How Soon Is Now? (single)
| THE SMITHS Single | |
|---|---|
| Name | How Soon Is Now? |
| Release | 28 January 1985 (reissued 1992) |
| Total Length | 6:43 3:41 (edit) |
| Recorded | July 1984 August 1984 (Peel Session) |
| Writer/composer | Morrissey / Johnny Marr |
| Producer | John Porter |
| Art work | Cover star: Seán Barrett in 'Dunkirk' (1958) / Vanessa Redgrave & David Hemmings in 'Blowup' (1966) Layout: Caryn Gough |
| Vinyl Etching | THE TATTY TRUTH |
| Publisher | Rough Trade Records (UK) Sire Records (US) |
| Format(s) | 7" Vinyl, 12" Vinyl, CD |
| Chart position | UK #24 UK #16 (reissue) |
| Single chronology | |
| William, It Was Really Nothing ← How Soon Is Now? → Shakespeare's Sister
| |
| Single WEA reissue chronology | |
|
This Charming Man (WEA reissue) ← How Soon Is Now? → There Is A Light That Never Goes Out (WEA release)
| |
Information
- A studio outtake version of this song (likely the "William..." Italian 12" version) is available on the A Nice Bit Of Meat bootleg LP.
- An instrumental version of this song is available on the A Nice Bit Of Meat 2 bootleg LP.
- The Italian 12" version of this song is available on the Blessings Of The Highest Order bootleg LP, the Asleep bootleg CD, The Complete BBC Sessions 1983-1986 bootleg CD, the From The One You Left Behind bootleg CD and the Wilde About The Smiths Unlimited Rarities bootleg CD.
Track list
7" Vinyl
UK - [Rough Trade RT 176]
- How Soon Is Now? – 3:41 (Morrissey/Marr)
- Well I Wonder – 4:00 (Morrissey/Marr)
12" Vinyl
UK - [Rough Trade RTT 176]
- How Soon Is Now? – 6:43 (Morrissey/Marr)
- Well I Wonder – 4:00 (Morrissey/Marr)
- Oscillate Wildly – 3:26 (Morrissey/Marr)
US 12" Vinyl
US - [Sire 0-20284]
- How Soon Is Now? – 6:43 (Morrissey/Marr)
- Girl Afraid – 2:46 (Morrissey/Marr)
- How Soon Is Now? (edit) – 3:43 (Morrissey/Marr)
7" Vinyl Re-issue
UK - [WEA YZ 0002]
- How Soon Is Now? – 6:43 (Morrissey/Marr)
- Hand In Glove – 3:10 (Morrissey/Marr)
CD 1 Re-issue
UK - [WEA YZ0002CD1]
- How Soon Is Now? (edit) – 3:39 (Morrissey/Marr)
- The Queen Is Dead – 6:06 (Morrissey/Marr)
- Handsome Devil – 2:46 (Morrissey/Marr)
- I Started Something I Couldn't Finish – 3:47 (Morrissey/Marr)
CD 2 Re-issue
UK - [WEA YZ0002CD2]
- I Know It's Over – 5:49 (Morrissey/Marr)
- Suffer Little Children – 5:29 (Morrissey/Marr)
- Back To The Old House – 3:04 (Morrissey/Marr)
- How Soon Is Now? – 6:43 (Morrissey/Marr)
Lyrics
I am the son and the heir
Of a shyness that is criminally vulgar
I am the son and heir
Of nothing in particular
You shut your mouth!
How can you say
I go about things the wrong way?
I am Human and I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does
I am the son and the heir
Of a shyness that is criminally vulgar
I am the son and heir
Of nothing in particular
You shut your mouth!
How can you say
I go about things the wrong way?
I am Human and I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does
There's a club, if you'd like to go
You could meet somebody who really loves you
So you go, and you stand on your own
And you leave on your own
And you go home, and you cry and you want to die
When you say it's gonna happen "now"
Well, when exactly do you mean?
See, I've already waited too long
And all my hope is gone
You shut your mouth!
