Suffer Little Children

The song 'Suffer Little Children' by The Smiths is a haunting and poignant reflection on the tragic events of the Moors murders that took place in the Manchester area of England during the 1960s. The lyrics are a somber tribute to the victims, intertwining their fates with the bleak landscape of the moors where the crimes occurred. The song's title is a biblical reference, suggesting the innocence of children and the imperative to protect them, which makes the subject matter all the more harrowing.

Morrissey, the lead singer and lyricist of The Smiths, uses the song to evoke the sorrow and injustice of the young lives taken by the murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley. The repeated mention of the moors, the shallow graves, and the chilling refrain 'Hindley wakes and says' serve to underscore the horror of the events. The song also addresses the city of Manchester itself, implying a collective responsibility or a shared burden of grief with the line 'Oh Manchester, so much to answer for.'

The song's narrative perspective shifts between the victims and the killers, creating a chilling effect. The victims' voices seem to echo from beyond, promising to haunt the living, while the killers' voices disturbingly suggest a shared guilt with the community. The repetition of 'You might sleep, but you will never dream' implies a curse of restless guilt that lingers over the area, a sentiment that resonates with anyone who has been touched by tragedy or injustice.