Death of a Disco Dancer
The Smiths Lyrics


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The death of a disco dancer
Well, it happens a lot 'round here
And if you think Peace
Is a common goal
That goes to show
How little you know

The death of a disco dancer
Well, I'd rather not get involved
I never talk to my neighbour
I'd rather not get involved
Oh

Love, peace and harmony?
Love, peace and harmony?
Oh, very nice
Very nice
Very nice
Very nice
But maybe in the next world

Love, peace and harmony?
Love, peace and harmony?
Oh, very nice
Very nice
Very nice
Very nice
Very nice
But maybe in the next world
Maybe in the next world
Maybe in the next world

Oh, love, peace and harmony?
Love, peace and harmony?
Oh, very nice
Very nice
Very nice
Oh, but maybe in the next world
Maybe in the next world
(In the next world, in the next world, in the next world)
(In the next world, in the next world, in the next world)
The next world, the next world
Oh

The death of a disco dancer




The death of a disco dancer
The death of a disco dancer

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Death of a Disco Dancer, by The Smiths, seem to be making a statement about the emptiness and futility of the disco culture and the pursuit of "love, peace, and harmony" that it represents. The repeated refrain of "Love, peace, and harmony? Oh, very nice. Very nice. Very nice. But maybe in the next world." suggests that the band sees these ideals as unattainable in this world of violence, death, and detachment. The death of a disco dancer, which happens "a lot 'round here," is a symbol of the ultimate failure of this culture to provide any real meaning or purpose.


The singer of the song decides to disassociate himself from this culture, refusing to get involved with his neighbors or the disco scene. The repetition of the phrase "I'd rather not get involved" underscores the band's criticism of a culture that encourages people to be apathetic and disconnected from each other. The death of a disco dancer may be a call to action, urging listeners to reject this empty, superficial culture and seek something more meaningful and authentic.


Overall, Death of a Disco Dancer is a bleak and cynical view of the disco culture of the 70s and early 80s, and a rejection of the illusions of peace and harmony that it promoted.



Line by Line Meaning

The death of a disco dancer
The occurrence of a disco dancer's death


Well, it happens a lot 'round here
Disco dancers dying is a common phenomenon in this area


And if you think Peace
If you believe that peace


Is a common goal
Is a widely shared objective


That goes to show
It demonstrates


How little you know
Your lack of knowledge


Well, I'd rather not get involved
I prefer not to get involved


I never talk to my neighbour
I never converse with my neighbor


Love, peace and harmony?
Love, peace, and harmony?


Oh, very nice
Oh, that's lovely


But maybe in the next world
Perhaps in the afterlife


Maybe in the next world
Possibly in the afterlife


The death of a disco dancer
The occurrence of a disco dancer's death




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEVEN MORRISSEY, JOHNNY MARR

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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