How can you say
I go about things the wrong way?
I am Human and I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does
Sleeve Artwork
-
Cover art. (1985) -
US 12" cover art. (1985) -
Reissue cover art. (1992)
Music Video
Credits
- Sire Records Promo Film
Live History
Play count (The Smiths concert): 83
The Smiths live history:
- Gloucester, England 1984-09-24 (The Smiths concert)
- Cardiff, Wales 1984-09-25 (The Smiths concert)
- Swansea, Wales 1984-09-26 (The Smiths concert)
- Waterford, Ireland 1984-11-11 (The Smiths concert)
- Dublin, Ireland 1984-11-12 (The Smiths concert)
- Dublin, Ireland 1984-11-13 (The Smiths concert)
- Limerick, Ireland 1984-11-16 (The Smiths concert)
- Galway, Ireland 1984-11-17 (The Smiths concert)
- Cork, Ireland 1984-11-18 (The Smiths concert)
- Paris, France 1984-12-01 (The Smiths concert)
Play count (Morrissey concert): 571
Morrissey live history:
- Reading, England 2004-08-28 (Morrissey concert)
- Leeds, England 2004-08-29 (Morrissey concert)
- Edinburgh, Scotland 2004-08-31 (Morrissey concert)
- Paisley, Scotland 2004-09-02 (Morrissey concert)
- Perth, Scotland 2004-09-03 (Morrissey concert)
- Blackpool, England 2004-09-04 (Morrissey concert)
- Bridlington, England 2004-09-06 (Morrissey concert)
- Newcastle, England 2004-09-07 (Morrissey concert)
- Liverpool, England 2004-09-09 (Morrissey concert)
- Preston, England 2004-09-10 (Morrissey concert)
Appears On
- William, It Was Really Nothing (single)
- Hatful Of Hollow
- How Soon Is Now? (single)
- Meat Is Murder
- The Queen Is Dead
- Best...I
- The Complete Picture
- Singles
- The Very Best Of The Smiths
- Live At Earls Court
- The Sound Of The Smiths
- The Smiths Singles Box
- Complete
Appears On Covers Compilation
- The World Still Won't Listen (A Tribute To The Smiths)
- Godfathers Of Change Vol. 1: A Tribute To The Smiths
- The String Quartet: Tribute To The Smiths
- How Soon Is Now? The Songs Of The Smiths By...
- Stop Me If You've Heard This One Before: A Tribute To The Smiths
- Please, Please, Please: A Tribute To The Smiths
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star: Lullaby Versions of The Smiths & Morrissey
- Rockabye Baby! (Lullaby Renditions Of The Smiths)
Cover Versions
- Bill Bechtel
- Blossoms
- Emma Blackery
- Hillbilly Moon Explosion
- Hundred Reasons
- Kelly Clarkson
- Love Spit Love
- Matthew Sweet
- Mike Viola
- Rick Astley
- Spiritual Front
- Steven Charles Boone
- Susanna Hoffs
- The Meatmen
- The Section Quartet
- The Vitamin String Quartet
- Twinkle Twinkle Little Rock Star
- t.A.T.u.
Mentioned In
- David Hemmings
- Vanessa Redgrave
- Moz The Cat - LA Weekly (January 31, 2007)
- LYRIC PRIDE - Morrissey Central (July 10, 2024)
Discogs Information
Credits
- Bass Guitar - Andy Rourke
- Drums - Mike Joyce
- Guitar - Johnny Marr
- Lacquer Cut By - Tim Young
- Layout - Caryn Gough
- Mastered By - Tim Young
- Music By - Johnny Marr
- Voice, Sleeve - Morrissey
- Words By - Morrissey
- Written-By - Johnny Marr
- Written-By - Morrissey
Notes
Push-out centre. Other pressings ([r=3509740]) have a solid centre.
