The Queen is Dead is a Wonderful Thing | The Smiths Reaction

[@MusicCatsandCoffee]

Hey, you! Have a good day. I mean it.

[@MissDillinger1]

Ditto. 😎

[@AaronScutt]

You too! Happy New Year!

[@BlueSky...]

You too Lauren!

[@briancohenthepfjmassive.4769]

"Last night I dreamt somebody loved me" is one of the best introductions to any song. The longer version is needed for it.

[@markpayne5566]

“‘I know you and you cannot sing’, ‘that’s nothing, you should hear me play piano’” is an underrated funny line

[@WesleyWattley-xy4fg]

Absolutely 💯 💯

[@sexobscura]

*It's a very clever, witty (and thus Morrissey) line*

[@bernardblack7870]

Cemetary Gates is an underrated one in my book of Smithin'

[@strummer3162]

I don't really think people watch reaction videos for insight and analysis. I think people who love reaction videos are looking more for the right person with the right vibe. Often it is a song you are already familiar with and you just want to relive that "first-time" experience vicariously though someone you like. That's why I love watching your reactions. I just want to listen to cool music with someone who is cool.

[@jimdiggs6959]

Agree, I think this is a good summary of why most people check out reaction videos.

[@christophegowans3504]

Always here for you and the Smiths. Their attitude. Your attitude. Ignore the idiots. Enjoy your non-loneliness, excellent.

[@aazo5]

My favorite Smiths opening track. Don't understand why this song is so overlooked. IMO, not only one of the Smiths' best songs, but one of the best rock songs of the 80s. So unique sounding for the time as well, especially Marr's flanger sounding guitar lol

[@ajax74]

Love your Smiths reactions! Pay no mind to the snobby/rude comments . “It's so easy to laugh It's so easy to hate It takes strength to be gentle and kind Over, over, over, over”

[@BassistInATutu]

Enough said! lol

[@WesleyWattley-xy4fg]

Absolutely 💯

[@tonybarruk2]

The notion of breaking into the palace with a sponge and a rusty spanner is a reference to the incident in 1982, when a guy called Michael Fagan managed to sneak into the Queen's bedroom in Buckingham Palace, and sat with her for a while before being apprehended by security... by all accounts he didn't mean her any harm, but it was a big story at the time...

[@sexobscura]

*Very true. Although he had no intention of even using the spanner or sponge he had on him, the Queens apron strings were a silly incumbrance to any possible real talk they could have had. He even played a little piano*

[@fac51nh]

Headmasters ritual is an amazing tune, im so glad i got to see The Smiths live over 30 times, my favourite band ever.

[@29memyselfandi]

You’re so lucky. I got deeply into them after I accidentally ended up with a copy of The Queen is Dead near the end of 1986. I bought everything of theirs I could afford over the next few months. I was a metal head into Megadeth, Iron Maiden etc but I’d never heard anything as powerful as The Smiths. They were powerful in a different way. I became almost obsessed and couldn’t wait to see them live. They split up a few months later. Still the only band who’s splitting up genuinely depressed me.

[@ronaldmilner8932]

Hi Lauren, I have been a Smiths fan since '84 or '85- The clip at the beginning of the song is taken from the 1962 film The L-Shaped Room, a “kitchen sink” drama, based on a novel by Lynne Reid Banks about a young French girl (Leslie Caron) who discovers she’s pregnant and moves into the rented accommodation of the title alongside the other residents of the West London house: the landlady, a failed writer, a jazz musician, an actress and others.

[@WesleyWattley-xy4fg]

Knowledge ❤

[@BlueSky...]

Smithsonian here. Glad you like the song and the band so much! Congrats on the new love interest. 😉

[@jabbawonger6572]

I don't differentiate. Every Smiths song is a classic.

[@Datokah]

One of my fave Smiths tunes - off the wall, lots of deadpan British humour. Great guitar, lyrics, percussion and bass - what more does one need?

[@CaimanReid]

Please just keep reacting how you want to react and ignore the naysayers, there are plenty of us watching who really enjoy your reactions and I am sure that outnumbers a vocal minority complaining one way or another. Thanks for the videos!

[@pistolsscaramanga3437]

Nice reaction! As always. My favorite Smiths songs are The Queen Is Dead, I Know It’s Over and the amazing b-side London (highly recommend). Peace out.

[@Intapool]

All Smiths songs are pretty much great and I've always been drawn to Andy. My personal favourites for his playing that you have not yet reacted to are Girl Afraid, This Night has Opened My Eyes, That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore and Suffer Little Children, the last coming with about the most depressing lyrics you can imagine and about a true story notorious in Britain.

[@James-wj8eq]

All said and done, they only made 4 studio albums, every song a gem, 10 compilation albums, 3 EP's and 24 singles...for a short career they made a huge impact.

