That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore [Edited]
The Smiths · The World Won't Listen [1987]
Park the car at the side of the road
You should know
Time's tide will smother you
And I will too
When you laugh about people who feel so
Very lonely
Their only desire is to die
Well, I'm afraid
It doesn't make me smile
I wish I could laugh
But that joke isn't funny anymore
It's too close to home
And it's too near the bone
It's too close to home
And it's too near the bone
More than you'll ever know ...
Kick them when they fall down
Kick them when they fall down
You kick them when they fall down
Kick them when they fall down
You kick them when they fall down
Kick them when they fall down
You kick them when they fall down
Kick them when they fall down
It was dark as I drove the point home
And on cold leather seats
Well, it suddenly struck me
I just might die with a smile on my
Face after all
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
And now it's happening in mine
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
And now it's happening in mine
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
And now it's happening in mine
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
And now it's happening in mine
Oh ...
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
Oh ...
And now it's happening in mine
Happening in mine
Happening in mine
Happening in mine
Happening in mine
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
Oh ...
And now, now, now it's happening in mine
(I've seen this happen)
Happening in mine
Oh... now, now
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
Oh ...
And now it's happening in mine
(Happen)
Happening in mine
Oh ...
Happening in mine
Happening in mine
Happening in mine
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
Oh ...
And now, now, now it's happening in mine
Happening in mine
Mine, mine
Happening in mine
You should know
Time's tide will smother you
And I will too
When you laugh about people who feel so
Very lonely
Their only desire is to die
Well, I'm afraid
It doesn't make me smile
I wish I could laugh
But that joke isn't funny anymore
It's too close to home
And it's too near the bone
It's too close to home
And it's too near the bone
More than you'll ever know ...
Kick them when they fall down
Kick them when they fall down
You kick them when they fall down
Kick them when they fall down
You kick them when they fall down
Kick them when they fall down
You kick them when they fall down
Kick them when they fall down
It was dark as I drove the point home
And on cold leather seats
Well, it suddenly struck me
I just might die with a smile on my
Face after all
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
And now it's happening in mine
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
And now it's happening in mine
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
And now it's happening in mine
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
And now it's happening in mine
Oh ...
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
Oh ...
And now it's happening in mine
Happening in mine
Happening in mine
Happening in mine
Happening in mine
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
Oh ...
And now, now, now it's happening in mine
(I've seen this happen)
Happening in mine
Oh... now, now
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
Oh ...
And now it's happening in mine
(Happen)
Happening in mine
Oh ...
Happening in mine
Happening in mine
Happening in mine
I've seen this happen in other people's
Lives
Oh ...
And now, now, now it's happening in mine
Happening in mine
Mine, mine
Happening in mine
That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore [Edited]
Released on The Smiths' 1987 album The World Won't Listen, this track exemplifies the band's unique blend of jangly guitar riffs and sharp, satirical lyrics. Written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr, the song critiques the absurdity of modern social interactions and the decline of traditional humor. Its driving rhythm and Morrissey's distinctive vocal delivery have cemented it as a staple of post-punk revival and alternative rock. The recording captures the band's peak creativity during the mid-1980s, showcasing their ability to fuse melancholic themes with upbeat, danceable energy. As a defining work of their discography, it remains a cultural touchstone for fans of British indie and new wave music.