It was the first of three singles from the band's last studio album Strangeways, Here We Come. As such, it was the last single to include newly recorded material on the b-side. It holds the distinction of containing the last recorded Smiths song, I Keep Mine Hidden. Also included – and recorded at the same session – was a cover version of a Cilla Black song, Work Is a Four-Letter Word. Morrissey's insistence on recording this song incurred the wrath of Johnny Marr who left the band not long afterwards.
The single itself is a tongue-in-cheek, music hall inflected song that clocks in at a mere two minutes and two seconds. Although seemingly lightweight and catchy, the song features acidic, ambiguous lyrics. The song also contains peak guitar work by Johnny Marr.
Girlfriend in a Coma
The Smiths Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I know, it's serious
Girlfriend in a coma, I know
I know, it's really serious
There were times when I could
Have murdered her
But you know, I would hate
No, I don't want to see her
Do you really think
She'll pull through
Do you really think
She'll pull through
Do ooh ooh ooh
Girlfriend in a coma, I know
I know, it's serious
My, my, my, my, my, my baby, goodbye
There were times when I could
Have strangled her
But you know, I would hate
Anything to happen to her
Would you please
Let me see her
Do you really think
She'll pull through
Do you really think
She'll pull through
Do ooh ooh ooh
Let me whisper my last goodbyes
I know, it's serious
The Smiths' "Girlfriend in a Coma," is a hauntingly beautiful track that speaks to the paradoxical nature of love and our constant search for meaning in our lives. Morrissey's lyrics describe a man who is deeply in love with his partner who has fallen into a coma. Despite the gravity of the situation, Morrissey cleverly contrasts the tragic subject matter with a bright, almost cheery musical melody. Morrissey's lyrics evoke an ephemeral state of mind that couples experience with each other as they traverse the ups and downs of their relationship.
The opening line, "Girlfriend in a coma, I know I know it's serious," immediately sets the morose tone for the song. The lyrics indicate that the singer has a deep devotion to his partner, and despite the frustration of not being able to see his loved one, he still holds on to hope that she will pull through. The lyrics, "There were times when I could have murdered her, but you know, I would hate anything to happen to her" captures how he is exasperated with his partner's prior behaviour, but he still cares about her deeply.
The song's lyrics are ambivalent, as Morrissey explores the complexities of relationships and love, and whether or not the person he loves will "pull through." The ambiguous lyrics leave the listener contemplating the various interpretations of this song.
Line by Line Meaning
Girlfriend in a coma, I know
The singer is aware that his girlfriend is in a coma.
I know, it's serious
The situation is grave and worrisome.
There were times when I could
Have murdered her
In the past, the singer has had feelings of extreme anger towards his girlfriend.
But you know, I would hate
Anything to happen to her
Despite his anger, the artist cares deeply for his girlfriend and does not want anything bad to happen to her.
No, I don't want to see her
The artist is unable to cope with the sight of his girlfriend in a comatose state.
Do you really think
She'll pull through
Do ooh ooh ooh
The singer is hopeful that his girlfriend will recover.
My, my, my, my, my, my baby, goodbye
The singer is expressing his sadness at the possibility of losing his girlfriend.
There were times when I could
Have strangled her
In addition to feelings of anger, the artist has had violent urges towards his girlfriend in the past.
Would you please
Let me see her
Despite his discomfort, the artist wants the opportunity to say a proper goodbye.
Let me whisper my last goodbyes
The artist wants a quiet, intimate moment to say goodbye to his girlfriend.
I know, it's serious
The situation is still concerning and the singer is aware of the gravity of it.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: STEVEN MORRISSEY, JOHNNY MARR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alien9000555
Girlfriend in a coma, I know
I know, it's serious
Girlfriend in a coma, I know
I know, it's really serious
There were times when I could
Have murdered her
But you know, I would hate
Anything to happen to her
No, I don't want to see her
Do you really think
She'll pull through
Do you really think
She'll pull through
Do ooh ooh ooh
Girlfriend in a coma, I know
I know, it's serious
My, my, my, my, my, my baby, goodbye
There were times when I could
Have strangled her
But you know, I would hate
Anything to happen to her
Would you please
Let me see her
Do you really think
She'll pull through
Do you really think
She'll pull through
Do ooh ooh ooh
Let me whisper my last goodbyes
I know, it's serious
@stoneedge4038
The writing in this is genius. It's impossible to know if he's being sincere or is secretly glad this girl is in a coma.
@victor-536
I always interpreted it as a failed homicide attempt... in the end he wants to "whisper his last goodbyes" (kill her for good) because the doctors feel like she could pull through and get him in trouble.
@paulamiles9559
Yeah, he's worked up this heart aching scenario and then - WHAT? She's gonna get better....Noooo.
@Negeropa
I agree it is a double entendre song like a lot of old calypso or George Formby era songs. Old Smiths and Morrissey songs have a lot of humour.
@filiporvik2782
Huh... Interesting... I always found this song hilarious because I think he does a shit job of hiding his intent 😂🥰
@techsupport3291
This song is a hitter. Discovered it thanks to the Bumblebee movie
@Xcorgi
I love the sarcasm of this song. He'd just "hate" anything to happen to her. LOL! No one can sing a song about wanting someone to die sound so upbeat and pleasant like Morrissey can. A true original.
@Xcorgi
@Hipster Fortress Morrissey is a master of sarcasm in many of his songs.
@Kit1128
He loved her, but she got on his nerves. That's pretty commonplace for most of us with the ones we love..
@TheClaumigue
supposedly this song talks about AIDS