The Smiths – Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now

The Smiths, an iconic British indie rock band formed in Manchester in 1982, left an indelible mark on the music landscape with their distinctive sound and introspective lyrics.

Fronted by the enigmatic vocalist Morrissey and driven by the creative guitar work of Johnny Marr, along with the rhythm section provided by bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce, The Smiths gained a fervent following for their fusion of jangly guitar melodies and Morrissey’s evocative, often melancholic, vocal delivery.

Among their many notable tracks, “Heaven Knows I’m Miserable Now” stands out as a quintessential example of their style. Released in 1984 as a single and later included on their eponymous debut album, the song captures the band’s trademark blend of wistful lyricism and catchy instrumentation. 

The Smiths’ influence is so widespread that it can be hard to pinpoint what, exactly, their specific legacy has been: even decades later, nobody really plays guitar like Marr and nobody really writes lyrics or sings like Morrissey. Instead, there’s some kind of ineffable vibe, a sensibility that can be felt.