There is a Light That Never Goes Out - The Smiths, 1986

Word classes to look for:

Verbs
Nouns
Adjectives

Language features to look for:

Repetition
Symbolism
Imagery
Alliteration

Lyrics

Take me out tonight
Where there's music and there's people
And they're young and alive
Driving in your car
I never, never want to go home
Because I haven't got one
Anymore

Take me out tonight
Because I want to see people
And I want to see life
Driving in your car
Oh please, don't drop me home
Because it's not my home, it's their home
And I'm welcome no more

And if a double-decker bus
Crashes into us
To die by your side
Is such a heavenly way to die
And if a ten tonne truck
Kills the both of us
To die by your side
Well, the pleasure, the privilege is mine

Take me out tonight
Take me anywhere
I don't care, I don't care, I don't care
And in the darkened underpass
I thought, 'Oh God, my chance has come at last!'
But then a strange fear gripped me
And I just couldn't ask

Take me out tonight
Oh take me anywhere
I don't care, I don't care, I don't care
Driving in your car
I never, never want to go home
Because I haven't got one
Oh, I haven't got one

And if a double-decker bus
Crashes into us
To die by your side
Is such a heavenly way to die
And if a ten tonne truck
Kills the both of us
To die by your side
Well, the pleasure, the privilege is mine

Oh, there is a light and it never goes out
There is a light and it never goes out
There is a light and it never goes out
There is a light and it never goes out

There is a light and it never goes out
There is a light and it never goes out
There is a light and it never goes out
There is a light and it never goes out...

Word classes to look for:

Verbs
Nouns
Adjectives

Language features to look for:

Repetition
- Take me out tonight - desperation, yearning, hope.
Symbolism
- There is a light that never goes out - hope, love.
Imagery
- Where there’s music and there’s people and they’re young and alive.
Alliteration
- ten ton truck

Activity: Answer this GCSE-style question about these song lyrics:

How does the author of this song use language to tell a story?

You could include how the language conveys how the author feels.

Tips:

3–4 well-developed paragraphs
1. A clear introduction (one or two sentences) and a short conclusion if possible
2. Use of quotations (short, embedded quotes)
3. Detailed explanation of effects (not just spotting techniques)

In the GCSE exam this question would be worth 12 points.

For a 12-mark question in GCSE English Language, you should aim to write about one to one and a half sides of writing — typically around 200–300 words. Writing clearly is more important than hitting the word count.

Activity: Read this article about The Smiths or the adapted version below.

Answer this GCSE-style question:

"Music can be an important influence on young people's lives, shaping their identity and offering a way to express their emotions. The Smiths, for example, have had a lasting impact on youth culture, and their music continues to resonate with generations of fans."

Write an article for a music magazine in which you explore how music has influenced youth culture and identity. In your article, consider how music helps young people express themselves and connect with others. You can use The Smiths or your own examples.

(24 marks for content and organisation, 16 marks for technical accuracy)
[40 marks]

Tips:

Structure your writing using Point, Evidence, Explain:

Point: Make a clear statement about what you're going to discuss.
Example: "Music plays a crucial role in helping young people express their emotions and shape their identity."
Evidence: Provide specific examples, quotes, or references that support your point.
Example: "The Smiths’ song 'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out' speaks to feelings of alienation and longing, which resonates deeply with many young listeners."
Explain: Explain how the evidence supports your point, linking it back to the main argument.
Example: "This relatable emotional experience helps young people feel understood and connected, especially during challenging times when they may feel isolated."

Here’s an Example:

Introduction

Introduce the topic: Explain that music influences youth culture and identity.
Mention The Smiths: Briefly state how they shaped youth culture through their music.

Paragraph 1: Music as Expression

Identity through music: Explain how music helps young people express emotions.
Use The Smiths as an example, e.g., "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" speaks to feelings of longing.

Paragraph 2: Music as Connection

Building community: Music brings young people together, creating a sense of belonging.
Mention how The Smiths’ fanbase formed a community.

