Meaning of Ask (Live in London, 1986) by The Smiths

The Smiths' song "Ask" is a poetic exploration of shyness, coyness, and the barriers they create in our lives. The track, performed live in London in 1986, encapsulates the band's trademark introspection and introspection through Morrissey's evocative lyrics. While on the surface, the song seems like a simple invitation to open up and ask for what you want, it delves much deeper into the intricate web of human emotions and desires.One standout lyric that shines a light on the overarching theme of the song is "Shyness is nice and shyness can stop you, from doing all the things in life that you'd like to." This line showcases the profound impact that shyness can have on a person's life, inhibiting them from seizing opportunities and pursuing their desires. However, it also poses an interesting twist: shyness can be seen as "nice," suggesting that there is hidden beauty in the vulnerability and introspection that shyness entails.Another noteworthy line is "Coyness is nice and coyness can stop you, from doing all the things in life that you'd want to." This lyric builds upon the notion of shyness and further explores the idea of restraint in expressing oneself. Coyness, like shyness, acts as a self-imposed barrier that prevents individuals from fully embracing their desires and pursuing the things they truly want. The emphasis here is on acknowledging the hindrances that arise from our own internal reservations.Exploring further, the lyric "Ask me, ask me, ask me" serves as a direct invitation to overcome these reservations and vocalize one's desires. It highlights the importance of open communication and initiates a conversation about the power of asking for what you want. But beyond the surface meaning, this line also delves into the significance of self-confidence and self-worth, urging individuals to embrace their own agency in pursuing their desires.One lyric that takes an unexpected turn is "Spending warm summer days indoors, writing frightening verse to a buck-toothed girl in Luxembourg." This evocative line delves into the realm of unrequited love and longing. It suggests that even in the comfort of solitude, one can harbor deep emotions and create art out of those sentiments. It weaves a tale of poetic expression and the power of writing as a cathartic outlet, even if the recipient is far away and seemingly unattainable. This theme of unrequited love adds an additional layer to the song's exploration of desires and their complex manifestations.The chorus of the song takes a playful yet thought-provoking turn with the line "Because if it's not love, then it's the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb, the bomb that'll bring us together." Here, Morrissey juxtaposes the notions of love and destruction, compelling the listener to consider that sometimes, explosive or extreme events may be the only catalyst for connection. This unexpected theme suggests that even chaos can result in unity and brings into question the very nature of human connections.The bridge of the song introduces a different kind of language through the line "Nature is a language, can't you read? Nature is a language, can anybody read?" This particular lyric guides us to examine the relationship between humans and nature. It invites us to recognize the subtle yet powerful messages that nature conveys and asks if we possess the ability to decipher them. By connecting nature and language, the song taps into the universal understanding that exists beyond words and highlights the importance of being attuned to the natural world.In conclusion, "Ask" by The Smiths is a rich lyrical tapestry that expands upon the theme of shyness and coyness, delving deep into the complexities of human desires and emotions. Through unexpected yet imaginative themes, the song explores the power of self-expression, unrequited love, chaotic connections, and the language of nature. It urges listeners to overcome their inhibitions and ask for what they want, highlighting the transformative potential of open communication and the profound beauty that can be found in vulnerability.