The Smiths

Lyrics

[Verse 1]
The last night of the fair
By the big wheel generator
A boy is stabbed and his money is grabbed
And the air hangs heavy like a dulling wine
She is famous, she is funny
An engagement ring doesn't mean a thing
To a mind consumed by brass money

[Chorus]
And though I walk home alone
I might walk home alone
But my faith in love is still devout

[Verse 2]
The last night of the fair
From a seat on a whirling waltzer
Her skirt ascends for a watching eye
It's a hideous trait on her mother's side
From a seat on a whirling waltzer
Her skirt ascends for a watching eye
It's a hideous trait on her mother's side

[Chorus]
And though I walk home alone
I might walk home alone
But my faith in love is still devout
[Verse 3]
Then someone falls in love
And someone's beaten up, someone's beaten up
And the senses being dulled are mine
And someone falls in love
And someone's beaten up
And the senses being dulled are mine

[Chorus]
And though I walk home alone
I might walk home alone
But my faith in love is still devout

[Verse 4]
This is the last night of the fair
And the grease in the hair
Of a speedway operator
Is all a tremulous heart requires
A schoolgirl is denied
She said: "How quickly would I die
If I jumped from the top of the parachutes?"
This is the last night of the fair
And the grease in the hair
Of a speedway operator
Is all a tremulous heart requires
A schoolgirl is denied
She said: "How quickly would I die
If I jumped from the top of the parachutes?"
[Bridge]
So scratch my name on your arm with a fountain pen
(This means you really love me)
Scratch my name on your arm with a fountain pen
(This means you really love me)

[Chorus]
And though I walk home alone
I just might walk home alone
But my faith in love is still devout
I might walk home alone
But my faith in love is still devout
I might walk home alone
But my faith in love is still devout

The Smiths' "Rusholme Ruffians" is one of the most electrifying tracks in the band's ever-growing catalog. The song's rockabilly riff, crafted to perfection by Johnny Marr, is a testament to his skill as a guitarist. Morrissey's haunting voice provides the perfect foil for Marr's exceptional guitar work, making "Rusholme Ruffians" an unforgettable experience.

About Rusholme Ruffians

"Rusholme Ruffians" is a song that is centered around Manchester's Rusholme district. The song is essentially a joyous ode to the city, showcasing all the exciting things that it has to offer. Manchester is home to a vast array of cultural and historical landmarks, including everything from British feminism and socialism to vegetarianism and the Guardian newspaper. The song paints a vivid picture that is both intriguing and engaging, inviting listeners to imagine themselves as ruffians from Rusholme.

The Smiths' version of Manchester wasn't the glamorous, pulsating metropolis that one might see in postcards or magazines. Rather, it was a rough-around-the-edges place, teeming with interesting characters and true-to-life experiences. Morrissey's lyrics draw an unconventional beauty from Manchester’s industrial architecture and grim surroundings while making it sound like the most fascinating place on earth to be.

Johnny Marr's guitar work on the track deserves special mention. The rockabilly riff that runs through the entire song is a true masterpiece. Marr has always been known as a guitar virtuoso, and "Rusholme Ruffians" is evidence of that; the song's guitar work consists of jittery, blues-infused riffs, driving rhythms and clever modulation. Marr infuses new musical ideas into the classic rockabilly formula, such that it sounds both fresh and vintage at the same time.

The song's lyrical content is also notable. Morrissey paints a portrait of Manchester as a place where something is always happening, where there is always the possibility of adventure or discovery, a place that teems with joy and magic. He describes Rusholme Ruffians as the authentic characters of Manchester and invites the listener to join them in pursuit of life's pleasures.

The song's undeniable energy will make you feel like getting up and dancing, with its pulsing beat and driving rhythm. "Rusholme Ruffians" is a wonderful concoction of sound and influences. The song has a unique blend of rockabilly, punk, and blues, all of which are infused with Marr's talent for playing guitar. It's a vivid, frenetic, and wildly entertaining song that has stood the test of time, remaining a fan-favorite to this day.

In short, "Rusholme Ruffians" is a masterpiece that showcases the sheer range and depth of The Smiths' talent. From the intriguing lyrics to the intricately played guitar riffs and pulsating rhythm, this song is a tour de force that never fails to deliver.

• Release Date: February 11, 1985
• Artist: The Smiths