"This Charming Man" is a landmark single by the English band The Smiths, released on October 31, 1983. Written by guitarist Johnny Marr and vocalist Morrissey, the song quickly became one of the group's signature tracks and a defining anthem of 1980s British indie music12.
Musical Style & Composition
- Guitar Work: The song is celebrated for Marr’s bright, jangly guitar riff, which became a hallmark of The Smiths’ sound and a touchstone for the jangle pop genre.
- Vocals & Lyrics: Morrissey’s lyrics are witty, ambiguous, and laced with themes of vulnerability, sexual ambiguity, and desire. His vocal delivery is both melancholic and playfully ironic.
- Band Members on the Track:
- Morrissey – vocals
- Johnny Marr – guitar
- Andy Rourke – bass
- Mike Joyce – drums
Lyrics & Themes
The lyrics tell the story of a young man stranded with a punctured bicycle, who encounters a "charming man" in a car. The interaction is laced with flirtation and class tension, reflecting Morrissey’s fascination with coded, subversive storytelling. Notable lines include:
"I would go out tonight, but I haven't got a stitch to wear
This man said, 'It's gruesome that someone so handsome should care.'"
Morrissey has explained that he wanted to present a male voice that was vulnerable and open to manipulation, rather than adhering to traditional machismo12.
Release & Reception
- Initial Release: Peaked at No. 25 on the UK Singles Chart in 1983.
- Reissue: In 1992, the song was re-released and climbed to No. 8, becoming The Smiths’ highest-charting single in the UK.
- Critical Acclaim: Frequently cited as one of the greatest British indie songs, it was ranked No. 1 on Mojo’s "50 Greatest UK Indie Records of All Time" in 2008.
- Cultural Impact: The song’s appearance on Top of the Pops and its inclusion on influential compilations like Hatful of Hollow cemented its place in alternative music history.
Notable Facts
- Inspiration: Johnny Marr composed the music partly out of a competitive urge after hearing Aztec Camera’s "Walk Out to Winter".
- Imagery: The single’s cover art features French actor Jean Marais from Jean Cocteau’s film Orphée (1950), adding to the song’s enigmatic and artistic appeal.
- Legacy: "This Charming Man" is often regarded as the track that truly launched The Smiths and established the Morrissey/Marr songwriting partnership as one of the most influential in British pop.
Table: Key Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Release Date | October 31, 1983 |
| Album Appearance | Hatful of Hollow (compilation), The Smiths (reissues) |
| Writers | Johnny Marr, Morrissey |
| Chart Peak (UK) | #25 (1983), #8 (1992 reissue) |
| Genre | Indie pop, jangle pop |
| Notable Feature | Jangly guitar riff, ambiguous lyrics |
Summary
"This Charming Man" remains a quintessential Smiths song, blending shimmering guitar work, clever lyricism, and a sense of romantic ambiguity that has resonated with generations of listeners. Its influence on indie and alternative music endures, and it continues to be celebrated as a classic of its era125.
