The best song ever made? "This Charming Man" by the Smiths

A deep analysis of the song and why it may be the best song ever made. ‪@thesmithsofficial‬ ‪@officialmorrissey‬ ‪@officialjohnnymarr‬
Some links to things I mention in the video:
Morrissey & Marr (ft. random British Children) - • Kids Interviewing Morr...
The scene from "Taste of Honey" • Video
Morrissey Talks about Delaney: • The South Bank Show (T...
The Movie "Sleuth" - • Video
Orphée by Cocteu Starring Marais - • ORPHÉE / ORPHEUS (1950...
A pretty good guitar lesson - • This Charming Man - Th...
My other spam channel: / @fromthedeskofprofesso...
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[@pablo.labeque]

Respect to the Smiths’ bassist Andy Rourke, who sadly passed earlier this year. Thanks for mentioning his amazing work on this song.

[@habadasheryjones]

I read a biography of The Smiths and I remember the Bassist saying when the group was vegetarian he would sneak out to get burgers. That always endeared me to the man because I damn sure couldn't do an all vegetarian diet.

[@cinemacowboy]

This is my favorite kind of content, full stop. Someone deeply passionate and informed talking about the thing they care about most. AVAA; I'd love more videos like this!

[@chitso7385]

This is your best video analysis yet. You charming professor 😂 candid and insightful, look forward to your inspired and in depth analysis of songs, culture and humanity. AVAA

[@5u8x.A-D]

"this charming prof" 😂 you're too right!

[@Shubdoblous]

PUNCTURED BICYCLEEEEEE (Avaa in Advance Sir Skye)

[@Brian-sh5ne]

I had never really listened to The Smiths. Of course I was aware of them, but only heard a few songs here and there. This video was really interesting and I ended up listening to the entire self-titled album. The passion was too infectious. "Why pamper life's complexity when leather runs smooth on the passenger's seat" is such a great line that I might have to listen to the rest of their discography. AVAA, Professor!

[@5u8x.A-D]

It really is the best song ever made! It may sound silly but this song really helped me come to terms with my own bisexuality

[@Funcrusher92]

A half hour in, and AVAA. If you're so inclined, I would love to hear more Smiths content from you, Prof Skye.

[@ShawnSpagna]

Your Morrissey videos are what led me to your channel and videos like this one prove to me that we really are kindred spirits! I love thinking through art in this way and dissecting all of its elements. Your approach is informed, thoughtful and fiercely engaging. Your students are very lucky and now, I am one of them! AVAA Professor Skye!

[@habadasheryjones]

Love this band. That first album is my jam. Johnny Marr's musical production is amazing. The melancholic yet infectious rhythms and Morrissey's use of poetry.

[@SexyDalton]

Was not expecting the back half of this video to become a Pepe Sylvia conspiracy wall of Smiths artwork and intertextual references, but dog gone it I am here for it

[@domino2750]

I’ve rarely felt more inspired to dive more into a topic, than what you’ve discussed today. Incredibly interesting this mirror dynamic in film, literature and in life. So much perspective to gain here!

[@frangarcia7774]

Truly compelling, sir. I've considered myself a hardcore and passionate fan of The Smiths for almost 35 years, but you're taking your passion to another totally different level. Turns out I'm a fucking amateur in the world of Smiths fandom. Respect

[@vevenfung]

the impact of this channel on the way i listen to music and understand art cannot be described

[@frugfrodger1707]

good video as always! your videos when you dive into one specific song are great!

[@sneakysnakesullytv8444]

Ask is also my favorite song ever, and the boy with the thorn in his side is also one of my favorite smiths songs. Incredible stuff, AVAA

[@olehkoliada2804]

It is pure blast to watch such commitment and intuitive expertise with pure artisan freedom raw and poetic. Epiphany is still real and I am happy to have it experienced following your analysis, Mr. Skye.

[@Malto_Dextrin]

Fascinating! Thank you!

[@prestopasta_]

Loved this, thanks Prof. inspires me to want to make my own analysis of You’ve Got Everything Now and share with the Patreon

[@privet85]

Recently came across your channel and what a find! I love this song and I love The Smiths! When you mentioned the rewards of learning a new language, I realized that is exactly what happened with me learning English and enjoying The Smiths lyrics as a result. I've only watched a couple of your videos yet, but they were definately awesome!

