The first Smiths selection from my oldest daughter, Sophia, is ‘Pretty Girls Make Graves’ from the band’s 1984 self-titled debut album.
This song finds the narrator unable to reciprocate the sexual advances of an aggressive woman because he’s either gay, asexual, impotent, or simply afraid. Morrissey has always been cagey about his sexuality, but many of his lyrics suggest he is gay. Just as many suggest he isn’t interested in men or women. This song supports both readings.
The title of this song comes from Jack Kerouac’s 1958 novel The Dharma Bums, and is spoken by a character who has opted for celibacy because sex leads to birth, which leads to suffering and death. Well, that’s one way to look at it.
Sophia considers The Smiths’ debut her favorite of their four studio albums. I would slot it into second or third place, depending on my mood.
Upon the sand, upon the bay
“There is a quick and easy way” you say
Before you illustrate
I’d rather state
I’m not the man you think I am
I’m not the man you think I am
[Chorus]
And sorrow’s native son
He will not smile for anyone
And pretty girls make graves
[Post-Chorus]
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
[Verse 2]
End of the pier, end of the bay
You tug my arm, and say “give in to lust
Give up to lust, oh heaven knows we’ll
Soon be dust”
Oh, I’m not the man you think I am
I’m not the man you think I am
[Chorus]
And sorrow’s native son
He will not rise for anyone
And pretty girls make graves
(Oh, really?)
[Post-Chorus]
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
[Verse 3]
I could have been wild and I could have been free
But nature played this trick on me
She wants it now
And she will not wait
But she’s too rough
And I’m too delicate
Then, on the sand
Another man, he takes her hand
A smile lights up her stupid face
And well, it would
I lost my faith in womanhood
I lost my faith in womanhood
I lost my faith
[Outro]
Oh, oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh, oh-oh-oh
Hand in glove
The sun shines out of our behinds
Oh, oh
Meet Me In Montauk 
I thought it was fairly resolved that Morrissey was gay. At least this song further confirms that he is monotone and monotonous. 😉
One of my favorites.
Yay! My turn! I will stand by my statement about The Smiths self-titled album, however, Meat is Murder has been climbing the ranks lately.
Also, that guitar outro is possibly my favorite outro of all time. Johnny Marr, you legend!
Another great pick! Hats off to my sister. I might have to agree with Sophie that self titled it one of the best. But, for me, Louder than Bombs might hold the number one spot!