[@connorjackson2731]

Please listen to Well I Wonder!

[@williamr3840]

5:34 You're just on the other side of the pond, and you can't quite hear what we're saying over here on our little island... A sponge and a spanner is what burglars often use to break into houses. They put the sponge against the glass of the window and then whack it one with the spanner (silently breaking the window). All the best, love William. London. :0)

[@williamdavis4893]

Great name 😉

[@williamr3840]

​@williamdavis4893 It was really nothing... :0)

[@williamdavis4893]

@@williamr3840 🤭

[@daveemilio67]

A spanner is a particular wrench for plumbing. The Sponge and Rusty Spanner are how he 'broke in' ie, posed as a plumber ;)

[@raulvillasenor9360]

The Queen is dead is epic ....🤟🖤😎♨️⚡🇲🇽 React to london from Rank album

[@Lillbimbo]

"Watching him play bass on the song The Queen is Dead was so impressive that I said to myself 'I'll never forget this moment." Johnny Marr

[@NicolaVerni-qj2wu]

Well I wonder, please.

[@Dub-C_Coins]

The line with the sponge and the rusty spanner is made even more humorous and absurd by the queen quipping a Groucho Marx-esque line. Appreciate you watching and reviewing the songs. But take a few minutes to watch the "actual" video for the song by Derek Jarman. This extended series was incredibly beautiful, avant-garde, and influential. Still some of the most beautiful music videos every shot.

[@SteveBurke-y3e]

Don’t worry about the comments , your reviews are fun. Try Girl Afraid next. You will Love it.

[@BlueSky...]

Girl Afraid is a great one

[@ottmarshal]

I always drop back in for your Smiths reactions. Fair play to you for taking them on and glad you like them, I enjoy your reaction. I grew up with this stuff and to "get it" you kinda had to be there AND be English (or maybe, British).... the self deprecating sentiment, the existential angst, the disdain for the Monarchy, all part of my life experience. My favourite is in How Soon is Now "There's a club if you'd like to go, You could meet somebody who really loves you, So you go and you stand on your own, And you leave on your own, And you go home, and you cry, and you want to die". Not everyone's experience lol but wow, thats it right there. Keep it up!! 🙂

[@jimdiggs6959]

Love The Smiths reactions, my favorite band since the '80s. I listen to their entire catalog but probably play their up-tempo tracks most often; this track, Bigmouth Strikes Again, Headmaster Ritual, Stop Me If You Think You’ve Heard This One Before, etc. Some Girls are Bigger than Others might be the most beautiful "silly" song of all time.

[@jonathanharris2558]

Hi Lauren, I've been a Smiths fan since they began, and I just think it's great that they still get new fans, and also appreciate Andy Rourke's bass (rest in peace Andy). Such a rich variety of music from such a short period they were together. Perhaps you can try Last Night I Dreamt that Somebody Loved Me? Johnny Marr's favourite I think.

[@orla556]

You have basically grouped the feel of their songs by era, This Charming Man being the start, this one being later

[@miqueiasalvaro6109]

Well I wonder , these things take time are both great smiths songs! Would love to see you react

[@petemc5070]

That bit about being lonely - and the fact you're not anymore : ) Excellent. In a live version of 'How Soon Is Now' he sang the verse 'There's a club if you'd like to go You could meet somebody who really loves you So you go and you stand on your own And you leave on your own...' - and as an aside added an update, '...But not anymore'.

[@Noodleydoo]

I was a fan since 1983, and this was the most raucous song the Smiths ever did. These are Morrissey's best lyrics IMO--listen to how deftly he weaves between social commentary, low self esteem issues to humor. No other lyricist could pull that off this effortlessly

[@billpaulk1058]

I like both kinds of Smiths songs.

[@normancharlesworth1289]

Hey! You diid not mention the bass? Kidding , you are wonderfuldo your thingthats what we are here for. You are awesome!! Bugger the negative nellies........

[@something3551]

This has made me Happy

[@BassistInATutu]

No preference to pep! It's all good. I love your reactions to The Smiths. I've been a lifetime fan, I was a teenager when The Smiths were a thing. So many good ones to choose from. Frankly Mr Shankly if you want a laugh. Or Asleep if you want depressing. Or Reel Around The Fountain if you want Classic The Smiths genius! And for an Andy fix try Stretch Out And Wait. It's right up there one of his best!

[@BassistInATutu]

I do think it is worth noting a new personal record for you though...... over 11 minutes before you mention Andy! 😛😆

[@Mr.Wrong1]

Life is very long when you're lonely...

[@southpaw77777]

Good for you...hugs

[@iainprendergast8311]

What a tuuuune

[@MercurtioCor]

Love the rocking songs, of this is one of the best.

