

and people who are uglier than you and I

they take what they need, and just leave



Ooh, but don't mention love

I'd hate the pain of the strain all over again



urrrrggghh a rush and a push and the land that

we stand on is ours

it has been before

so why can't it be now?

and people who are weaker than you and I

they take what they want from life



Ooh, but don't mention love

no no-don't mention love!



urrrggghhh a rush and a push and the land that we stand on is ours

your youth may be gone

but you're still a yound man

so phone me, phone me, phone me

so phone me, phone me, phone me

Ooh, I think I'm in love

Ooh, I think I'm in love

Ooh, I think I'm in love

Urrgh, I think I'm in lerv

A Rush And A Push And The Land Is Ours

This track stands as a quintessential example of The Smiths' unique blend of jangle-pop and post-punk, driven by Johnny Marr's intricate guitar work and Morrissey's distinctive vocal delivery. Recorded for their 2011 complete discography, the song captures the band's signature melancholic yet driving energy, featuring a rhythmic interplay between bass and drums that defines their sound. The lyrics explore themes of urban alienation and the struggle for control within a changing landscape, delivered with Morrissey's characteristic wit and vulnerability. As a staple of their catalog, it remains a defining piece of 1980s British indie music, showcasing the band's ability to fuse catchy melodies with socially conscious storytelling that continues to resonate with fans decades later.