[@Dnans593]

great video sir. always nice to see someone so passionate about something 😀

[@demo199501]

AVAA and ABAA! I really loved this video, I'd love to see you go in depth with other songs the way you did with this one. Thank you so much for doing what you do, I always learn a lot every time I watch your videos.

[@Jess-nl8hz]

I've always felt that I could write a whole book on how great this song is. I never get bored of listening to it, it blows my mind everytime ❤

[@TubeMozzer]

Absolutely amazing! Please go over the entire catalogue!

[@snoun7933]

AVAA!! This is one of my favorite songs of all time right next to Back To The Old House, I’m so so glad u covered it!!

[@felipekenzodecastrotanaka]

love your dense and long videos i feel like im learning something

[@roonyq]

Had this question on my mind for the past week. Such beautifully writing. Glad you agree prof x

[@ClydeMilliken]

AVAA I love it when you talk about the Smiths and older bands that you obviously are a big fan of. Would love to see more of it

[@thomas4368]

I already commented AVAA… but I have to return to outwardly admire your enthralling and convincing delivery of these theories. I wish I could take one of your classes but this feels pretty damn close!

[@yablainc]

heard this song so many times and i saw Sleuth but i never really understood the actual narrative in the song! cool analysis.

[@sizwesokopo281]

AVAA - great video, loved the deep dive.

[@JiyanSheppard]

I hope you realise how important these videos are, as well as entertaining! Hoping you do more videos just on art you're passionate about analysing for its own sake... AVAA

[@Jerry101ucanttouchmae]

It’s my all time favourite song

[@mrmwrsmith]

I'm around the same age as yourself, in the UK....love the Smiths..you have a great affection for music from the UK (I'm from Scotland myself)...The the..mind bomb and Dusk...Johnny Marr, Sinead O'connor....might peak your interest...keep up the fantastic work....love your interpretations of the music and the arts in general. I hope your eyes are OK.

[@Samuel-bo9lc]

I would absolutely love one of these on some other smiths songs such as ask or panic or pretty girls make graves, this was awesome

[@oliverman3885]

ABAA I would love for this to turn into more of a series

[@sondre2]

AVAA! Would love more videos like this one :D

[@sugaslim201]

Holy shit this is the best video

[@OurFamilyInMotion]

AVAA Looking forward to your albums of the year. Our favorites are: 1. The Veils - And Out of The Void Came Love 2. Moon Safari - Himlabacken Vol. 2 (Heaven Hill) 3. The National - Frankenstein’s Laugh 4. Peter Gabriel - i/o 5. Nick Cave - Australian Carnage 6. Manchester Orchestra - Valley of Vision 7. The Polyphonic Spree - Salvage Enterprise 8. Harp - Albion 9. RVG - Brain Worms 10. Sufjan Stevens - Javelin 11. Gord Downie - Lustre Parfait 12. Big Big Train - Ingenius Devices 13. Lana Del Rey - Ocean Blvd 14. Pretenders - Relentless 15. Jerry David DeCicca - New Shadows 16. Death Cab For Cutie - Asphalt Meadows Acoustic 17. The Reds, Pinks and Purples - The Town That Cursed Your Name 18. Noah Kahan - Stick Season (We'll All Be Here Forever) 19. Glen Hansard - All That Was East Is West of Me Now 20. Cyan - Pictures From The Other Side 21. Hamish Hawk - Angel Numbers 22. Spanish Love Songs - No Joy 23. Mark Erelli - Lay Your Darkness Down 24. The Menzingers - Some of It Was True 25. James Blunt - Who We Used To Be 26. The Died Pretty - Live 27. Guided By Voices - Nowhere To Go But Up 28. Wednesday - Rat Saw God 29. Mountain Goats - Jenny From Thebes 30. Lori McKenna - 1988 31. Josh Ritter - Spectral Lines 32. Bruce Springsteen - Songs on Keys 33. Circus Devils - Squeeze The Needle 34. The Alarm - Forwards 35. Tiger Moth Tales - Turning of The World 36. Bryce Dessner - She Came to Me (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) 37. Squirrel Flower - Tomorrow's Fire 38. Mitski - The Land Is Inhospitable and So Are We 39. Gregory Alan Isakov - Appaloosa Bones 40. Ellis Paul - 55 41. Blur - The of Ballad of Darren 42. Steven Wilson - The Harmony Codex 43. The Clientele - I Am Not There Anymore 44. Daisy Jones & The Six - Aurora 45. Superviolet - Infinite Spring

