This Charming Man

A-Side: This Charming Man
B-Side: Jeane

Record label: Rough Trade RT 136
Producer: John Porter

Released: 10/83
Purchased: 12/11/83

Morrissey is the man of the moment, a handsome devil with his finger in other people’s pies and a lyrical twist ejaculating unforgettable one liners in a sensual celebration. He is touched and touching – a beautiful pivot for the pure pop jangle of Johnny Marr’s trembling strings and the plop ‘n crash of those other rigorous Smiths – a winner, a grinner. (Record Mirror, 05/11/83)

Punctured bicycle on a hillside desolate
Will nature make a man of me yet?
When in this charming car
This charming man
Why pamper life’s complexity
When the leather runs smooth on the passenger seat?
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”

Ah, a jumped-up pantry boy
Who never knew his place
He said, “Return the ring”
He knows so much about these things
He knows so much about these things

Line-up:
Morrissey – voice
Johnny Marr – guitars & piano
Andy Rourke – the bass guitar
Mike Joyce – the drums