The Smiths’ ‘Ask’: Singing Along to the Energetic and Witty Indie Pop Song – A Deep Dive Lecture
(Welcome, fellow misery merchants and Morrissey mavens! Grab a lukewarm cup of tea, adjust your oversized glasses, and prepare to dissect a slice of indie pop perfection. Today, we’re diving headfirst into the swirling vortex of The Smiths’ ‘Ask,’ a song so infectiously upbeat, it almost makes you forget that life is, fundamentally, a bit rubbish. Almost.)
(Lecture Time: 60-90 minutes, depending on how long we spend debating Morrissey’s sartorial choices.)
Professor (that’s me!) : Dr. Melancholia Nightingale, PhD (Seriously Depressed Studies), MA (Moping Arts), BA (Brooding Basics).
Course Title: Indie Angst 101: Deconstructing the Dismal Delights of The Smiths
Required Reading: A battered copy of "The Queen is Dead," a box of tissues, and a healthy dose of cynicism.
Optional Reading: Anything by Oscar Wilde. He gets it.
I. Introduction: Why ‘Ask’ Matters (Even If You Secretly Prefer New Order)
Let’s be honest, The Smiths are like Marmite: you either love them and understand their existential angst, or you find Morrissey’s voice akin to a cat being strangled whilst simultaneously reciting poetry. However, even the most ardent synth-pop enthusiast must concede that ‘Ask’ is a bit of a banger. It’s a song that manages to be both devastatingly witty and surprisingly hopeful – a rare feat in the Smiths’ oeuvre.
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Key Takeaway: ‘Ask’ represents a pivotal moment in The Smiths’ career, showcasing their evolving sound and lyrical dexterity.
(Think of it like this: ‘Ask’ is the musical equivalent of that one friend who’s always complaining but somehow manages to make you laugh while doing it.) 😂
II. The Context: Manchester, 1986, and the Reign of Indie
To truly appreciate ‘Ask,’ we need to understand the cultural landscape in which it was born. Manchester in 1986 was a breeding ground for musical innovation, a city brimming with post-punk energy and a burgeoning indie scene.
- The Smiths were at the peak of their powers. "The Queen is Dead" was dominating the charts, and Morrissey was rapidly becoming a cultural icon, a reluctant messiah for the disaffected youth.
- The political climate was charged. Thatcherism was in full swing, and unemployment was rampant. This fueled a sense of disillusionment and anger, which found its voice in the music of bands like The Smiths.
- Indie was more than just a genre; it was a statement. It represented a rejection of mainstream pop and a commitment to artistic integrity.
(Imagine a world without Auto-Tune, where sincerity (however sardonic) was actually valued. That was 1986.) 🕰️
III. Musical Anatomy: Deconstructing the Sound
‘Ask’ isn’t your typical Smiths dirge. It’s actually… dare I say… danceable. Johnny Marr’s guitar shimmers, Andy Rourke’s bass provides a solid foundation, and Mike Joyce’s drums propel the song forward with infectious energy.
- Johnny Marr’s Jangly Guitar: The signature sound of The Smiths, Marr’s guitar is both melodic and driving. In ‘Ask,’ it’s particularly bright and optimistic, a stark contrast to some of his more melancholic riffs.
- Andy Rourke’s Melodic Basslines: Rourke’s basslines are often overlooked, but they are crucial to the Smiths’ sound. He doesn’t just play the root notes; he creates melodic counterpoints that add depth and texture.
- Mike Joyce’s Dynamic Drumming: Joyce’s drumming is often understated, but he provides the rhythmic backbone that allows the other instruments to shine. In ‘Ask,’ his drumming is particularly energetic, driving the song forward with a sense of urgency.
- Kirsty MacColl’s Backing Vocals: The addition of Kirsty MacColl’s vocals elevates the song to another level. Her voice adds a touch of sweetness and vulnerability that perfectly complements Morrissey’s sardonic delivery.
