Suffer Little Children

The Smiths · The Smiths Complete [2011]

Over the moor, take me to the moor

Dig a shallow grave

And I'll lay me down

Over the moor, take me to the moor

Dig a shallow grave

And I'll lay me down

Lesley-Anne, with your pretty white beads

Oh John, you'll never be a man

And you'll never see your home again

Oh Manchester, so much to answer for

Edward, see those alluring lights ?

Tonight will be your very last night

A woman said: "I know my son is dead

I'll never rest my hands on his sacred head"

Hindley wakes and Hindley says :

Hindley wakes, Hindley wakes, Hindley wakes, and says :

"Oh, wherever he has gone, I have gone"

But fresh lilaced moorland fields

Cannot hide the stolid stench of death

Fresh lilaced moorland fields

Cannot hide the stolid stench of death

Hindley wakes and says :

Hindley wakes, Hindley wakes, Hindley wakes, and says :

"Oh, whatever he has done, I have done"

But this is no easy ride

For a child cries :

"Oh, find me ... find me, nothing more

We are on a sullen misty moor

We may be dead and we may be gone

But we will be, we will be, we will be, right by your side

Until the day you die

This is no easy ride

We will haunt you when you laugh

Yes, you could say we're a team

You might sleep

You might sleep

You might sleep

BUT YOU WILL NEVER DREAM !

Oh, you might sleep

BUT YOU WILL NEVER DREAM !

You might sleep

BUT YOU WILL NEVER DREAM !"

Oh Manchester, so much to answer for

Oh Manchester, so much to answer for

Oh, find me, find me !

Find me !

I'll haunt you when you laugh

Oh, I'll haunt you when you laugh

You might sleep

BUT YOU WILL NEVER DREAM !

Oh ...

Over the moors, I'm on the moor

Oh, over the moor

Oh, the child is on the moor

Suffer Little Children

Released on The Smiths Complete [2011], 'Suffer Little Children' stands as a haunting centerpiece in Morrissey's discography, showcasing his signature blend of poetic melancholy and social commentary. The track exemplifies the band's unique indie-pop sound, characterized by Johnny Marr's intricate guitar work and Morrissey's distinctive vocal delivery. Often associated with the darker, more introspective side of their catalog, the song reflects themes of vulnerability and emotional turmoil that permeate much of their late-period work. Its enduring appeal lies in its ability to capture a specific mood of unease, making it a staple for fans exploring the band's complete recorded legacy.