You've Got Everything Now
The Smiths Lyrics


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As merry as the days were long
I was right and you were wrong

Back at the old grey school
I would win and you would lose

But you've got everything now
You've got everything now
And what a terrible mess I've made of my life
Oh, what a mess I've made of my life

No, I've never had a job
Because I've never wanted one

I've seen you smile
But I've never really heard you laugh

So who is rich and who is poor?
I cannot say...oh

You are your mother's only son
And you're a desperate one
Oh...

But I don't want a lover
I just want to be seen...oh...in the back of your car

A friendship sadly lost?
Well this is true...and yet, it's false
Oh...

But did I ever tell you, by the way?
I never did like your face

But you've got everything now
You've got everything now
And what a terrible mess I've made of my life
Oh, what a mess I've made of my life

No, I've never had a job
Because I'm too shy

I've seen you smile
But I've never really heard you laugh

So who is rich and who is poor ?
I cannot say...oh

Oh...
You are your mother's only son
And you're a desperate one
Oh...

But I don't want a lover
I just want to be tied... oh...to the back of your car
To the back of your car
To the back of your car
To the back of your car
To the back of your car




To the back of your car
Oh...

Overall Meaning

The Smiths’ song “You’ve Got Everything Now” has a melancholic and somewhat sarcastic tone. The lyrics talk about a person who, in the past, felt superior to the one they are addressing, but now sees them as having everything they’ve always wanted. The song talks about the singer’s regretful state of mind, as they compare their own life with the other person’s. The song talks about the emptiness of material possessions and how they do not necessarily lead to happiness or fulfillment.


It is implied that the singer has been predominantly unsuccessful in life, and they’ve never held a job. They also mention the other person’s smile but never having heard them laugh, suggesting that they’re both emotionally unfulfilled, despite outward appearances. The song reflects on the ephemeral nature of personal relationships, highlighting how a once meaningful friendship has now in retrospect been lost.


Line by Line Meaning

As merry as the days were long
I once was carefree and happy


I was right and you were wrong
I used to win all our arguments


Back at the old grey school
We had a rough time growing up


I would win and you would lose
I was always better at everything than you


But you've got everything now
Despite my past superiority, you now have everything


And what a terrible mess I've made of my life
I have failed in many aspects and am envious of your success


No, I've never had a job
I have never felt the motivation to work


Because I've never wanted one
I have never had a true desire for a career or a steady income


I've seen you smile
You have appeared happy in my presence


But I've never really heard you laugh
But I have never truly heard you express joy


So who is rich and who is poor?
It is unclear who is truly wealthy, and who is not


I cannot say...oh
I do not know


You are your mother's only son
You are the only child of your mother


And you're a desperate one
You are hungry for success and fulfillment


But I don't want a lover
I do not desire a romantic partner


I just want to be seen...oh...in the back of your car
I just want to be acknowledged or recognized as your companion


A friendship sadly lost?
Has our friendship been destroyed?


Well this is true...and yet, it's false
The answer is complicated, and may have multiple interpretations


But did I ever tell you, by the way?
By the way, did I ever mention


I never did like your face
I never truly found you physically attractive


Because I'm too shy
My shyness has held me back from pursuing job opportunities


To the back of your car
I fantasize about being close to you, even in a non-romantic context




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

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@stevenmorrissey180

As merry as the days were long 
I was right and you were wrong

Back at the old grey school 
I would win and you would lose

But you've got everything now 
You've got everything now 
And what a terrible mess I've made of my life 
Oh, what a mess I've made of my life

No, I've never had a job 
Because I've never wanted one

I've seen you smile 
But I've never really heard you laugh

So who is rich and who is poor? 
I cannot say...oh

You are your mother's only son 
And you're a desperate one 
Oh...

But I don't want a lover 
I just want to be seen...oh...in the back of your car

A friendship sadly lost? 
Well this is true...and yet, it's false 
Oh...

But did I ever tell you, by the way? 
I never did like your face

But you've got everything now 
You've got everything now 
And what a terrible mess I've made of my life 
Oh, what a mess I've made of my life

No, I've never had a job 
Because I'm too shy

I've seen you smile 
But I've never really heard you laugh

So who is rich and who is poor ? 
I cannot say...oh

Oh... 
You are your mother's only son 
And you're a desperate one 
Oh...

But I don't want a lover 
I just want to be tied... oh...to the back of your car 
To the back of your car 
To the back of your car 
To the back of your car 
To the back of your car 
To the back of your car 
Oh...



All comments from YouTube:

@__Patrick

RIP Andy Rourke. A very under appreciated member of one of the most iconic bands of the 80s. The band wouldn’t be the same without him.

@smugcat723

I immediately thought of this song when I heard the news. The bass line is so good, I was just humming it the other day.

@leahwhite5910

He was never "under appreciated," don't worry about that.

@frafilipo9829

He absolutely nailed the bass line here, so memorable

@mattkramer6061

"No I've never had a job because I'm too shy" is one of the funniest lines in the history of music.

@Assortment54321

But I don't want a lover I just want to be seen.

That hits hard.

@drivernephi5587

He wants to be seen in the back of your car

@franciswalsh8416

In the back of your car

@MyPetGargoyle_

Sending love and positive vibes out to those who deal with debilitating anxiety at times. The Smiths' music is my comfort.

@bernardmorris2922

Music is therapy.

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