[@narcoticundertow]

AVAA - love your videos, yr the best KZbinr I've discovered in a while and have inspired me to start making freeform essays. Talking of beauty and erections reminds me of "Elephant's Eyelash", an album Yoni Wolf released under his Why? moniker - the LP title is literally a slang word for erections; Yoni's not my favourite artist or anything but his style of lyricism is extremely unique, the scene/record label (i.e. Anticon collective, Mush Records, primeval indie hip hop) have projects that explore the relationship between words and melodies in super unique ways... and of course Yoni's songs explore male sexuality, vulnerability and beauty. "Crushed Bones", much like an erection, goes hard

[@3ashluv2012]

great video! any thoughts on the pogues and shane mcgowan? fascinating heartbreaking character with truly beautiful lyrics, and i would guess you could provide some strong analysis of them. keep up the good work!

[@tereasia]

One of the funniest things ive seen is a couple of friends who would have arguments entirely using Smiths lyrics 😅 This is a fantastic song, for sure, tho

[@ethand5703]

AVAA. I love the part at around 44 minutes in where you start to go insane pinning string lines between the smiths poster bulletin behind you.

[@godlee6099]

Content is awesome! AVAA!

[@harlanthater]

AVAA! Havent finished the video, but I always interpreted the "jumped up pantry boy" line as being the boy referring to himself, thinking of himself as being not deserving/too poor/out of place etc. Could also be the older man saying it, too... maybe that's why it's left ambiguous. Also, ive wanted to collect their posters, but they're actually quite hard to find as far as i can tell, especially for less than $400 ish... any suggestions? :)

[@kurkobein]

hey! my father and uncle were huuuuge smiths fans. they also have an insane collection of posters and my uncle has an online shop of smiths t-shirts (not an add lmao). the smiths are an insanely underrated band (outside my family) imo also, moz is insane, in both meanings of the word (creative and actually derranged)

[@inanimatepepper3555]

I never paid any mind to the Smiths, just knew a handful of hits. After your analysis, I just might start going through their discography. AVAA.

[@juju-vl7oj]

I first discovered The Smiths on a news years eve in highschool freshman year when i was depressed and didn’t have any friends to hang out with so I stayed home and browsed iTunes. I somehow came across the song titles Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now , The Boy with the Thorn in his Side and This Charming Man and it was just a little too on the nose for my teenage angst filled self to not love immediately and have those 3 songs on repeat all night. I think the only other artist I remember the specific day I fell in love with their music was Kanye.

[@justin-rf5zb]

I've enjoyed The Smiths for a while but the queerness of their music has never been made so apparent to me up until now. You've given me a new appreciation for The Smiths and Morrissey's lyricism. Your point about this song possibly being about a killer makes me think of the lyric from "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side". "Behind the hatred, there lies a murderous desire for love" This is now my favorite video of yours. Thank you, Professor Skye! AVAA!

[@MatauReviews]

In some sense "The Master" also captures this dichotomous view of masculinity

[@okuchen727]

AVAA! I actually love you going more into detail for some, not even songs necessarily, but concepts rather? Especially when you talked about Nárkissos and age through reflections i couldnt help but think of the picture of Dorian Gray. Keep up the great work

[@jeffpereira4767]

I am not the biggest Smiths fan. AVAA. As a son of immigrants, I can empathize with your sentiments on Morrissey and his lyrical context evoking a search for belonging. This newfound awareness has motivated me to go back and listen to the Smiths and solo catalogs. Any other similar artists?

