First time listening to THE SMITHS - HOW SOON IS NOW? (OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO) | REACTION 

"I am Human and I need to be loved, just like everybody else does" is probably one of the greatest lyrics in Rock music.

Pretty much all the sounds in there were guitar - Johnny Marr, a bit of a guitar genius

Morrissey (the singer of this band) has been the voice of the unloved for four decades now. In my teenage days in the 80s I could very much relate and The Smiths (much like The Cure as well) were the soundtrack to my life then.

That was unfortunately the cut shorten MTV video version. The real song is couple minutes longer. After this video's end "and you go home, and you cry and you want to die" there is more lyrics, and maybe the best part: "When you say it's gonna happen 'now'. Well, when exactly do you mean? See I've already waited too long. And all my hope is gone..." :)

Its a song about being shy and having low self esteem. The person himself is not a vulgar person, he's painfully shy and awkward in social situations. The vulgarity is the shyness that contantly defeats his desire to make an emotional connection with someone. He's not saying he should be loved or even deserves to be loved but he acknowleges that as a human being, he needs to be loved. He yearns to be loved by someone but his shyness stops him from making that connection with someone. The line, "when you say it's gonna happen now?" brings us to the unspoken title of the song. "How soon is now?" --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- I've been in love, and been loved in return, twice. I didn't instigate those relationships as, like the protangonist in this song, i'm very shy, have low self esteem and am a bit of an introvert. both of these relationships happened in my 20's when for a brief 7 year period i was considered 'cool' in my social group and my low self esteem diminished a bit and i was more open. My last relationship ended in 2004 following 5 years of emotional and mental abuse from my partner. I needed time to work through that but by the time i was past that period of my life i was too old for my bumbling attempts to engage with someone romantically to be considered 'cute' or 'sweet'. I'm nearly 50, i have friends who are great, never had a problem making friends with people of either sex. My school years of being bullied and being ridiculed for 'liking' someone have scarred me, so asking someone out on a date is crippling. I fear i'll never again find someone, i'm very lonely even though i have friends and am not necessarily alone.

More The Smiths and if possible, The Cure too.

He is shy and alone and unhappy .He is told to get out there ,go to a club where most young people are going. So he follows the advise . But he stands alone as his shyness and awkwardness is too overpowering. So he leaves alone...again...like every time . Goes home and the despair and hopelessness are overwhelming.Though he is awkward shy and maybe unapproachable he is still human and needs to be loved and it’s painful. A life of loneliness has him feeling despair when he is told he will meet somebody...but when , he needs to know . It’s never happened for him yet and he has lost hope that it ever will. Teenage emotions.

"That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore" .. "There is a Light That Never Goes Out" .. "Rubber Ring" The Smiths were a collection of Greatness.

You've just listened to a song by one of the greatest bands ever, a band unlike any other... The more you listen to their catalogue of work (and they were only together from 1982-1987...), the more you'll understand what I mean.... It not like someone just happening to hear a song by The Beatles for the first time, but it's not far off that... Hope you get more requests by them! Many thanks and best wishes : )

Ah, yes! The greatness that is, was and will ever be...The Smiths! If you get a chance, I HIGHLY recommend ANY of these Smiths classics: This Charming Man That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore Reel Around the Fountain Hand in Glove What Difference Does it Make There Is a Light That Never Goes Out The Boy with a Thorn in His Side Panic This Night Has Opened My Eyes I Don't Owe You Anything :-)

Oh i love this song ...seen the Smiths live 12 times when i was a teenager, great band!

Those high-pitch, percussive sounds are guitar harmonics. A beautiful sound when played by a master such as Mr Marr.

Most Smiths songs are about being miserable, but they're great 😆

That sound you mentioned and were trying to describe from this song, to me, it's a bit hard to define, but it always reminded me of a perfect blending of a far off distant train along with the heartfelt wailing of a lonely frustrated soul crying out in unison. And I believe that the reason the guitar sound maybe made you a bit dizzy or uncomfortable was due to just how the guitarist Johnny Marr managed to achieve such an oddly haunting sound. If I'm not mistaken he'd double recorded the guitar work, then set one of the recordings to have just a slight delay to it so it's just a few milliseconds behind the other..giving it that vibrating or 'wobbly' sound. It's a very cool and unique trick and really does make this song as cool as it is.

Years ahead of its time and still sounds futuristic.

This is the theme tune for the T.V. series '''Charmed'', although that '''Charmed' version was done by an off shoot of members of the Psychedelic Furs.

Great reaction, this is a song on my top ten list, I was stationed in Scotland at the time this was a hit, miss those days, cheers from New Jersey, USA

To me, it always sounded like the guitar is crying out.