Label side A: © 1984 Warner Bros. Music Ltd. From the Rough Trade LP "[r=382135]" (Rough 76)
Label side B: © 1985 Warner Bros. Music Ltd. From the Rough Trade LP "[r=373240]" (Rough 81)
Back cover: Layout by Caryn Gough at Ai Mastered at CBS
Made in the UK ℗ 1985 Rough Trade Records UK distribution by THE CARTEL
All runout information is stamped apart from 'THE TATTY TRUTH' and 'TY' which are etched.
Images
- How Soon Is Now? - Discogs master release: https://www.discogs.com/master/4174
- How Soon Is Now? (7" Single 45 RPM Push-out Centre) - Discogs release: https://www.discogs.com/release/586504-The-Smiths-How-Soon-Is-Now
Discogs information (additional release)
Notes
Artwork produced from a still of Sean Barrett taken from the 1958 movie "Dunkirk". Some copies include fold-out poster of front sleeve.
"How Soon Is Now?" From the Rough Trade LP "Hatful Of Hollow" (Rough76) "Well I Wonder" From the Rough Trade LP "Meat Is Murder" (Rough 81)
Side A: © 1984 Warner Bros. Music Side B: © 1985 Warner Bros. Music
Mastered at CBS Made in the UK UK distribution by The Cartel
Images
- How Soon Is Now? (12" 45 RPM Single CBS Pressing) - Discogs release: https://www.discogs.com/release/372700-The-Smiths-How-Soon-Is-Now
Discogs information (additional release)
Notes
B2 is an alternate US edit and different from the UK 7-inch mix.
Some copies are gold foil stamped (Lent for Promotional Use Only....) on the cover.
On the labels of this version, “SIRE ®” is printed to the top right of the Sire logo and the bottom perimeter has Warner Bros. marketing credit and street address.
Similar versions: [r=13443297]: identical to this one but pressed by Allied Record Company. [r=12435862]: “SIRE ®” below the Sire logo, and the bottom perimeter does not have Warner Bros. marketing credit and street address.
Additional runout information: - Runouts are etched except for the stamped [SRC logo] - [SRC logo] stamped in line under the etched part of the runouts - The "PB" on side A is poorly etched and may look like "NB"
[Front cover, in ALL CAPS:] Specially-priced 3-cut Maxi Single
[Spine:] 9 20284-0 A The Smiths "How Soon Is Now?"/ "Girl Afraid" $4.98 Sire Records Company Printed in U.S.A.
[Spindle labels:] 0-20284 Morrissey Marr Songs Ltd. All rights for the Western Hemisphere Adm. by Warner-Tamerlane Pub. Corp. BMI ℗ 1984 Sire Records Company
[Back cover:] Rough Trade Sire Records Company, […]. Marketed by Warner Bros. Records Inc., a Warner Communications Company [Warner ’W’ logo] © 1984 Sire Records Company ℗ 1984 Sire Records Company Made in U.S.A.
Images
- How Soon Is Now? (12" 45 RPM Maxi-Single) - Discogs release: https://www.discogs.com/release/374702-The-Smiths-How-Soon-Is-Now
Discogs information (additional release)
Notes
Issued in a glossy sleeve with a thumb-cut at the back.
Runouts are etched.
[Sleeve:] "How Soon Is Now?" is taken from the Album "[url=https://www.discogs.com/master/3965-The-Smiths-Best-I]Best...[/url]"
Cover Stars [...] Photograph © 1966 Turner Entertainment Co. ℗ 1984 Warner Music UK Ltd. *[Track B] ℗ 1983 Warner Music UK Ltd. © 1992 Warner Music UK Ltd. The Copyright in this sound recording and artwork is owned by Warner Music U.K. Ltd. A Time Warner Company.
[Labels:] Distributed by [Warner 'W' logo] Warner Music UK Ltd. A Time Warner Company.