[@miguelotero9218]

So happy you checked out a great one again. Continue doing you

[@Eijianthony]

Smiths fan since 1987 with Louder Than Bombs. You just keep doing your thing. And once you realize you can't please everybody, you've just freed yourself. 🎉

[@liberatoreZ]

Morrissey at his most cryptic, I believe.

[@glenngastonjonsson7954]

And after watching it again, I say thank you, really thank you. The Smiths meant a lot to me back then. Still do.

[@BlueSky...]

Here are few more Smiths suggestions: Ask

[@anthonyferguson5877]

if you like bass try some joy division /new order

[@IanCrouse]

I discovered I am a 24-pale descendant of Sir John Harington, Queen Elizabeth's Godson. Anything from The Smiths. The most influential band since The Beatles.

[@lozu8947]

No you are right, Andy was an amazing bass player; he definitely stands out. When I was a young teen and discovered music outside of top 40 radio hits, this was one of the first songs I heard that changed my musical tastes; the structure of this song was nothing like what I was used to with a catchy chords repeated throughout the song. College radio in the 80’s was amazing

[@willfromyadkinville]

they were so good!

[@WesleyWattley-xy4fg]

Absolutely 🇺🇸 🌎 💯 🇬🇧

[@alexaveevelasquez6099]

I will most definitely buy your a t-shirt.

[@lightlandsky]

This night has opened my eyes - definitely should be on your list!

[@marcharley6465]

Long or peppy songs ? It's great to have the choice depending upon your mood. I remember being surprised when I heard this song for the first time because I'd never heard The Smiths really rocking out before.

[@Dan-ts8yg]

I have been a Smits fan since the early eighties and you should check out These Things Take Time Off of the album Rank. A live studio recording and arguably their best song although all their songs are amazing.

[@Mr.Wrong1]

Please review Well I Wonder, Half A Person, Rubber Ring, Unhappy Birthday, William It Was Really Nothing, This Night Has Opened My Eyes, Suffer Little Children, Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before, Panic, Sweet And Tender Hooligan, Sheila Take A Bow and... oh just do the whole lot please. 😊

[@MusicCatsandCoffee]

One song at a time. Stop Me....is done. I just need to post it. ☺️

[@Mr.Wrong1]

​@@MusicCatsandCoffeenice one ❤

[@Intapool]

Oh, the bass player from Supergrass is also an incredible player and has a similar melodic style to Andy. There's no depressing lyrics though i'm afraid!

[@StephenDouthart-f8r]

Check out Andy Rourke and Mike Joyce backing Sinead O'Connor live at pinkpop 1988 singing Mandinka. Sinead goes onto sing her song Troy. You should definitely check it out as well as the official video for Troy!👌😭

[@bernicia-sc2iw]

Peppy or long , both are equally good. In the UK , 'spanner' is also an insulting term for an idiot , maybe related to the term 'putting a spanner in the works' meaning : to cause problems and chaos. Anyway .... keep up the Smiths reactions .You have reacted to some of their best for sure , but That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore , Stop Me If You Think , and A Rush and a Push , are three great songs to react to and all offer something a little different.

[@altaclipper]

Actually, putting a wrench in the works is a real saying. No interpreting necessary.

[@danstone6871]

Andy Rourke, rest in peace.Such a funky bass player. Johnny Marr is a genius, but Andy’s bass playing took this band to amazing places.

[@Yorkyscott]

Mike Joyce at his best

[@neilmccarthy5102]

Hi Lauren - carry on with your own analysis in your own unique way… I for one like it! Should ‘analyse’ still ill or girl afraid or nowhere fast or this night has opened my eyes or many others. I think life is very long when you’re lonely is a reflection on how the queen maybe felt…or for any royal to that extent

[@ottmarshal]

And "punctured bicycle on a hillside, desolate".... if you've lived in Manchester (which I did) then this just conjures up an image of a foggy, rainy day in a barren, rocky landscape where the only signs of humanity are stone walls and an abandoned, broken bicycle. It somehow reaches into your soul. ;-)

[@27Finbarr]

Love that you obsess about the Bass. 😂 keep it up.

[@StephenDouthart-f8r]

Next Smith's song , Sweet And Tender Hooligan 👌

[@oscillatewildly6553]

Thanks for a great reaction! I hope you will consider doing a reaction to "what she said" live version. Cheers from Australia!

[@marijn29m37]

Lovely video :D I'd like to recommend the smiths songs 'Nowhere fast' to you, my personal favourite, and maybe something different like 'Only a fool would say that' from Steely Dan:)

[@thegoatchild3545]

One of my favorite Smiths songs. I don't think Charles is a big fan...😂 Hurray for not feeling lonely! I'm happy for you.😉👍

[@danstone6871]

It’s a funny song with a killer bass line. Easy as that. They did a lot of these.

