this is one of the best pop/rock songs ever written and performed. Uniquely delivers a horrific feeling while embracing the hurt child with so much compassion, Marr's guitar playing embraces hurt Morrissey in a similar manner. Absolute masterpiece.

Well I Wonder is a must listen!

In the U.K. corporal punishment was common in schools. This song with its lyrics by Morrissey just hits the point home about how tough life could be in that environment. When the Smiths came up with this it was completely relatable even if you weren’t the child being beaten.

I found it remarkable, that Morrissey would write lyrics to Johnny Marr's music, not the other way around as one would expect.

I repeat a previous recommendation: songs from Smiths that I suggest and that you possibly enjoy: The boy with the thorn in his side; Well I wonder; Cemetery gates; Rubber ring; You just haven't earned yet, baby; Stretch out and wait; Half a person; Unloveable; Asleep; Shoplifters of the world unite; What she said; London; Shakespeare's sister; That joke isn't funny anymore; Back to the old house; Sweet and tender hooligan... all their songs are worth to listen.

One of the greatest guitar melodies I've ever heard, nothing like it, the melody is so unique and indescribable. Only Marr could do it.

Great song. The guitar is just otherworldly, like nothing I've ever heard before. And the lyrics are haunting and heartbreaking. Cool beyond belief

Superb song. Caning, spanking with the slipper was common controls by schools back then. The PE Phys Ed teacher would take it out on all souls during Rugby, Football etc.

Barbarism Begins at Home is another Smiths song I think you’d enjoy both musically and lyrical

Check Barbarism begins at home. Rourke's bass even better on that one

You sound like a fantastic teacher! I remember I had a teacher when I was about 13, he allowed swearing, only if it was done in casual conversation ... Not used in an aggressive way. I remember how relaxed it was in class, and how easily approachable this teacher was. He treated us with respect and we the students respected him in return. Not saying you should allow swearing!

Yes yes yes! Loving your smiths reviews!! I think a lot of people have already requested it, but cemetry gates is another song that is quite sweet on the ears. If you are in the mood for something silly, try girlfriend in a coma ;)

our teachers in England beat the shit out of us ,then could not understand how we ended up enjoying Hooliganism ,but beating is preferential to the Humiliation they gave us, by the time we were 15 we were ready for war with Russia or anybody for that matter they banned beating a year after i left in 82

My all time favourite song. Everything about it is pure Smiths. The lyrics really capture the mood of the subject matter. I'm not in anyway surprised you give this a top reaction. I'm in Scotland, and yes we had teachers and schooling of this nature too. Check out Johnny Marr doing his live version of this in modern times. Also excellent.

I was 16 when this was released, hated every one of the nine schools I went to (folks moved every few years) and was physically punished for just not caring. I was a massive Smiths fan and this one hit hard - still takes me away to that place where I'd click play on the walkman, close my eyes and get lost in the music. So emotive.

love it, one of my favourite Smiths songs, Cemetry Gates next you'll love the lyrics. Then Barbarism Begins at Home, you'll love the bass

Masterpiece.. all pe teachers were psychopaths at my school .

Morrissey was not exaggerating, St Mary's had the highest incidents of the use of capital punishment. It was a problem with the school, not just one shitty teacher. I think that investigation was for all schools in England, not just Manchester itself, I may be wrong, going off memory but it was renowned for it

I have no verification of this, but I personally believe this track is inspired by Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. This track features a metre that is also featured heavily in the book (he grabs and devours, he kicks me in the showers, kicks me in the showers and he grabs and devours) and it is also about a young man's experience in a structured school environment.

Such a great reaction, I love your perspective from your profession, subscribed.

Watch "Kes" English film will tell you all you need to know about school in England.

We used to get belted on the hands with a three prong belt and that was in the 80's.

Thks for the video, what an álbum, Meat is murder, those to hear from start to final

What a song what an album crazy girl love you

Great song.

Suggest listening to some The The songs like The Beat(en) Generation and Armageddon Days Are Here (Again). Johnny Marr played guitar on some of their albums too.

Physical punishment at school was normal in England all way till late 80s. The threat of violence was ever present in the classroom.

I relate a lot to the story talking about having one teacher that made you suddenly hate calculus, only I had it with History and Drama which were 2 of my favourite subjects at the time. I'm just thankful that all my music teachers were amazing with me cause music is my life. I've rediscovered my love for history after leaving school thankfully but damn I wish it never sucked back in school.

Have a listen to handsome devil by the smiths, great guitar on that song

Morrissey has actually claimed and sought legal advice a few years back over apparently being sexually abused by a teacher in school

I always feel that his lyrics are as much for comic effect as they are meaningful,

Radiohead does a great cover of this song

Reaction to The Smiths - Please Please Please Let Me Get What i Want

Headmaster ritual reaction

Morrissey!!!

Yooo you should do "remember when" by wallows

Try their song 'Wonderful Woman'. It's the tune that made me realise Johnny Marr is actually Bach reincarnated! And no-one does such achingly plaintive ahhs like Morrissey!

React to "Rusholme Ruffians, so good!!!

three requests... Rancid - Ruby Soho Echo And The Bunnymen - Rescue R.E.M. - Pretty Persuasion

That joke isnt funny anymore. Must listen.

You mean is...