Meaning of Cemetry Gates by The Smiths

In "Cemetry Gates" by The Smiths, the overall theme revolves around the exploration of mortality, intellectualism, and the complexities of self-expression. The song takes a playful yet introspective approach to these themes, combining dark humor and literary references to convey a deeper message.The chorus sets the tone for the entire song, with the line "A dreaded sunny day, so I meet you at the cemetery gates." This juxtaposition of the dreaded and the sunny implies a sense of irony and contradiction. It suggests that even in moments of supposed happiness, we cannot escape the looming presence of death. The references to Keats, Yeats, and Wilde in the chorus establish a connection to intellectualism and literature, hinting at the importance of knowledge and artistic expression in facing our mortality.One standout lyric in the first verse is, "All those people, all those lives, where are they now? With loves and hates and passions just like mine." This lyric highlights the universality of human experiences and emotions. It reminds us that, regardless of our unique lives, we all share the same fate of eventual death. The theme developed here is the fleeting nature of existence and the desire for our lives to have meaning.The following line, "They were born, and then they lived, and then they died, seems so unfair, I want to cry," adds an element of melancholy and contemplation to the song. It suggests that despite the inevitability of death, there is still a sense of sorrow and injustice attached to it. This theme explores the emotional weight of mortality and the longing for permanence amidst the transience of life.The second verse introduces a critique of intellectual plagiarism with the lyrics, "If you must write prose and poems, the words you use should be your own. Don't plagiarize or take 'on loan'." This unexpected theme delves into the importance of authenticity and originality in self-expression. It encourages us to find our own voice rather than merely imitating others. By linking this theme to the concept of death in the larger context of the song, it suggests that true immortality lies in leaving behind our unique mark on the world.The line, "'Cause there's always someone, somewhere with a big nose, who knows," adds a touch of humor to the song while hinting at the existence of judgment and criticism. This theme explores the fear of being judged for our words and ideas, highlighting the vulnerability that accompanies self-expression. It emphasizes the importance of pushing through these insecurities to fully embrace our creativity.The final standout lyric is, "Words which could only be your own, and then produce the text from whence was ripped, some dizzy whore, 1804." This intriguing line builds upon the theme of authenticity and originality while incorporating a sense of rebellion. It suggests that true self-expression involves not only using our own words but also challenging societal norms and conventions. By distancing ourselves from borrowed ideas and embracing our unique perspectives, we can push boundaries and create something new.When exploring the unexpected and imaginative themes within "Cemetry Gates," it becomes evident that all of them tie back to the overarching theme of mortality and the complexities of self-expression. Whether it is the longing for meaning, the desire for immortality through leaving a mark, the fear of judgment, or the need for authentic self-expression, each theme highlights different aspects of the human experience in the face of our impending mortality.Through literary references, introspective lyrics, and a playful yet thought-provoking tone, The Smiths craft a song that invites listeners to contemplate the existential questions surrounding life, death, and the pursuit of artistic integrity. "Cemetry Gates" serves as a poignant reminder of our limited time on Earth and the significance of finding our own voice before our inevitable rendezvous with the dreaded cemetery gates.