"Frankly Mr. Shankly"
(Morrissey/Marr)

 

These lyrics are transcribed in light blue as they appear in the "The Queen Is Dead" album and are reproduced here without permission. Variations between the printed lyrics and what is sung by Morrissey are indicated in darker text for additions and omissions are deleted.

Frankly, Mr Shankly, this position I've held
it pays my way, but and it corrodes my soul
I want to leave, you will not miss me
I want to go down in musical history

Frankly, Mr Shankly, I'm a sickening wreck
I've got the 21st Century breathing down my neck
I must move fast, you understand me 1
I want to go down in celluloid history
Mr. Shankly

Fame, Fame, fatal Fame
it can play hideous tricks on the brain
but still I'd rather be Famous
than righteous or holy, any day, any day, any day

but sometimes I'd feel more fulfilled
making Christmas cards with the mentally ill
I want to Live and I want to Love
I want to catch something that I might be ashamed of 2

Frankly, Mr Shankly, this position I've held
it pays my way and it corrodes my soul
oh, I didn't realise that you wrote poetry
(I didn't realise you wrote such bloody awful poetry)
Mr. Shankly

Frankly, Mr Shankly, since you ask
you are a flatulent pain the arse
I do not mean to be so rude
but still, I must speak frankly, Mr Shankly
Oh, give us money

 

1 In live versions on the "The Queen Is Dead" tour, Morrissey occasionally sang "I must move fast, so you understand me?"

2 On a few occasions in live performances from late 1985, Morrissey sang this line as "I want to do something that I might be ashamed of".

Notes: In early recordings of the song, Morrissey was a "tremulous wreck" instead of a sickening one, he wished "to do something" that he might be ashamed of instead of catching it, and he didn't ask "give us money" at the end.