A lot of Johhny Marr's guitar work evokes train sounds.

My sweet sweet K.S.O., I remember when this song hit the radio and MTV. I love the tremolo effect and the smooth down tune effect also. To me, he really sounded bitter about his loneliness and shyness. He's so frustrated that he's lashing out at anyone that wants to help him or give advice. There is a condition where a person is so introverted, that he/she can't speak to anyone. Mostly, they stay home, except going to the grocery store. He hates being that way. The lead singer of The Smiths is Morissey. I don't know if you have heard of him. He had a very successful solo career and is still performing today. Onward to another exciting reaction from you. Have a blessed day.

The Smiths, the greatest band. The Morrissey lyrics that spoke for the lost souls of the 80s. Coupled with the superb guitar work of Johnny Marr. Sheer genius. Check out some live performances such as 'Hand in Glove' or 'This Charming Man'. You'll love the flowers.

My daughters love this song. My oldest is 10 and the youngest is 7

I love it! It is so meaningful and clairvoyant 💯💯💯💯💯💯

This is the first song reaction video I've ever watched. And it's because it's a fellow poc reviewing The Smiths. I just saw Morrissey last year on my birthday. Huge fan. "You stand on your own, and you leave on your own, and you go home and you cry and you want to die" is every club experience I had in my formative years. Lol

Morrissey is hugely popular in Mexico

You described what I'm going through at the moment, this song symbolizes it for me. You made me think a lot. Thank you! And Happy Birthday, Late But With Affection❤️

Freakin' love this song!!!

That's the radio edit - the studio track is nearly seven minutes. One of the standout Alt songs of the 1980's.

Oh yes, KSO! can't go wrong with the Smith's.

I was born in the same hospital as Morrissey. 😀

Have to check out their song "I know it's over"

This was my favorite song for decades! It is what my soul sounds like❤️ Johnny Marr’s version is even more beloved by me.

Great reviews ! This song at the time exemplifies those moments when your a teen seeing relationships around you but your too awkward , shy and unsure if it will ever find you . Amplified by alcohol and drugs this set the tone for many youth when it came out

I remember this coming on in eighties dance clubs, big video screen unfurling for the video, and people shuffling out en masse to dance to it amid wisps of dry ice smoke.

Still has one of my favourite moments of any video I have seen: Marr showing Morrissey a thing or three on the guitar (2:56). And I am so glad to see you have made it to one of the best British bands of the 80s...

That was the "short" version of the song, which is unfortunate. The song has always made want to put on a black turtleneck. You do great analysis and point out things I wouldn't have thought of.

I think you would LOVE “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” by The Smiths.

One of the All Time 80's New Wave classics, and i didn't know one guy who didn't want to date the girl in this video lol

I am human and I need to be loved. One of my favorite lyrics ever

The King of melancholy... Love Morrissey and The Smiths always.. Check out "Getting Away With It" by Electronic.. Johnny Marr's band collaborated with New Order..

This video made my night. I am happy you got to hear this for the first time! And you are beautiful too!

There are essays written about the guitar sound Johnny Marr created on this.

So much amazing material.....PLEASE do more Smiths!

It’s my favorite song of all times

You would know this song if you watched the show Charmed about the 3 sister witches.....this was the opening song with the book of magic and witchcraft

The first time I heard this song I was absolutely gob smacked. It was so new, so different, so original. I had heard nothing like it. The guitar, Morrisey's voice, the ANGST. Teenage me was in love at first listen.

love how you get their vibe

I haven't been in love since high school. I'm now 32. Saying it may never find you is a bummer haha but you're right. It may not. We can only do our own thing and hope one day we find the right person

Part of the UK scene of the late 70s and 80s, them in particular part of the Manchester scene, along with Joy Division then New Order.

The Smiths had already split by the time I got into them.....but I was converted FOR LIFE! The lead singer Morrissey is a lyrical genius - he tackles all those dark things a lot of singers won't, but he normally puts a humorous edge on it. He was the voice for the shy, the misfits, the awkward, the 'I don't belong' people in the world - he made them feel less alone in the world through his lyrics. He went solo shortly after the split and is still an icon, releasing new music & playing sold out gigs due to his legendary status. I have seen him over 20 times in concert and it's like a religious experience - his fans are intense! He is known for being unapologetic and refuses to play the fame game for record companies, which normally leads to him being dropped by the label - as if they think he cares! You should react to this video of him playing the Hollywood Bowl to see the amount of fans that NEED to touch him by invading the stage: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-vPij63mSH30.html They don't call him the 'Mozziah' for nothing! He's a staunch animal rights activist and The Smiths album, 'Meat Is Murder' is often cited for the biggest shift to vegetarianism. He refused to play his sold out gigs at Madison Square unless McDonalds agreed to close whilst he was there - and they DID! 😆 Another great track you should react to about police corruption is 'Ganglord': ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-8Gowz4V1c-0.html At his concerts, he plays a collage of footage showing police brutality at it's worst. one of the most unique, talented and REAL artists out there today. THANK YOU FOR YOUR REACTION!!!