Here’s a breakdown of the musical elements:
| Instrument | Description | Contribution to ‘Ask’ |
|---|---|---|
| Guitar (Marr) | Jangly, melodic, often with a distinctive tremolo effect. | Provides the main melodic hook, creating a bright and upbeat atmosphere. |
| Bass (Rourke) | Melodic, often playing countermelodies to the guitar. | Provides a solid foundation and adds depth to the song’s harmonic structure. |
| Drums (Joyce) | Driving, energetic, often with a focus on the snare drum. | Propels the song forward with a sense of urgency and excitement. |
| Vocals (Morrissey) | Distinctive baritone, often delivered with a sardonic or melancholic tone. | Delivers the witty and insightful lyrics, creating a compelling and engaging listening experience. |
| Backing Vocals (MacColl) | Sweet, vulnerable, often used to create harmonies. | Adds a layer of sweetness and vulnerability to the song, contrasting with Morrissey’s more cynical delivery. |
(Think of the instruments as a well-oiled machine, each part working in perfect harmony to create a sonic masterpiece. Or, you know, just a really good pop song.) ⚙️
IV. Lyrical Decryption: Unpacking the Witty Angst
Ah, the lyrics. This is where Morrissey truly shines (or, depending on your perspective, wallows). ‘Ask’ is a masterclass in lyrical ambiguity, leaving the listener to interpret the meaning for themselves.
- The Central Question: The song revolves around the simple, yet profound, question: "Shyness is nice, but shyness can stop you from doing all the things in life you’d like to." It’s a plea for courage, an encouragement to overcome your fears and pursue your desires.
- The Contradictions: As with most of Morrissey’s lyrics, there’s a healthy dose of contradiction. He simultaneously celebrates shyness and laments its limitations. He’s both encouraging and resigned, optimistic and pessimistic.
- The Wit: The song is peppered with witty observations and clever turns of phrase. Lines like "And if you have five seconds to spare, then I’ll tell you the story of my life" are both humorous and poignant.
- The Ambiguity: The song’s meaning is ultimately left open to interpretation. Is it a love song? A call to action? A commentary on social anxiety? The answer, as always, is "it depends."
Let’s break down some key lyrics:
| Lyric | Interpretation | Morrissey-esque Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| "Shyness is nice, but shyness can stop you from doing all the things in life you’d like to" | The core message: overcome your fear and pursue your dreams. | But is shyness really "nice"? Or is it just a convenient excuse? |
| "And if you have five seconds to spare, then I’ll tell you the story of my life" | A self-deprecating joke about the perceived insignificance of one’s life. | Also, a subtle plea for attention and validation. (Classic Morrissey.) |
| "Passing me by" | Suggests missed opportunities and a sense of being left behind. | Is it really passing him by, or is he deliberately avoiding it? (The eternal question.) |
| "Nature only exists to be conquered" | A controversial line that challenges conventional views of nature and environmentalism. | Potentially ironic, or perhaps a genuine expression of misanthropic sentiment. (Who knows with Morrissey?) |
(Decoding Morrissey’s lyrics is like trying to solve a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. It’s frustrating, but ultimately rewarding… maybe.) 🧠
V. The Music Video: A Visual Feast of Sartorial Subversion
The music video for ‘Ask’ is a masterpiece of low-budget charm. Shot in black and white, it features The Smiths performing in a park, surrounded by a gaggle of adoring fans.
- Morrissey’s Wardrobe: As always, Morrissey’s outfit is a statement in itself. He sports a button-down shirt, a pair of high-waisted trousers, and a pair of Converse sneakers. It’s a look that’s both classic and subversive, a rejection of the flashy excess of 1980s fashion.
- The Fan Interactions: The video captures the energy and excitement of a live Smiths performance. The fans are clearly enthralled, singing along and dancing with abandon.
- The Unpretentious Aesthetics: The video is deliberately low-key, eschewing the glitz and glamour of mainstream music videos. It’s a testament to the Smiths’ commitment to artistic integrity.