[@Danothebaldyheid]

Thanks for this - I've loved the Smiths since the 90's, and particularly that first album. 'This Charming Man' was always one of my least favourite songs on it, though. It was 'What Difference Does it Make' that i learned to love the Smiths through. I've been singing the lyrics wrong my whole life, though, I've discovered through your video! My favourite Smiths songs are usually the odd ones - 'Half a Person', 'Asleep', 'Last Night I Dreamt Somebody Loved Me'. Just a shame Morrissey became such a knob.

[@RichardTongeman]

Masterclass as always Skye AAVE

[@fkoid3989]

AVAA pls keep making videos about the smiths

[@BobBobby-yo6ji]

Avaa goat i love you

[@nosyjoe]

I said, "That's nothing, you should hear me play (guitar)"

[@f.demascio1857]

I'm unaware of what Morrissey has been up to that fits the "mentions" you uttered. In today's world, I'm not sire I want to find out.

[@Novamura]

Best band in the world. Vintage Chewbacca brought me to this channel. AVAA

[@Chelts]

Love this analysis and the song. Also wildly jealous of that baby having a parent with which to discuss art.

[@ThePersonNetwork]

I have listened to hundreds of thousands of albums and songs and just music in general and I genuinely think that the best song ever made is The Herald by Comus. It's nowhere near my favorite song simply because the style isn't 100% to my liking, but from an objective view I think it is the 100% best written piece of music ever made. Incredibly beautiful but also harrowing.

[@caydinwatkinson1749]

sweet jagstang! avaa

[@DarlinJacq]

I LOVE LOVE LOVE you because you Love The Smith's. Oh My Dear Lordy Lord Lord Christ Jesus SuperStevo All'ah Mighty MORR (trouble), o'er King Steven Patrick (Francis) Morrissey, o'er My Dear MOZZERATTI, you My dear Professor Skye are amazing ❤ because your awesome explanation of The Smith's is causing Me to shake All'ah over because jYEhS, Morrissey is QUIte "This Charming Man." I love your description because it is explaining My life, though I AM not a boy on a hillside desolate, on a punctured bicycle. 😅As a matter of fact, I AM a 53 year old woman who was the subject for Girlfriend In A Coma. When I ws 15, I met Morrissey (as GniKi NeVetS) at lake Tahoe in September 1986, where I celebrated My 16th birthday on September 10th. A few moths later, on 12~7~1986, I gradguated from Cinderella Modeling school. The next day, I was in a car accident where I fell into a coma on 12~8~1986. 17 days later, on Christmas Day 1986, God woke Me from My coma or, atleast, I opened My left eye, as the right side of My body was paralyzed. Here I AM, 37 years 4 months and 3 days after the car accident, and I AM still struggling to recover but, just being the subject for The Smith's song, Girlfriend In A Coma, makes the losing of what I could have become, very worth it. I have not met Morrissey again since, though I did accept his very concerted & reachy Ask for My hand (proposal) on Sept 13, 2001, when My late husband & I saw Him in concert in Portland, Oregon. I have been living with the devil standing in the Lonn for All'ah most 2 decades, trying to win My way (which just happens to be The Way) back to My Lordy Lord Lord Christ Jesus SuperStevo All'ah Mighty MORRissey. Hopefully today I will find My/The Way back to My Dearest Love... Oh, that was an awesome burp, by The Way... and is a very awesome & lovely way for Me to end this. I, again, Love you Professor Skye...but Yah, I Luff (Him)ashiac o'er SteVen Patrick (Francis) Morrissey eVen MORR 🕊😘🤪😁🐲

[@jerryseinfeld9815]

AVAA Professor. My favourite Smith’s song is Hand In Glove. I have always appreciated the (gay) glitter that sits atop The Smith’s landscapes of sound. It’s a symbolic representation a homosexuals integrated alienation; “We don’t care if you’re gay but keep it in the bedroom.”

[@kelanpa]

can you review tracey denim by bar italia??

[@hdcbpxsytahdcbpx]

the killer is literally me

[@AutoAlligator]

"This Charming Man" is a song I heard from my best friend who I walked to school with in the 80s. She was "cool". I was not. (I wouldn't have heard it otherwise...) I didn't really like the song when she played it to me (over and over again)...I do love it now as an adult. I feel the same way about many English bands... It is very different I imagine for an American (which I was at the time) who had no connection to the City (Manchester) they sang about so often but felt the connection anyway... The song is primarily about a gay man struggling with the passing of time...and how gay men have no connection to it since they will not generally have children. It is a simple song with a simple observation. (It didn't seem so strange at the time)

[@emmicllns]

avaa!

