Meaning of Ask by The Smiths

The Smiths' song 'Ask' delves into the idea of shyness and its impact on our lives. It explores how being hesitant and reserved can prevent us from pursuing the things we truly desire. However, beneath this surface theme, there are multiple standout lyrics that add depth and further explore the underlying message of the song.In the first verse, the line "Shyness is nice and shyness can stop you from doing all the things in life you'd like to" captures the essence of the song's theme. It highlights the notion that shyness, although being perceived as a positive quality at times, can often hinder us from living life to the fullest. This theme is expanded upon later in the second verse with the line "Coyness is nice and coyness can stop you from saying all the things in life you'd like to." Here, the song touches upon the idea that being coy and reserved can also prevent us from expressing our true thoughts and emotions.The refrain, which repeats throughout the song, adds a layer of hope and encouragement. It suggests that despite shyness or coyness, there is a solution. The line "So, if there's something you'd like to try, ask me, I won't say 'no,' how could I?" shows that there is someone willing to support and encourage us in our endeavors. It underscores the importance of reaching out and seeking assistance rather than letting shyness hold us back.One of the most intriguing lyrics in the song is found in the third verse: "Spending warm summer days indoors, writing frightening verse to a buck-toothed girl in Luxembourg." This lyric introduces a new theme, touching on the idea of missed opportunities and unrequited love. It suggests that shyness and hesitance can lead to lost connections and relationships. In this case, the protagonist spends their time crafting daunting poetry for a girl they find intriguing but are too timid to approach directly.The chorus of the song provides a powerful metaphor: "Ask me, ask me, ask me, because if it's not love, then it's the bomb that will bring us together." Here, the song takes an unexpected turn, exploring the notion that love and passion can either unite or destroy. It suggests that if love is not the driving force, then an explosive event may serve as the catalyst for bringing people together. This unexpected theme adds a sense of urgency and intensity to the overall message of the song.Another interesting lyric is found in the bridge: "Nature is a language, can't you read?" This line introduces a more philosophical theme, suggesting that nature speaks to us in its own unique way. It implies that by observing and interpreting nature, we can gain insights and lessons that can help us overcome shyness and connect with others. This lyrical theme adds a sense of interconnectedness and emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating the world around us.Overall, 'Ask' by The Smiths explores the impact of shyness on our lives and relationships. It encourages us to break free from our reservations, reach out to others, and pursue the things we desire. Through its thought-provoking lyrics, the song also touches on unexpected themes such as missed opportunities, the power of love and destruction, and the language of nature. Each of these themes contributes to the overarching message, giving the song depth and complexity. 'Ask' serves as a reminder to embrace courage and openness, as they may just lead us to a more fulfilling and connected life.