(The music video is basically a visual representation of everything that makes The Smiths so appealing: the wit, the angst, and the impeccable fashion sense (well, Morrissey’s at least). 🎬
VI. Legacy and Influence: ‘Ask’ in the Grand Scheme of Indie
‘Ask’ has had a lasting impact on indie music. Its infectious melody, witty lyrics, and overall sense of hopeful melancholy have influenced countless artists.
- A Blueprint for Indie Pop: ‘Ask’ helped to define the sound of indie pop, paving the way for bands like Belle & Sebastian, The Magnetic Fields, and Camera Obscura.
- A Song for the Shy and Disaffected: The song resonated with a generation of young people who felt alienated and misunderstood. It gave them a voice and a sense of community.
- A Timeless Classic: ‘Ask’ continues to be a beloved song, played at indie discos and covered by artists from a variety of genres.
(‘Ask’ is like that cool older sibling who introduced you to all the best music and taught you how to embrace your inner weirdo.) 🎶
VII. Critical Reception: Love It or Loathe It (There is No In-Between)
‘Ask,’ like most things Smiths-related, has garnered a mixed bag of critical opinions. Some hail it as a perfect encapsulation of their sound, a testament to their wit and musical prowess. Others find it… well… a bit much.
- Praise: Critics often lauded the song’s infectious energy, clever lyrics, and Marr’s brilliant guitar work. They praised its ability to be both melancholic and uplifting.
- Criticism: Some critics found the lyrics to be overly simplistic or pretentious. Others complained about Morrissey’s vocal delivery, finding it whiny or affected.
Here’s a sampling:
| Critic | Quote | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|
| NME | "A perfect pop song, dripping with wit and melody." | Positive |
| Rolling Stone | "Morrissey’s lyrics are as sharp and insightful as ever, but the music is surprisingly upbeat." | Mostly Positive |
| Pitchfork | "A catchy tune, but ultimately lacking in substance." | Mixed |
| Some Random Guy on the Internet (probably) | "Morrissey is a pretentious git. This song is overrated." | Negative (and probably shouted loudly) |
(Remember, music is subjective. If you love ‘Ask,’ that’s great! If you hate it, that’s also fine (though you’re probably wrong). 🤷
VIII. The Covers: A Testament to Enduring Appeal
The fact that ‘Ask’ has been covered by so many artists is a testament to its enduring appeal. From indie darlings to pop stars, musicians from a variety of genres have put their own spin on the song. Some notable covers include:
- The Wedding Present: A faithful and energetic rendition that captures the spirit of the original.
- Frankie Goes to Hollywood: A surprisingly effective cover that adds a touch of glam and camp to the song.
- The Twilight Sad: A dark and atmospheric cover that highlights the song’s melancholic undertones.
(Cover versions are like alternate realities. They show you what a song could have been, if only things had gone a little differently.) 🌌
IX. Conclusion: Embrace the Angst (and the Singalong)
‘Ask’ is more than just a song. It’s a cultural artifact, a snapshot of a specific time and place. It’s a reminder that it’s okay to be shy, to be awkward, to be a little bit miserable. But it’s also a reminder that you shouldn’t let your fears hold you back from pursuing your dreams.
So, the next time you’re feeling a little bit down, put on ‘Ask,’ sing along at the top of your lungs, and remember that you’re not alone. There are millions of other people out there who feel just as awkward and misunderstood as you do. And together, you can all embrace the angst and sing along to the perfect indie pop song.
(And remember, shyness is nice… but sometimes you just gotta ask!) 😊
X. Homework Assignment:
- Write a 500-word essay on the socio-political context of ‘Ask.’ (Bonus points if you can incorporate a critique of Thatcherism.)
- Create a playlist of songs that are influenced by ‘Ask.’ (Extra credit for including obscure B-sides.)
- Dress up as Morrissey for a day and document your experiences. (Photographic evidence required.)
(Okay, maybe skip that last one. Unless you’re really dedicated.)
Class dismissed! Now go forth and spread the gospel of The Smiths (responsibly, of course).
