Meaning of The Boy with the Thorn in His Side by The Smiths

The Smiths' song "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" paints a vivid picture of a character who harbors deep-seated emotions, seen through the lens of love, longing, and desperation. The overall theme of the song revolves around the struggle to be understood, to have one's emotions acknowledged and believed by others. Each line of the song delves into the complexities of human emotions, providing a glimpse into the inner turmoil of the protagonist.Firstly, the opening lines of the chorus - "The boy with the thorn in his side, behind the hatred there lies a murderous desire for love" - speaks to the contradiction within the character. The use of the word "thorn" suggests a persistent source of pain, which represents an emotional burden or obstacle that impedes his quest for love. The mention of "hatred" reveals the dissonance between the character's outward demeanor and the intensity of his desire for love. It showcases how one's frustrations can manifest as anger, often masking an underlying yearning for affection and connection.In the first verse, the lyric "How can they look into my eyes and still they don’t believe me?" highlights the character's frustration with the lack of understanding from those around him. It suggests that despite opening up and revealing his emotions, people are unwilling or unable to truly comprehend the depth of his feelings. This lyric exposes the theme of isolation, the feeling of being unheard, and the longing for validation.Continuing from the first verse, the line "And if they don't believe me now, will they ever, they ever believe me?" further emphasizes the protagonist's desperation for recognition and acceptance. It conveys a sense of hopelessness, as if the character questions whether there will ever come a time when others will truly acknowledge his emotions. This lyric touches upon the universal fear of being misunderstood, and the yearning for genuine connection.Moving on to the second verse, the lines "How can they see the love in our eyes and still they don't believe us?" demonstrate the frustration involved in expressing love that goes unrecognized or unreciprocated. It explores the idea that even when love is apparent and evident, it can still be dismissed or denied by those who don't want to believe in it. This lyric delves into the bittersweet nature of love, with its capacity to both fuel passion and cause emotional turmoil.The subsequent line, "And when you want to live, how do you start? Where do you go? Who do you need to know?" digs deep into the struggle of finding purpose and direction in life. It reflects the character's existential questioning, faced with the challenge of navigating the complexities of existence without a clear path to follow. This lyric raises the theme of self-discovery, as the character grapples with a sense of confusion and uncertainty, searching for answers to the fundamental questions of life.Overall, "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" captures the essence of human vulnerability, exploring the longing for love and acceptance and the anguish caused by feeling misunderstood. Through its poetic lyrics, the song delves into deep emotional states, touching on themes of isolation, desperation, and the inner conflicts that shape our experiences. It invites listeners to reflect on their own struggles with communication, connection, and the perpetual search for understanding and validation in the complex landscape of human emotions.