Pretty Girls Make Graves

The Smiths

About Pretty Girls Make Graves

Pretty Girls Make Graves was a post-punk band, formed in Seattle in 2001, named after The Smiths' song of the same name (which itself was named after a quote from Jack Kerouac's The Dharma Bums). Andrea Zollo and Derek Fudesco had played together previously in The Hookers, as well as The Death Wish Kids and Area 51 along with Dann Gallucci, with whom Derek had formed Murder City Devils. Not long before the Murder City Devils disbanded, Derek and Andrea formed Pretty Girls Make Graves along with Jay, Nick and Nathan. They played the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in 2004. The band announced its split on 29 January 2007, with their final two shows taking place in Seattle that June. 


Year:
1987
180 

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Upon the sand, upon the bay
"There is a quick and easy way" you say
Before you illustrate
I'd rather state :
"I'm not the man you think I am
I'm not the man you think I am"

And sorrow's native son
He will not smile for anyone

And pretty girls make graves
Oh...

End of the pier, end of the bay
You tug my arm, and say : "give in to lust,
Give up to lust, oh heaven knows we'll
Soon be dust... "

Oh, I'm not the man you think I am
I'm not the man you think I am

And sorrow's native son
He will not rise for anyone

And pretty girls make graves
Oh really ?
Oh...

I could have been wild and I could have
Been free
But nature played this trick on me

She wants it now
And she will not wait
But she's too rough
And I'm too delicate

Then, on the sand
Another man, he takes her hand
A smile lights up her stupid face
(and well, it would)

I lost my faith in womanhood
I lost my faith in womanhood
I lost my faith...
Oh...

Hand in glove...
The sun shines out of our behinds...
Oh...

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The Smiths

The Smiths were an English alternative rock band, formed in Manchester in 1982. Based on the song writing partnership of vocalist Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, the band also included bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce. Critics have called them the most important alternative rock band to emerge from the British independent music scene of the 1980s. The group was signed to the independent record label Rough Trade Records, on which they released four studio albums, several compilations, and numerous non-LP singles. Although they had limited commercial success outside the UK while they were still together, and never released a single that charted higher than number 10 in their home country, The Smiths won a significant following, and remain cult an… more »

5 fans

Written by: STEVEN MORRISSEY, JOHNNY MARR

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Date
"Pretty Girls Make Graves" was originally released by The Smiths within their debut self-titled album, "The Smiths," on February 20, 1984. It was also included in their compilation album "Hatful of Hollow," released in November 1984.
Inspiration
The track's title, "Pretty Girls Make Graves," is borrowed from Jack Kerouac's novel "Dharma Bums." Its lyrical content reveals Morrissey's strong literary influences.
Song Meaning
The song is about the internal struggle of the singer (Morrissey) set against societal expectations of sexuality. He ponders the difficulties posed due to the societal pressure of being a man.
Band Members
The song features Morrissey on vocals, Johnny Marr on guitar and harmonica, Andy Rourke on bass guitar, and Mike Joyce on drums.
Writing Credits
As with most songs by The Smiths, the lyrics of "Pretty Girls Make Graves" were penned by lead vocalist Morrissey, with the music composed by guitarist Johnny Marr.
Musical Style
The track is a blend of post-punk and indie rock, a style that The Smiths is well-known for. It also features Johnny Marr’s jangly, Byrds-inspired guitar playing, which became a defining element of The Smiths' sound.
Emotional Content
"Pretty Girls Make Graves" stands out due to its emotionally complex lyrics, rife with themes of desire, guilt, and celibacy, narrated with Morrissey's disarming honesty.
Reception
Despite not being released as a single, the song remains a fan favorite and is considered a pivotal track within The Smiths discography.
Live Performances
"Pretty Girls Make Graves" featured heavily in The Smiths' live performances, especially in their earlier shows around the mid-1980s.
Legacy
The song's title later inspired the name of an American indie rock band from Seattle, proof of the far-reaching influence and enduring appeal of The Smiths' music.

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