An important song. For me, How Soon Is Now is to the 80's, what Stairway To Heaven was, to the 70's.

Such an outer body experience 🤩🤩🤩

"and nothing in particular..."

This is one of THE songs of the 80's. This song FILLED the dance floor! We'd put it on near the end of the night as everyone was winding down. The production of the song is AMAZING, a study in it's self for anyone taking sound reproduction. The lyrics are great, and sum up the the feelings of a young man and the mood grabs you by the heart.

This song, and "At 17" by Janis Ian are perfect bookends. Both tell what it's like to be one of the "left-outs" the "invisible". There are millions who don't appear in love songs, movies where love triumphs and they all live happily ever after. It is right and good that the voiceless get heard, even if it is rarely.

💛🌻🐝🍯

Johnny Marr is genius & Morrissey's lyrics & voice are a match made in heaven.

Yeah Morrissey is not known for optimism. 😆

Johnny Marr..... Iconic guitarist Iconic sounds

"So you go on your own, and you leave on your own, and you go home and you cry and you want to die" # relate

sounds like a car zooming past with the horn on ,like a man wandering in the road that cares not if he is run down

You've hit the nail on the head that the narrator is seriously messed up. This really describes the whole Incel movement, who demand an entitlement to both love and sex, without understanding that it's reciprocal. It's a real insight into the mind of Morrissey, who has shown himself, especially in recent years, to be very much lacking in human empathy. The track is probably the greatest recorded since I Am The Walrus. I still enjoy listening to the Smiths and Johnny Marr's solo stuff, but there's always the dark undercurrent of Moz's sociopathy that I wrestle with.

Love that tremolo.

Helps understanding the lyrics and Morrisey's point of view when you know he's gay. The early 80's were still a very rough time for gay people, but this song, and also "People Are People" by Depeche Mode, helped start changing some minds, especially among younger people.

I very much identified with the lyrics of this song (indeed the lyrics of many of their songs). I was, as they say, a late starter. I was shy and socially inept and always a step out of fashion. I can remember my friends all going out, having a good time and finding love, and I would be in a club or bar watching their merriment unfold whilst feeling alone and desperately out of place in such environments. It was like torture through my late teens and early twenties. I didn’t have a girlfriend until I was 24. I married her when I was 26. I’m now 43 and we’re still married, with four kids. This is the thing - I just had to wait my time. I didn’t stay lonely. I’m still socially quite inept. I still don’t fit in. I’m still always out of step with fashion. The difference is that it doesn’t matter anymore because I have people in my life who accept me for what I am. I no longer felt the way I did, just like the words in the song. But I sure remember how desolate I used to feel back then. We all need love. But sometimes we just have to be patient.

Wow, wow, wow, you reacted to The Smiths! 😲 There's so many more great songs by them. I hope you do more Smiths. Morrissey (songwriter), struck a nerve with young gays who felt isolated and alone with the lyrics to this song.

Seriously good tune,Johnny Mar playing with the angels on this track, and the devil.

The masters of deppression! And I love it!!!

The main rhythm is a guitar using a delay and tremolo. The train sound is using many guitar effects and all hrs doing is a single barr strums and sliding it down one frett. I have a guitar loop station that allows me to record the rhythm so it plays over and over. I can add drums then play the train portion and the da da portion which is also a guitar.

Big hit in 86 going going into 87!

Great Bo Diddley cover.

Smiths was massive popurlar in uk europe and i was a huge fan from the start

You are correct when u say this isn't an optimistic song.... 👍 This is an anthem for teenage sexual angst, a declaration that the time has come to demand something positive to happen. A shyness that could be perceived as criminally vulgar could be something like male cruising. How can u say I go about things the wrong way? Stop judging me, I am human & I need to be loved too. I am the son & heir of nothing in particular. A self esteem issue. He's done with going to social clubs where he's repeatedly ignored & doesn't attract anybody either. So this song perfectly captures , for those of us who are different, a heartfelt rebellion against the false promises of optimism.....

Unlike rappers this fucking guys actually play the music !