Images
- How Soon Is Now? (7" 45 RPM Single Reissue Stereo Paper Labels) - Discogs release: https://www.discogs.com/release/1250324-The-Smiths-How-Soon-Is-Now
Discogs information (additional release)
Notes
[CD and inlay:] 1. ℗ 1984 Warner Music UK Ltd. 2. ℗ 1986 Warner Music UK Ltd. 3. ℗ BBC 1990 4. ℗ 1987 Warner Music UK Ltd. © 1992 Warner Music UK Ltd.
3. Taken from the [url=/label/BBC-Radio-1]BBC Radio One[/url] John Peel Show which was originally broadcast on 31.5.83. Released by arrangement with BBC Enterprises Ltd.
[Back cover:] The copyright in this sound recording and artwork is owned by Warner Music U.K. Ltd. A Time Warner Company.
[Back cover and inlay:] Cover Stars [...] Photograph © 1966 Turner Entertainment Co.
[Sticker on front, all upper-case] The Smiths ‘How Soon Is Now?’ This double CD box contains part I of a 2 CD set featuring classic tracks not included on ‘[url=/master/571070]Best…[/url]’ Limited Edition YZ0002 CD1
[Additional notes] - Released in a Double-CD case (standard depth jewel case with a hinged dark tray), but instead of the 2nd CD, the media tray holds a light green CD-shaped cardboard reading: The Smiths The Second [url=/release/490503]HOW SOON IS NOW?[/url] CD-Single fits in this space. Containing three more classic tracks not featured on [url=/master/571070]THE SMITHS BEST…[/url].
- The eight page fold-out inlay contains the lyrics of the tracks on both CD1 and CD2. - Durations printed on the release: 3:41 / 6:06 / 2:45 / 3:47
Images
- How Soon Is Now? (Single Limited Edition Numbered CD1) - Discogs release: https://www.discogs.com/release/490493-The-Smiths-How-Soon-Is-Now
Discogs information (additional release)
Notes
[Inlay:] "HOW SOON IS NOW?" is taken from the Album "[url=/master/571070]Best . . .[/url]"
[Back cover:] Cover Stars [...] Photograph © 1966 Turner Entertainment Co. ℗ 1984 Warner Music UK Ltd. 1. ℗ 1986 Warner Music UK Ltd. © 1992 Warner Music UK Ltd. The copyright in this sound recording and artwork is owned by Warner Music U.K. Ltd. A Time Warner Company.
The inlay contains all lyrics.
The jewel case has a glued round sticker on the front reading [all upper-case]: The Smiths 'How Soon Is Now?' Contains three classic tracks not featured on '[url=/master/571070]Best...[/url]' YZ0002 CD2
Images
- How Soon Is Now? (Single CD2) - Discogs release: https://www.discogs.com/release/490503-The-Smiths-How-Soon-Is-Now
Wikipedia Information
 |
"How Soon Is Now?" is a song by English rock band the Smiths, written by singer Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr. Originally a B-side of the 1984 single "William, It Was Really Nothing", "How Soon Is Now?" was subsequently featured on the compilation album Hatful of Hollow and on US, Canadian, Australian, and Warner UK editions of Meat Is Murder. Belatedly released as a single in the UK in 1985, it reached No. 24 on the UK Singles Chart. When re-released in 1992, it reached No. 16. The 1973 book "Popcorn Venus", written by Marjorie Rosen, and a favourite of Morrissey's, was the inspiration for the title of the track. In 2007, Marr said "How Soon Is Now?" is "possibly [the Smiths'] most enduring record. It's most people's favourite, I think." Despite its prominent place in the Smiths' repertoire, it is not generally considered to be representative of the band's style. Although a club favourite, it did not chart as well as expected. Most commentators put this down to the fact that the song had been out on vinyl in a number of forms before being released as a single in its own right. The original track runs for nearly seven minutes; the 7-inch single edit cut the length down to under four minutes. The complete version is generally used on compilations. A cover of the song by Love Spit Love was used in the soundtrack for the 1996 film The Craft and later appeared as the theme song of the television series Charmed for eight seasons.
Related Forum Threads
- The Smiths A-Z: "How Soon Is Now?" - Morrissey-solo (Feb 27, 2022)