Rubber Ring

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Well respected by Smiths fans and critics alike, “Rubber Ring” is a song about coming of age, and leaving the awkward, difficult period in life that is being a teenager. … Read More

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Rubber Ring Lyrics

[Verse 1]
A sad fact widely known
The most impassionate song to a lonely soul
Is so easily outgrown
But don't forget the songs that made you smile
And the songs that made you cry
When you lay in awe on the bedroom floor
And said, "Oh, oh, smother me mother"
Oh, la da dey, la da dey, la da dey, la da dey
Oh na na na, la da dey, la da dey, la da dey
Oh la day, la da da dey di la da da dey di

[Verse 2]
The passing of time and all of its crimes
Is making me sad again
The passing of time and all of its sickening crimes
Is making me sad again
But don't forget the songs that made you cry
And the songs that saved your life
Yes, you're older now and you're a clever swine
But they were the only ones who ever stood by you

[Verse 3]
The passing of time leaves empty lives waiting to be filled
The passing of time leaves empty lives waiting to be filled
I'm here with the cause, I'm holding the torch
In the corner of your room (Can you hear me?)
And when you're dancing and laughing and finally living
Hear my voice in your head and think of me kindly
Oh, la da dey, la da dey, la da dey, la da dey
Oh na na na, la da dey, la da dey, la da dey
Oh la day, la da da dey di, la da da dey di

[Outro]
Do you love me like you used to?
Oh, la da dey, la da dey, la da dey, la da dey
Oh na na na, la da dey, la da dey, la da dey
Oh la day, la da da dey di, la da da dey di
(You're clever)
(Everybody's clever nowadays)
(You're clever)
(Everybody's clever nowadays)

[Segue]
(You are sleeping, you do not want to believe)
(You are sleeping, you do not want to believe)
(You are sleeping, you do not want to believe)
(You are sleeping—)

About

Well respected by Smiths fans and critics alike, “Rubber Ring” is a song about coming of age, and leaving the awkward, difficult period in life that is being a teenager.

Morrissey urges the listener to never forget those songs that kept you going through tough times, even though now you may have matured and their effect or your admiration for them may have lessened.

Coupled with a funky, minstrel-esque guitar piece by Marr and interludes of interviews claiming “everybody’s clever nowadays” (a commentary on the ever growing number of pseudo-intellectuals), the surrounding sound effects really reaffirm “Rubber Ring” as a piece deeply entrenched and admired within the expansive and eclectic back catalogue of the Smiths.

The title is both a nod to a vinyl record (as it is round and made of rubber) and the life preserver rubber ring that is tossed into water to save people from drowning. To many teenagers, songs by The Smiths are their “Rubber Rings.” This music helps them get through tough times in their life.