[@glenngastonjonsson7954]

Johnny Marr. Thanks, anyway.

[@paullaw7412]

Great choice love that song but problem with smiths is us fans all have different favourites and then type lauren play this, from my view it depends on how you feel to which song is the best at this time I really like strangeways here we come and my favourite track is death of a disco dancer but that's what mood I'm in now, tomorrow it could change 😂😂

[@DadgeCity]

Great track on a patchy album. There's an artsy video for it.

[@ElGwapo1927]

Patchy album? Its a classic

[@matthewmurphy8362]

Glad you no longer feel lonely 😊

[@djdelusion100]

More Smiths, please....

[@jonathanharris2558]

Staying with Manchester, try the Stone Roses!

[@Supernova0211]

I think I prefer songs like heaven knows I'm miserable now and I know it's over from The Smiths those ones just resonate with me more, I'm glad you've been diggin the band! Also I love your cat background haha it's cool! Great video I hope you're havin a good day!

[@AB-sy5hb]

There's already a band called the Smithereens so Smithonians it is.

[@MusicCatsandCoffee]

Good to know. Thank you! 😊

[@whatchutalkinaboutwillard6547]

These guys are the kings of the outro 😎

[@miguelotero9218]

If you get a chance listen to “that joke isn’t funny anymore “

[@fellipeporto2376]

I'm from brazil , please reaction the music WELL I WONDER ! Very Good music

[@PaulAguayo-l1i]

Ask me I won't say no. How could i ?

[@solkanar33]

Love the reaction! Don't try to please the masses! Your reactions are honest as genuine reactions should be! I prefer Smithsonians! It's a bit intellectual and funny like some of Morressey's lyrics and The Smithereens are another band.

[@DapperZach]

Love your reactions so pay not attention to the negative comments. I do think that this is on the peppier end of Smiths songs

[@ronaldmilner8932]

Lauren, I want to take you off the beaten trail of reactors and ask you to look into the Japanese Punk-Pop band Shonen Knife! They started in 1981 and 2 of the 3 original members are still with the band! Shonen Knife leaves me with an indescribable giddiness, and I am a grown man!

[@zerogo40]

Good on you.😊

[@bobbyb2725]

Both

[@daveemilio67]

Opening mumbles are "I don't bless them" not by land by sea" :)

[@sphericalharmony1603]

Yes, in the UK we call wrenches spanners. We do call some tools wrenches, but those are a bit more specialised than your basic spanner 😃 This song is the opening track of their album of the same name, which was their penultimate album. It was never a favourite of mine, partly because of the lyrics, which are weird even by Morrissey's standards, and also I'm not keen on some of his vocalisations on this one. There are some differences between early and later Smiths records, although not huge differences. I would class this as a later recording, which has more overdubs than they would have used in early days. They still gave good live performances of the later songs. In fact, I remember hearing a live version of this song that I preferred to the studio version. Anyway, glad you liked it. As far as binary classification of Smith's songs is concerned, I would go for up-tempo, more energetic vs slower, languid songs, although I guess there will always be some that fall in the middle. If pushed, I'd say I prefer the slower: Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now, I know it's Over, This Night has Opened My Eyes, Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want, etc

[@FrankEinstein240]

All songs on The Smiths' live album "Rank" recorded in their hey day match or outshine the studio recordings in my opinion. I also think that the radio show versions on "Hatful of Hollow"' of the tracks from the debut album are way better than the originals.

[@sphericalharmony1603]

Yes, I really like Hatful of Hollow. I haven't heard Rank. I used to have a cassette tape (remember those!) from a radio broadcast of a concert they did, and that was excellent.

[@IanCrouse]

No one sings, "OH, Oh, oh," like Morrissey.

[@BlueSky...]

To answer your question, I tend to like the Smiths no matter what type of song of theirs is playing. 🙂

[@markpike81]

Best British 80s band ever 😅blowing

[@BradleyWitt-rz5qh]

Epic!

[@Darkcydesreign]

Wow

[@billpaulk1058]

Play that guitar Johnny Marr! Fire!

[@daveemilio67]

Next correction "All their lies about make-up and long hair, are still there" as opposed to "All their life..."

[@scottflowe2875]

Try Ask or Is It Really So Strange

[@dimestorephilosopher3308]

Just the way you talk, you are someone I should have married out of college.

[@gerryrr93]

Watch this live at hollywood bowl

[@Dan-ts8yg]

Smiths fan. I can’t believe I misspelled that.

[@jacobmassey3897]

Why do Americans not know that a wrench and a spanner are the same bloody thing

[@drunk-mangaming2744]

toy should listen/watch the official vid to this song

[@LuisGonzalez-px4sj]

Lauren are going to still do maggot Mondays?