How to Format Lyrics:

  • Type out all lyrics, even repeating song parts like the chorus
  • Lyrics should be broken down into individual lines
  • Use section headers above different song parts like [Verse], [Chorus], etc.
  • Use italics (<i>lyric</i>) and bold (<b>lyric</b>) to distinguish between different vocalists in the same song part
  • If you don’t understand a lyric, use [?]

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About

Genius Annotation

Sire Records chief Seymour Stein called it “the ‘Stairway to Heaven’ of the Eighties”, while co-writer Johnny Marr described it as “possibly our most enduring record. It’s most people’s favourite, I think.” Despite its prominent place in The Smiths' repertoire, however, it is not generally considered to be representative of the band’s style.

Although a club favourite, “How Soon Is Now?” did not chart as well as writers Morrissey and Marr had expected. Most commentators put this down to the fact that the song had been out on vinyl in a number of forms before being released as a single in its own right. The original track runs for nearly seven minutes; however, the 7" single edit cut the length down to under four minutes. The complete version is generally used on compilations. The song has been widely praised for the artistry of its lyrics.

The heavily-reverbed riff that propels the song is a wonderfully repurposed version of Bo Diddley’s “Who Do You Love.”

Q&A

Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning

What did The Smiths say about "How Soon Is Now?"?
Genius Answer

The heavily-reverbed riff that propels the song is a wonderfully repurposed version of Bo Diddley’s “Who Do You Love.” Johnny Marr has admitted that he does not recall exactly how he got that exact effect that day in the studio and confesses that he has never been able to duplicate it since!

What did Johnny Marr say about this song?
Genius Answer

I think “How Soon Is Now?” is unusual because it sounds really, really good in a club when you’re fucked up — and that’s okay. […] “How Soon Is Now?” sounds really good in American clubs, and it was made late at night with a kind of swampy, sexy vibe going on. I don’t think I’ve ever said “vibe” and “sexy” in the same sentence — the song must have something good going for it if it makes me use those words!

— In Mad World: An Oral History of the New Wave Artist and Songs That Defined The 1980s

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