Hey music explorer! 🎧 Ready to walk through a mysterious gate into a world of
music,
words, and imagination? “Cemetry Gates” is a song by a band called The Smiths, and
it’s
full of curiosity. Imagine strolling through a quiet graveyard, reading the names on
the
stones, and suddenly—poetry pops into your head! That’s kind of what this song feels
like.
The Smiths were a famous British band in the 1980s, and they made songs that sound
happy
but sometimes talk about serious things. This one mixes pretty guitar music with
lyrics
about books, old writers, and even a funny argument between two friends about who
copied
whom. 😂
It’s short—just under three minutes—but full of clever words. The singer even
mentions
people like Oscar Wilde and Keats! It’s like taking a walk and having a deep chat
with
your brain at the same time. 🧠✨
So next time you're on a walk, think about this song. What would you say to a poet
from
the past? Would you laugh, think, or write your own poem? 🎶🪦📖
“Cemetry Gates” (1986) is a standout track by the English rock band The Smiths,
featured
on their seminal album *The Queen Is Dead*. Clocking in at 2 minutes and 39 seconds,
the
song is known for its jangly, upbeat guitar riffs juxtaposed against lyrics filled
with
wit, literary references, and dry humor.
Written by vocalist Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, “Cemetry Gates” explores
themes
of originality, plagiarism, and the blurred lines between homage and imitation. The
lyrics describe a casual walk through a cemetery where the narrator reflects on
death,
authorship, and an intellectual spat with a friend. Names like Keats and Wilde make
appearances, evoking a literary world that Morrissey often draws upon for
inspiration.
Musically, the song is characterized by Marr’s signature melodic guitar style, which
gives it a light and breezy feel despite the graveyard setting. The contrast between
the
playful music and Morrissey’s ironic commentary creates a track that is both catchy
and
clever—a hallmark of The Smiths’ style.
“Cemetry Gates,” a track from The Smiths’ 1986 album *The Queen Is Dead*, stands as
a
masterclass in lyrical irony and musical understatement. Though short in length
(2:39),
the song encapsulates the band’s characteristic blend of jangly guitar melodies and
Morrissey’s literary-minded lyricism.
At the heart of the song lies a conversation, or perhaps an inner monologue, that
deals
with accusations of plagiarism. Morrissey references poets like John Keats and Oscar
Wilde not merely as name-drops, but as thematic anchors. Wilde, in particular,
serves as
a mirror for Morrissey’s own intellectual flamboyance and cultural critique.
The setting—a cemetery—acts as a metaphorical landscape where dead authors speak
louder
than the living. This evokes postmodern concerns about originality and the recycling
of
ideas. Yet Morrissey does so with humor: “There’s always someone, somewhere / With a
big
nose, who knows.” The snark masks a serious cultural inquiry.
Graveyards never sounded so clever. 💀🎸 If you’ve got a taste for brainy lyrics,
British charm, and that perfect combo of melancholy and melody, “Cemetry Gates” by
The
Smiths is your jam.
It’s got everything: poetic shoutouts (hello Oscar Wilde & Keats!), a walk through a
cemetery, and a cheeky argument about who stole whose words. 😂 The song is short
but
rich—like a bite-sized book with a killer soundtrack.
Tag your English Lit major friend, your goth ex, or anyone who still writes in
journals.
This song *is* the moment. #TheSmiths #CemetryGates #SadIsSmart #GothPopGenius
Title | Cemetry Gates |
Artist | The Smiths |
Duration | 2:39 |
Album | The Queen Is Dead |
Release Date | 1986-06-16 |
Instrumentation | Guitar, Bass Guitar, Drums, Vocals |
Recording Location | Farnham |
Language | English |
Genre | Alternative Rock |
Publisher | Rough Trade Records |
Coverage | United Kingdom |
Producer | Stephen Street |
Subject | Graveyard |
Lyricist | Morrissey |
Composer | Johnny Marr |