The Boy With The Thorn In His Side

The song 'The Boy With The Thorn In His Side' by The Smiths is a poignant exploration of misunderstanding and the yearning for acceptance. The lyrics convey a sense of frustration and isolation felt by the protagonist, who is metaphorically described as 'the boy with the thorn in his side.' This image suggests a constant and nagging pain, which can be interpreted as the emotional suffering caused by not being believed or understood by others. The 'thorn' could also symbolize a specific issue or aspect of the boy's identity that causes him distress and sets him apart from the rest.

The repeated questioning of 'How can they look into my eyes and still they don't believe me?' underscores the theme of disbelief and the struggle to be taken seriously. The boy's desire for love is overshadowed by the 'hatred' and 'murderous desire' that others perceive, indicating a profound disconnect between his true feelings and how he is perceived by the world. This misinterpretation leads to a deep sense of alienation.

The song also touches on the broader human experience of seeking connection and understanding. The final lines, 'And when you want to live, how do you start? Where do you go? Who do you need to know?' speak to the universal quest for meaning and belonging. The Smiths, known for their melancholic and introspective music, encapsulate the struggle of trying to find one's place in a world that seems indifferent or even hostile to one's true self.