Tender Fractures: A Savoring of Pain | Lips Like Sugar | The Smiths

The Smiths' "Lips Like Sugar" is a standout track from their 1987 album "Strangeways, Here We Come". The song's lyrics are a poignant exploration of the fragility of relationships and the pain that can come with losing someone you love.

The song's title refers to the tender, gentle quality of the subject's lips, which is contrasted with the harsh reality of their troubled relationship. Morrissey's distinctive vocals bring the lyrics to life, imbuing the song with a sense of longing and yearning. The music itself is characteristically jangly and upbeat, featuring a memorable guitar riff and driving beat that underscores the song's emotional intensity.

One of the key themes of "Lips Like Sugar" is the tension between the desire for physical intimacy and the fear of emotional vulnerability. Morrissey sings about the way his lover's lips taste like sugar, but also how their relationship is troubled by secrets and lies. This push-and-pull dynamic is a hallmark of The Smiths' songwriting style, which often explores the complexities and contradictions of human relationships.

Despite its themes of heartache and disappointment, "Lips Like Sugar" is ultimately a hopeful song. Morrissey's lyrics convey a sense of resignation and acceptance, as if he has come to terms with the fact that his relationship is doomed from the start. This bittersweet quality makes the song all the more relatable and enduring, as it speaks to our own experiences of love, loss, and longing.