This Night Has Opened My Eyes

The Smiths · The Smiths Complete [2011]

In a river the color of lead

Immerse the baby's head

Wrap her up in the News Of The World

Dump her on a doorstep, girl

This night has opened my eyes

And I will never sleep again

You kicked and cried like a bullied child

A grown man of twenty-five

Oh, he said he'd cure your ills

But he didn't and he never will

Oh, save your life

Because you've only got one

The dream has gone

But the baby is real

Oh, you did a good thing

She could have been a poet

Or, she could have been a fool

Oh, you did a bad thing

And I'm not happy

And I'm not sad

A shoeless child on a swing

Reminds you of your own again

She took away your troubles

Oh, but then again

She left pain

So, please save your life

Because you've only got one

The dream has gone

But the baby is real

Oh, you did a good thing

She could have been a poet

Or, she could have been a fool

Oh, you did a bad thing

And I'm not happy

And I'm not sad

Oh ...

And I'm not happy

And I'm not sad

Oh ...

And I'm not happy

And I'm not sad

This Night Has Opened My Eyes

Released on The Smiths' 2011 complete discography, this track exemplifies Morrissey's lyrical precision and Johnny Marr's jangly guitar work. The song captures the restless energy of Manchester's post-punk scene, blending melancholic introspection with driving rhythms that defined the band's signature sound. As a staple of their catalog, it remains a pivotal recording in the evolution of alternative rock, showcasing the group's ability to fuse social commentary with melodic pop sensibilities. Its enduring appeal lies in its raw emotional honesty and the intricate interplay between vocals and instrumentation that continues to resonate with listeners across generations.