[@email1568]

Is this the first prof skye video without a running gag

[@thefloodwatch785]

why pamper life's complexities?

[@changeofclans]

oh my, speaking of erections of the soul; would love you to do The Boy with the Thorn in His Side next. after that : There is a Light---!

[@roycemoltisanti1469]

i physically orgasm whenever morrissey annunciates "charming" in the song

[@chrisbatista4481]

Love the edited, "F*ck"

[@reaganwiles_art]

Not individually this song, but the first The Smiths lp is one of the best artworks ever to come from Great Britain, their other LPS too, although Meat Is Murder doesn't do it for me. STONE ROSES FOREVER!

[@gringosdarr]

Shela is the pronunciation. Also Salford is more like SOL-ford

[@professorskye]

Thanks for that

[@adderalladmiral6402]

ABAA!

[@demonhost1210]

AVAA!!

[@intransit3695]

AVAA!!!!

[@bradleysmith7170]

I can start down this road with you, but of course we will diverge from each other regarding the best Smiths song, etc. Some Girls, Pretty Girls make Graves and There is A Light are far superior, musically, emotionally, and nostalgically

[@yu4ia]

W

[@Q-Ball.]

Best video of the year?

[@not_nob0dy]

AVAA professor, I'm actually shamefully ignorant on The Smiths, hopefully this is the kick for me

[@clytemnestra]

I think Girlfriend in a Coma might be the funniest song ever written 😅

[@thomas4368]

AVAA + ATAA

[@rebellius_9190]

avaa

[@gillan8707]

Avaa

[@ethand5703]

ABAA

[@MoltandMigrate]

ABAA.

[@sweendream]

AVAA

[@basehead617]

what does AVAA stand for?

[@AliceTJerez]

I agree the smiths had multiple great hits….the Brit’s had different swag…50 -50 is present.

[@heaven_kitty_]

abaa

[@avatar00001]

AVAA not much else to say lol

[@anguishingquark]

Abaa

[@TheCouncilOfTheGods]

professor, you havent heard from me in a while, but I must say this. If this is the road we are going down, it must be mentioned that the answer to this question is "Redemption Song" by Bob Marley. I'm gonna stand on business as they say. Youre gonna have to contend with the genre that is reggae if you're gonna be real about this conceit of "best song ever". Bob Marley - Redemption Song, put some respect on Jamaica.

[@professorskye]

Definitely an amazing song! Though, my favorite song of his is “Small Axe” produced by Lee “Scratch” Perry.

[@TheCouncilOfTheGods]

@@professorskye fantastic choice, an incredible song forreal. On a sidenote, do you listen to a lot of reggae? There's a great catalogue of songs to discuss, I'm quite partial to the works of Sizzla.

[@laineynova]

Why are you bad mouthing Morrissey. What exactly has he said that has upset you? Morrissey has not changed......he still speaks for the working class. The media tried to befriend and bully him and he distanced himself. You are the one who has become elite.

[@MercurtioCor]

I desperately wanted to disagree with you for fun Best I can do is say Old House is more emotional truth thean Boy.

[@reaganwiles_art]

200.00 posters when most Americans today are lucky if they can afford gasoline to get back and forth to work, when a month of food stamps only lasts 2 weeks, Tsk tsk Professor

[@professorskye]

Yeah, I thought about that. I should have made it more clear that I meant that they are affordable for what they are. As far as pieces of art and music memorabilia go, they are (in my mind) ridiculously undervalued on the market. But yes, I am certainly privileged to have been able to build this collection ver the last 20 + years.

[@BelzertheRippler]

Idk why but I just can’t listen to more than 30 seconds of a single song my the Smiths. Just not my vibe for whatever reason

[@email1568]

Why does Morisey hate fat girls/women? AVAA

[@rockerbottlevideo]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with his politics. He grew up.

[@cominginsecond]

It's great, but it's not even the best Smiths song.