The Smiths - The Boy With the Thorn in His Side Lyrics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is featured on the cover of the single release for 'The Boy with the Thorn in His Side'?

   The cover of the single release features a photo of Truman Capote, an American author. The photograph was taken by Cecil Beaton in 1949 when Capote was in his 20s. This choice reflects Morrissey's interest in iconic literary figures and their complex lives.

2. What is the main musical difference between the single and album versions of 'The Boy with the Thorn in His Side'?

   The primary difference lies in the use of synthesised strings. In the album version from 'The Queen Is Dead', these strings are more prominent throughout the song, especially towards its end. The single version, however, features these strings mainly in the coda, giving it a slightly different feel.

3. Was there any controversy related to Morrissey's comments about this song?

   Yes, Morrissey expressed frustration with how he felt marginalized by the music industry. He mentioned that industry insiders never believed him or supported The Smiths as much as he would have liked, which fueled some of his lyrical content and public statements reflecting his discontent.

4. What unique feature is present on the original 12" single release of 'The Boy with the Thorn in His Side'?

   The original 12" and CD singles uniquely feature "Rubber Ring" and "Asleep" segued into a continuous piece. This sequence starts with a looped voice sample at the end of "Rubber Ring" that fades into wind noise preceding "Asleep", creating a seamless transition between these tracks.