Jack The Ripper
Morrissey (The Smiths) Lyrics
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Mouth slack and wide
Ill-housed and ill-advised
Your face is as mean
As your life has been
Crash into my arms
I want you
But you don't refuse
I know you
And I know a place
Where no one is likely to pass
Oh, you don't care if it's late
And you don't care if you're lost
And oh, you look so tired
(But tonight you presume too much)
Too much, too much
And if it's the last
Thing I ever do
I'm gonna get you
Crash into my arms
I want you
You don't agree
But you don't refuse
I know you
Crash into my arms
I want you
You don't agree
But you don't refuse
I know you
Oh...
Thank you.
The song "Jack the Ripper" by Morrissey from his 1992 album "Your Arsenal" is known for its controversial lyrics and haunting melody. The song begins with Morrissey describing a tired and worn-down person, with a "mouth slack and wide" and a "face as mean as your life has been." It's a bleak picture, and the person seems to be ill-advised and living in poor conditions. Morrissey offers the person a way out, urging them to "crash into my arms" and admitting that he wants them. The person doesn't agree or refuse, and Morrissey ends the song with a plea to get this person, even if it's the last thing he ever does.
The lyrics of "Jack the Ripper" have been widely debated amongst fans and scholars alike. Many interpret the song as Morrissey's commentary on the class divide in England. The tired and ill-housed person is representative of the lower-class citizens in England that Morrissey is calling on the government to provide better housing and living conditions for. Some even suggest that the song is referring to the victims of the real-life Jack the Ripper, the infamous serial killer who terrorized London in the late 1800s. Morrissey's lyrics could be seen as a commentary on the lack of care and support that these women received from society.
Line by Line Meaning
Oh, you look so tired
You appear exhausted and worn out
Mouth slack and wide
Your mouth is open and relaxed
Ill-housed and ill-advised
You are dwelling in an unfavorable and unwise situation
Your face is as mean
Your expression is harsh and unpleasant
As your life has been
Your life has been difficult and unpleasant
Crash into my arms
Come to me and seek comfort
I want you
I desire your presence
You don't agree
You do not consent to my request
But you don't refuse
You do not outright deny me
I know you
I understand your personality and desires
And I know a place
I am aware of a secluded spot
Where no one is likely to pass
Where there are very little chances of encountering other people
Oh, you don't care if it's late
You are not bothered if it is a late hour
And you don't care if you're lost
You are not concerned about getting lost
And oh, you look so tired (But tonight you presume too much)
You appear very weary but have unwarranted confidence in yourself tonight
Too much, too much
Your presumption is excessive
And if it's the last thing I ever do
Even if it is my final act
I'm gonna get you
I will catch up with you
Oh...
Expression of emotion
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEVEN MORRISSEY, MARTIN JAMES BOORER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@allezje
Oh, you look so tired
Mouth slack and wide
Ill-housed and ill-advised
Your face is as mean
As your life has been
Crash into my arms
I want you
You don't agree
But you don't refuse
I know you
And I know a place
Where no one is likely to pass
Oh, you don't care if it's late
And you don't care if you're lost
And oh, you look so tired
(But tonight you presume too much)
Too much, too much
And if it's the last
Thing I ever do
I'm gonna get you
Crash into my arms
I want you
You don't agree
But you don't refuse
I know you
Crash into my arms
I want you
You don't agree
But you don't refuse
I know you
@marieblue
Jack The Ripper was an infamous British serial killer who murdered and butchered five women between 1888 and 1891. He was never caught, and his identity always remained an enigma.
Morrissey co-authored “Jack The Ripper” (1992) with Boz Boorer. The song seems to be some kind of dialogue between the slaughterer and one of his victims. :
“Oh, you look so tired
Mouth slack and wide
Ill-housed and ill-advised
Your face is as mean as your life has been
…
And oh, you look so tired
But tonight you’ve presumed too much
Too much, too much
And if it’s the last thing I ever do I’m gonna get you”
The English singer-songwriter never recorded this, but he did play it in concert and included live cuts (no pun intended) on compilation LPs. 💙🏴💙
@ronnieverhagi5607
a descent into darkness and depravity in such a beautiful way.
@hazelrah321
Well said!
@tricknelius
How bout “ death of a disco dancer?”
@tokyochuchu
One of my all time favorite songs. Romantic and murderous at the same time.
@elizabethbennet4791
yeah the romantic fantasy in the mind of a killer, is easily forgiven when put to a beautiful melody and the deep passion, need and humanity brought out of it. From the dark spaces into the open
@markjohnson1853
You hit the nail on the head.
@wjayson6
Hit both nails on their heads and kissed them goodnight. Similarly to what Mark Johnson said.
@shadowplay5363
I will never ever get tired of this. I prefer it to the studio version. It's more raw, dramatic and the guitars are wonderful (that solo at 3.08 always gets me), and I really enjoy the wonderful ambiguity of the lyrics. It's almost like he is talking about one of those doomed and darkly romantic liasons he has a penchant for instead of a serial killer.
@wilson.....
my jaw will never get slack and wide
@danielsnook5029
Great insight my fellow Morrissey fan.❤