Still Ill
The Smiths · The Smiths Complete [2011]
I decree today that life
Is simply taking and not giving
England is mine and it owes me a living
But ask me why, and I'll spit in your eye
Oh, ask me why, and I'll spit in your eye
But we cannot cling to the old dreams anymore
No, we cannot cling to those dreams...
Does the body rule the mind
Or does the mind rule the body?
I dunno...
Under the iron bridge we kissed
And although I ended up with sore lips
It just wasn't like the old days anymore
No, it wasn't like those days...
Am I still ill?
Oh...
Am I still ill?
Oh...
Does the body rule the mind
Or does the mind rule the body?
I dunno...
Ask me why, and I'll die
Oh, ask me why, and I'll die...
And if you must, go to work - tomorrow
Well, if I were you I really wouldn't bother
For there are brighter sides to life
And I should know, because I've seen them
But not very often...
Under the iron bridge we kissed
And although I ended up with sore lips
It just wasn't like the old days anymore
No, it wasn't like those days...
Am I still ill?
Oh...
Oh, am I still ill?
Oh...
Is simply taking and not giving
England is mine and it owes me a living
But ask me why, and I'll spit in your eye
Oh, ask me why, and I'll spit in your eye
But we cannot cling to the old dreams anymore
No, we cannot cling to those dreams...
Does the body rule the mind
Or does the mind rule the body?
I dunno...
Under the iron bridge we kissed
And although I ended up with sore lips
It just wasn't like the old days anymore
No, it wasn't like those days...
Am I still ill?
Oh...
Am I still ill?
Oh...
Does the body rule the mind
Or does the mind rule the body?
I dunno...
Ask me why, and I'll die
Oh, ask me why, and I'll die...
And if you must, go to work - tomorrow
Well, if I were you I really wouldn't bother
For there are brighter sides to life
And I should know, because I've seen them
But not very often...
Under the iron bridge we kissed
And although I ended up with sore lips
It just wasn't like the old days anymore
No, it wasn't like those days...
Am I still ill?
Oh...
Oh, am I still ill?
Oh...
Still Ill
Released on The Smiths' 2011 complete discography, 'Still Ill' stands as a quintessential example of Morrissey's lyrical intensity and Johnny Marr's melodic sensibility. The track exemplifies the band's signature blend of jangly guitar work and socially conscious, often melancholic, verse-chorus structures. As a staple of their catalog, the song captures the raw emotionalism and post-punk energy that defined their era, offering a listening experience that remains deeply resonant with fans of the genre. Its enduring presence in their collected works underscores its status as a definitive recording within their artistic legacy.