Ahead of its time then and maybe still

The Smiths were pretty much misunderstood by a lot of people. Labelled as gloomy and morose, but there was always more truth, meaning and insight in a Smiths song than in a dozen other pop songs...

Joy Division is a must listen. Most will tell you to listen to "Love Will Tear Us Apart" or "Ceremony", but I love "Interzone", "Shadowplay", "Transmission", "Isolation". The lead singer (Ian Curtis) committed suicide in 1980 and the band regrouped as New Order. I think you played "Blue Monday" recently, which is New Order. still making new music today. Joy Division was the original ground breaking group. You've probably seen the "Unknown Pleasures" t shirt which had become a cultural icon through the decades.

Love The Smiths

It almost sounds like the person in the song thinks true love is found in a bar. It often isn't. It's not impossible, but it is rare. I got the impression the person in the song also hadn't thought of or found special interest groups (like photography or bird watching) to find someone but the same underlying problem of "how soon is now" remains. Patience is a virtue. Being too quick can lead to heartache as well as cooties too. "A shyness that is criminally vulgar" - dang. Powerful lyric on its own but it paints the person in the song in a spectacular way. How did that shyness come about or was the person just born that way? Either way, seeing message after message of almost everyone having a lover is bound to have a knock-on effect. At least for the pereon in the song, there are many who are asexual or contented being unpartnered. This song is refreshingly proper music. Telling a real story. One with an actual meaning. One that certainly doesn't tell a meaning we've all heard a thousand million times plus one. It's definitely not the typical pop song of "hi let's go for a one nighter". But this song almost falls into the trope of codependence many songs wallow in. Except this does it from not a person in a relationship with a stone but a person who stumbles incessantly in the quarry and seems unable to carve out a conversation with any of them. (Or there's no "lust at first sight".) And the guitar work is phenomenal, adding a sense of near-tangible discord to put the listener off-key should the lyrics alone not sell the scene. This song truly is a masterpiece. Has always been one of my favorites.

To be in my early twenties once again. Swoon!

To my ears those high notes at the end sound less like a xylophone and more like guitar string harmonics akin to those heard at the beginning of "Roundabout" by Yes.

Please check the Live Rare one. Morrissey is quite the dancer.

I’ve never been in love: I am the son of a shyness that is criminally vulgar. I’m the son and heir of nothing in particular.

"Meat is Murder."

top band the smiths one of the front runners in the manchester music movment of the 80's and 90's other bands from that movment were the stone roses, happy mondays, james, the chalatans, ect

Please react to more Smiths .. best band ever

Amazing song. I have definitely been in love before...but have had my heart destroyed in the process. Would like to maybe some day find love again.

5:11 - the "train" sound was a slide on a guitar. The other guitar sound where the volume goes up and down rapidly on every note is called a Tremolo. This guy shows how they did it; ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-4_KpjUmyEHM.htmlsi=q6DGIs7fNtdUMF8L

Can you react to 'One Day Like This ' by Elbow? You won't be disappointed!

Please do more of The Smiths, like Well I Wonder, There's a light that never goes out, I know it's over, Hand in glove or Some girls are bigger than others, and you will find some most emotional songs ever released.

5:33 That's a "wobble". It's been more recently used (or overused) a lot in dubstep between 2009 and now

I grew up with this and though I love the music, I thought the same thing about the lyrics. One of my friends introduced it and said "the lyrics are deep man". I said "No their not. This guy wants to act like a derelict and then cry about not being loved. He's an idiot, not a role model". I remember that my friend thought I was uncool for 'not getting it'.

Actually, check ANY Morrissey. He's still great. Throwing My Arms Around Paris is nice. I prefer him at this age. Maybe because he's MY age?

Next Smiths Song: This Charming Man 👍

Yeah, love hasn't found me yet... And finally a Smiths song! Their catalogue is much more than this, and there are great songs to react to. Try Well I wonder or Girlfriend in a coma, to start.

I knew your musical journey would lead you to this song. I think it's about, from a man's point of view, overcoming shyness in an effort to find a girl like the one in the video, but it never working out, leading to suicidal thoughts. The Manchester factories in the background add to whole effect.

Covered by The Psychedelic Furs. I really like both versions.

He wrote this in the 80’s when the major cultural topic was gay rights. “Proper” society demonized gay life. “You shut your mouth, how can you say I go about things the wrong way” is about the finger wagging of society saying that gays were gross and bad .

What a great voice, love this...is it alt rock?

Morrissey was an artsy gay, therefore he was palatable for college kids, who bought their records like there was no tomorrow. I always thought he was 2nd rate Genet, but Johnny Marr was one of the great 60's guitarists, so I listened to them. A lot.