There Is A Light That Never Goes Out

Album: The Queen Is Dead (1986)
Charted: 25
Play Video
  • Lyrics currently unavailable Writer/s: Johnny Marr, Steven Morrissey
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Comments: 13

  • Gwynneth from Amherst, MassachusettsI wish I had heard this back when I was trapped in a car with a deranged boyfriend (this was the day it would end), who picked me up from work, so I'd be cornered while he whined. He was anal-retentive (like the guy in Sleeping With the Enemy) and liked nasty mind games. Anyway, I got so angry, I told him I hoped we crashed, but that only HE was killed! Still, his memory can't ruin this great song.
  • Big Poppa from California I think this song is about dying happy, he doesn’t want to go home bc he’s miserable there, he sings, “ and if a double decker bus, crashes into us, to die by your side is such a heavenly way to die” he doesn’t care if he dies right then and there bc in the moment he’s finally happy.
  • Sheridan from Rome, Italy'A Light That Never Goes Out' has been adopted as an inspirational slogan by Salford Lad's Club, and features on the club's T-shirts.
  • Brian from Stockport, United KingdomI hear that this song is about the relationship between Morrissey and Marr.
  • Elliot from London, United Kingdomthe line was originally 'there is a light in your eyes that never goes out', inspired by that song 'tonight, the light of love is in your eyes, will you still love me tomorrow?' Morrisey likeed the older songs.

    Matt - the movie came after the book (it's by Irvine Welsh)
  • Libeth from Duarte, CaYes the title is a play with words of what Hugh Latimer told Nicholas Ridley as they were being executed. Latimer was quoted saying "Be of good comfort, Master Ridley, and play the man; we shall this day light such a candle, by God's grace, in England, as I trust shall never be put out."
  • Pepe from Mexico, MexicoJust fantastic, witty, acid yet harmonically digestible... definitely in the realm of my 10 top faves
    Pepe
    Mexico City
  • Russell from London, EnglandThere is a fantastic electro version of this song called 'The Light 3000' by Schneider TM, it takes the original in a completely different direction. Just what a cover should be in my opinion, rather than a mindless remake.
  • Jonathan from Bishop, EnglandThis is a apparently about what Hugh Latimer said to Nicholas Ridley as they were about to be burned at the stake as heretics during the reign of Mary I.
    Very good song. Smiths' best!
  • Jeff from Austin, TxIn my personal Top 5 list of all time. What an amazing song!!!!
  • Martin from Eastbourne, EnglandSo beautiful, the double-decker bus bit especially.
  • Madison from Los Angeles, CaThis is a very inspiring song. I like to listen to it when I'm sad.
  • Matt from West Springfield, MaI've seen the movie trainspotting? but, now I must read the book... I don't know if the movie was spawned form the book, but, whatev. I'm certainly going ot read the book now though. Its right up there on my list with Lolita, you know, the old man in that book by nabakhov? from the police "don't stand so close to me" GOD! I love the smiths!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

70s Music Quiz 1

70s Music Quiz 1Music Quiz

The '70s gave us Muppets, disco and Van Halen, all which show up in this groovy quiz.

Paul Stanley of Kiss, Soul Station

Paul Stanley of Kiss, Soul StationSongwriter Interviews

Paul Stanley on his soul music project, the Kiss songs with the biggest soul influence, and the non-make-up era of the band.

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions Answered

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions AnsweredSong Writing

10 Questions for the author of Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine Band

Harry Wayne Casey of KC and The Sunshine BandSongwriter Interviews

Harry Wayne Casey tells the stories behind KC and The Sunshine Band hits like "Get Down Tonight," "That's The Way (I Like It)," and "Give It Up."

Rickie Lee Jones

Rickie Lee JonesSongwriter Interviews

Rickie Lee Jones on songwriting, social media, and how she's handling Trump.

Incongruent Opening Acts

Incongruent Opening ActsSong Writing

Here's what happens when an opening act is really out of place with the headliner, like when Beastie Boys opened for Madonna.