Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before
The Smiths · The Smiths Complete [2011]
stop me if you think that you've
heard this one before
stop me, stop me
stop me if you think that you've
heard this one before
nothing's changed
I still love you, oh I still love you
. . .only slightly less than I used to
I was delayed, I was way-laid
an emergency stop
I smelt the last ten seconds of life
I crashed down on the crossbar
and the pain was enough to make
a shy, bald buddhist reflect
and plan a mass-murder
who said I'd lied to her?
who said I'd lied because I never
who said I'd lied because I never
I was detained, I was restrained
he broke my spleen
he broke my knees
(and then he really laid into me)
Friday night in Out-patients
who said I'd lied to her?
who said I'd lied - because I never
who said I'd lied - because I never
Oh, so I drank one
or was it four
and when I fell on the floor
. . .I drank more
stop me, stop me
stop me if you think that you've
heard this one before
nothing's changed
I still love you
I still love you
but only slightly
less than I used to
Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before
Released in 1983, this track by The Smiths remains a defining moment in indie rock history. Written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, the song exemplifies the band's unique blend of jangly guitar work and poetic, often cynical, lyricism. As a staple of their discography, it captures the post-punk aesthetic while embracing pop sensibilities that would influence countless subsequent artists. The recording features Marr's signature melodic style, creating a sound that is both nostalgic and forward-looking. Its enduring popularity stems from its ability to resonate across generations, cementing The Smiths' legacy as pioneers of alternative music. The track stands as a testament to the band's ability to craft songs that are both personally expressive and universally relatable.