Published by Reynolds & Hearn Limited on 6 December 2002 ISBN: 1-903111-47-1 Based upon new interviews with band members, producers and acquaintances, this book offers a meticulous chronological study of the group's fundamental genius - the music itself. From their very first demos in 1982 to their final fractured studio session five years later, it investigates the stories behind the songs while detailing every UK television appearance and radio session. As well as offering a unique analysis of each track's concert shelf-life, the book also lifts the lid on previously unreleased material never before mentioned in print. A revised and expanded edition is also available (see below).

Revised and expanded edition Published by Reynolds & Hearn Limited in August 2004 ISBN: 1-903111-846 This revised and expanded edition includes bonus interviews with Johnny Marr, Craig Gannon and John Porter as well as a section with rare photographs. A smaller reprint was published by Reynolds & Hearn Limited in July 2006 ISBN: 1905287143

German edition Published by Heel in 2007 ISBN: 3898807355 / 978-3898807357

2013 revised edition Published by Titan Books in February 2013 ISBN: 9781781162583 This revised edition includes an updated title, "Songs That Saved Your Life - The Art of The Smiths 1982-87" and some reorganization of the presentation.