The Undercurrents of Goth
The Smiths' "Pretty Girls Make Graves" is often remembered for its jangly guitars and Morrissey’s lyrical wit, yet, beneath the surface, the track carries echoes of early 80s goth culture. Released on their self-titled debut album in 1984, the song is a quintessential example of how goth aesthetics blended into the indie and alternative scenes of the time.
The remastering of The Smiths' back catalogue in 2011 by Johnny Marr brought renewed attention to these themes. The clarity of the remastered sound allows listeners to appreciate the underlying gloom in the music, a hallmark of the goth movement. The original track’s haunting melodies are enhanced, revealing the complexity of its emotional core.
Gothic Imagery and Themes
The goth subculture of the early 80s thrived on a fascination with death, melancholy, and romance, elements that permeate Morrissey’s lyrics. In "Pretty Girls Make Graves," the line
evokes a sense of pain and longing that resonates with the goth ethos. It’s not just a clever metaphor; it’s an invitation into a world where beauty is inextricably linked to suffering."The boy with the thorn in his side"
This intertwining of beauty and despair is a defining characteristic of goth culture. The Smiths captured this sentiment perfectly, creating a sound that was both fresh and imbued with the shadows of the past. The remastering allows these ideas to breathe, encouraging listeners to engage with the darker aspects of life that the song explores.
The Influence of Gothic Sounds
This soundscape is essential to understanding the impact of early goth on The Smiths. The music invites listeners into a space where the upbeat tempo contrasts with the sorrowful lyrics, a tactic that many goth bands would later adopt. The remastered edition amplifies this contrast, showcasing Marr’s intricate guitar lines and their emotional weight.
Lyrics Interpreted Through a Gothic Lens
When examining the lyrics through a goth lens, the song's themes of futility and existential angst come to the forefront. Morrissey's preoccupation with death and loss is particularly resonant in lines like
which can be interpreted as a sardonic take on regal despair. It’s an acknowledgment that even in beauty, there exists a shadow of tragedy — a sentiment that goth culture thrives on."You should see me in a crown"
The 2011 remaster serves as a reminder that these themes are not relics of the past but remain relevant today. The gothic influence can be seen in contemporary music, where artists continue to explore the intersections of beauty, pain, and identity.
The Lasting Impact of Goth on Indie Music
The influence of early 80s goth culture on "Pretty Girls Make Graves" is undeniable. As the remaster reveals, the song is more than just an indie classic; it’s a reflection of a cultural moment that sought to embrace darkness and find beauty in it. The Smiths’ ability to weave these themes into their music laid the groundwork for countless artists who followed.
In a landscape where pop and rock often shy away from darker themes, The Smiths boldly embraced them. Their legacy, magnified by the 2011 remaster, invites listeners to confront their own shadows and see the beauty that lies within.
The Smiths' self-titled debut album was released in 1984 and remains a landmark in indie music history.