Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others

The Smiths, known for their jangly guitar pop and the distinctively melancholic voice of Morrissey, often infused their music with a blend of dry wit and social commentary. 'Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others,' from their 1986 album 'The Queen Is Dead,' is no exception. The song's lyrics are seemingly straightforward yet laced with the band's characteristic irony and a touch of absurdism.

The opening lines, 'From the ice age to the dole age, there is but one concern I have just discovered,' set a tone of grand historical sweep only to pivot to the banal and trivial observation that 'Some girls are bigger than others.' This juxtaposition of the profound with the mundane is a classic Morrissey move, inviting listeners to find deeper meaning or to chuckle at the absurdity of the statement. The repetition of the phrase throughout the song suggests a commentary on the superficial ways in which people are judged and compared, particularly women, based on physical attributes.

The reference to Anthony and Cleopatra adds a layer of historical romance and tragedy, only to be undercut by the mundane act of opening a crate of ale. This contrast between the epic and the everyday continues the song's theme of juxtaposition. The closing lines, 'Send me the pillow, the one that you dream on,' could be interpreted as a yearning for genuine connection beyond superficial appearances, or as a sardonic comment on the commodification of relationships. The Smiths' music often leaves room for multiple interpretations, and this song is a testament to their ability to blend humor with social critique.