Tag Archives: Hatful of Hollow

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Song of the Day #5,682: ‘William, It Was Really Nothing’ – The Smiths

Fiona’s next Smiths selection is the 1984 single ‘William, It Was Really Nothing,’ one of the band’s signature tunes and one of nine top 20 hits they had in the UK.

This is a quick, jaunty track, and a real contrast from the melancholy songs Fiona has chosen so far. The young woman contains multitudes.

The subject of ‘William, It Was Really Nothing’ has been debated, with some claiming it is directed at Billy Mackenzie, lead singer of the Scottish band The Associates and others suggesting it’s about the 1959 Keith Waterhouse novel Billy Liar, a favorite book of Morrissey’s and one that inspired at least two other songs.

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Song of the Day #5,680: ‘This Night Has Opened My Eyes’ – The Smiths

My next featured song by The Smiths again comes courtesy of my younger daughter, Fiona. ‘This Night Has Opened My Eyes’ was recorded in September of 1983 for a BBC Radio program hosted by John Peel. Several songs from that appearance were released on compilation albums.

This is a good example of my daughters’ interest in The Smiths leading to a better appreciation and understanding of the band by me.

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