The Smiths “The Smiths” released on this date, February 20th, 1984. Rough Trade/Sire Records. I’m revisiting this one today because I have no time (jury duty) and because The Smiths is amazing. I wrote about their debut LP the day after the presidential election in 2016 and – not surprising – the stages of grief I outline below are still, sadly, an everyday occurrence 15 months later.

The Smiths “The Smiths” 1984. Rough Trade/Sire Records. Really, what else is there to do today but listen to The Smiths’ debut album, wearing black on the outside because that is how you feel on the inside? Considered one of the greatest albums of the 80′s – it debuted at #2 in the UK charts – It has it all the stages of grief: anger (“Still Ill,” “I Don’t Owe You Anything”), despondency (“What Difference Does It Make?”), fear (“Suffer Little Children”), acceptance (“You’ve Got Everything Now”) and defiance (“Miserable Lie,” “Hand in Glove”). I’m still in the despondent stage so “What Difference Does It Make?” will be the song of the day.

All men have secrets and here is mine
So let it be known
For we have been through hell and high tide
I think I can rely on you
And yet you start to recoil
Heavy words are so lightly thrown
But still I’d leap in front of a flying bullet for you

So, what difference does it make?
So, what difference does it make?
It makes none
But now you have gone
And you must be looking very old tonight

The devil will find work for idle hands to do
I stole and I lied, and why?
Because you asked me to!
But now you make me feel so ashamed
Because I’ve only got two hands
Well, I’m still fond of you

So, what difference does it make?
Oh, what difference does it make?
Oh, it makes none
But now you have gone
And your prejudice won’t keep you warm tonight

Oh, the devil will find work for idle hands to do
I stole, and then I lied
Just because you asked me to
But now you know the truth about me
You won’t see me anymore
Well, I’m still fond of you, oh-ho-oh

But no more apologies
No more, no more apologies
Oh, I’m too tired
I’m so sick and tired
And I’m feeling very sick and ill today
But I’m still fond of you