THE 1000 BEST SONGS IN THE WORLD EVER.

673-The Smiths-Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now.

1984-Number 10 single.

Best Bit-At 1.53.The ultimate ‘Marmite’ band, and the ultimate ‘Marmite’ song.

Johnny Marr who was a founding member of The Smiths, and co-writer of this song remembers well how composing it came about. Seymour Stein who co-founded ‘Sire Records,’ and was vice president of ‘Warner Brothers’ records, had already in his illustrious career signed artists such as The Ramones, and Madonna, and was now chasing The Smiths, and in an attempt to persuade them to sign with him, bought Johnny Marr a red ‘Gibson ES-355’ guitar, on which Marr composed the music to this song. Marr has recalled sitting in a New York hotel room on January 2nd, 1984, and coming up with the songs riff, getting inspiration from his new guitar.After finishing the song he then wrote the songs ‘B-side,”Girl Afraid,’ the same evening, and considers the two songs ‘a pair.’

The lyrics were later added by Morrissey (see also best songs 940-222-167-72 and 42) and went a long way to defining the general public’s opinion of him, as he sings about being depressed, and miserable. Morrissey has said,’Years ago I sang a song called ‘Heaven knows I’m Miserable Now,’and it’s like an old school uniform. People insist I wear it, but I’m really not that miserable. I’m not an unhappy person, not in the least. I’m certainly very surprised, and very pleased to still be here.’ Morrissey had always been a big fan of the singer Sandie Shaw, and this songs title was inspired by her 1969 single ‘Heaven Know’s I’m Missing Him.’

‘What she asked of me at the end of the day, Caligula would have blushed.’