Paragraph 3: Evolution of Music

Changing trends: Discuss how music evolves with each generation.
Show how The Smiths still influence modern artists and youth.

Conclusion

Reiterate: Music helps young people express themselves and shape their identities.
End with a statement: Emphasize how music’s power endures across generations.

The Smiths - Adapted Text

The Smiths emerged as a unique and influential band, setting themselves apart from contemporaries who often imitated established acts. Their originality quickly became a defining characteristic, captivating audiences and inspiring countless musicians. The band defied easy categorization, leaving a lasting impact on the indie music scene and beyond.

The Smiths' influence on subsequent generations of indie bands is undeniable. Their debut album in 1983 revolutionized the relationship between indie bands and their fans, redefined notions of masculinity, and challenged the conventions of the mainstream music industry. The distinctive guitar work of Johnny Marr and the poignant lyrics and vocal delivery of Morrissey remain unparalleled, serving as a template for countless artists. Bands like the Stone Roses, Oasis, and the 1975 echo their style and spirit, demonstrating the breadth and depth of their influence.

Beyond their musical innovation, the Smiths offered a sense of positivity during a challenging time in Britain. Their music resonated with audiences, providing a counterpoint to the social and economic anxieties of the era. Despite the melancholic undertones of Morrissey's lyrics, listening to the Smiths felt liberating, infusing a playful sensibility into the often-grim realities of working-class life. This sentiment of defiance and self-determination struck a chord with many who felt marginalized and overlooked.

The Smiths also redefined fashion and cultural norms, empowering fans to embrace their individuality and reject conventional notions of coolness. They expanded their fans' horizons beyond music, inspiring them to explore literature and art. The band's ability to connect with their audience on a deeper level fostered a sense of loyalty and identification, solidifying their legacy as a groundbreaking and influential force in British music and culture.

Summary:

- The Smiths were a special band that stood out for being original and different.

- They had a big impact on indie music, changing how bands connected with fans and inspiring many artists.

- The Smiths' music gave people hope and encouraged them to be themselves, making them a very important band.

Vocabulary:

contemporaries (noun)

People who live or exist at the same time.

Example Sentence: Shakespeare and his contemporaries wrote many famous plays.

originality (noun)

The quality of being new and different from anything that has come before.

Example Sentence: The artist's originality was clear in her unique paintings.

indie (adjective)

Relating to independent music or films, often produced by small companies.

Example Sentence: She loves listening to indie bands that aren't played on the radio.

conventions (noun)

The usual or accepted ways of behaving or doing things.

Example Sentence: Breaking the conventions of society can sometimes lead to new ideas.

melancholic (adjective)

Feeling or expressing sadness.

Example Sentence: The rainy weather made her feel melancholic.

sensibility (noun)

The ability to appreciate and respond to complex emotional or aesthetic influences; sensitivity.

Example Sentence: Her artistic sensibility allowed her to create beautiful paintings.

defiance (noun)

Open resistance; bold disobedience.

Example Sentence: The students showed their defiance by protesting the new rules.

Multiple Choice Questions

According to the text, what made The Smiths stand out from other bands of their time?

A) Their ability to imitate popular bands.

B) Their use of complex musical arrangements.

C) Their original style and sound.

D) Their focus on mainstream music trends.

According to the text, what did The Smiths offer to their audience during a difficult time in Britain?

A) A sense of positivity and defiance.

B) A focus on economic prosperity.

C) A promotion of social conformity.

D) A celebration of traditional values.

According to the text, what impact did The Smiths have on their fans beyond just music?

A) They encouraged fans to focus solely on music.

B) They inspired fans to explore literature and art.

C) They promoted a rejection of individuality.

D) They discouraged fans from questioning cultural norms.

Short Answer Questions

1. According to the text, what was revolutionary about The Smiths' debut album in 1983?

2. According to the text, what are some of the bands that were influenced by The Smiths?

3. According to the text, what made the guitar work of Johnny Marr and the lyrics of Morrissey so special?