Sophia’s final Smiths song comes from the band’s final studio album, 1987’s Strangeways, Here We Come. This album was released months after the band had already broken up.
‘A Rush and a Push and the Land Is Ours’ is the album’s opening track, and it’s a stunner. Johnny Marr challenged himself to write a song without using guitar, so this one rocks along quite deliciously on piano, drums and a wicked bass (shades of Ben Folds Five).
Strangeways is an under-appreciated album, but depending on my mood it could be my second favorite. It has more than its share of upbeat and rockier songs, but finds room for melancholy masterpieces like ‘Death of a Disco Dancer’ and ‘Last Night I Dreamt that Somebody Loved Me.’ Like The Queen is Dead before it, Strangeways offers a bit of everything the band does so well.
This album also features the song with which I kicked off this Song of the Day blog nearly 16 years ago (‘I Started Something I Couldn’t Finish‘), so that’s got to be worth something.
Thank you to Sophia and Fiona for backing up their dear old dad the past two weeks, and for their impeccable musical taste. Maybe we’ll do this again in another 15 years.
Oh hello
I am the ghost of Troubled Joe
Hung by his pretty white neck
Some eighteen months ago
I travelled to a mystical time zone
And I missed my bed
And I soon came home
[Verse 1]
They said, “There’s too much caffeine in your bloodstream
And a lack of real spice in your life”
I said, “Leave me alone because I’m alright, dad
Surprised to still be on my own”
[Pre-Chorus]
Oh, but don’t mention love
I’d hate the strain of the pain again
[Chorus]
A rush and a push and the land that we stand on is ours
It has been before, so it shall be again
And people who are uglier than you and I
They take what they need and just leave
[Pre-Chorus]
Oh, but don’t mention love
I’d hate the pain of the strain all over again
[Chorus]
A rush and a push and the land we stand on is ours
It has been before, so why can’t it be now?
And people who are weaker than you and I
They take what they want from life
[Pre-Chorus]
Oh, but don’t mention love
No, no, don’t mention love
[Chorus]
A rush and a push and the land we stand on is ours
Your youth may be gone, but you’re still a good man
So phone me, phone me
So phone me, phone me, phone me
[Outro]
Oh, I think I’m in love
Oh, I think I’m in love
Oh, I think I’m in love (I think I’m in love)
Oh, I think I’m in love, oh
Meet Me In Montauk 
I’m okay with you not featuring another Smiths song for 15 years.🤪
Wonderful to learn all about our granddaughter’s favorite songs and musical tastes ❤️
I’ve been on a little Strangeways kick lately, so I’m glad this one is saved for last. I never realized how repetitive the lyrics of this one are because the introduction is so great that it makes the song feel different throughout.
It’s been an honor serving on the frontlines of The Smiths defense squad with you Father! And thank you for introducing me to my favorite band!♥️
I have to say I don’t listen to this album too often but it that should definitely change. Sophie and I listened to this today while driving near the beach. I’ve had a lot of fun these two weeks defending the Smiths and my father against the haters. What a great end to a great collection of songs. Thank you for letting me participate.