Shoplifters of the World Unite
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| “Shoplifters of the World Unite” | |||||
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| Single by The Smiths from the album The World Won't Listen |
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| Released | January 26, 1987 | ||||
| Format | 7", 12" | ||||
| Recorded | Autumn 1986 | ||||
| Genre | Alternative rock | ||||
| Length | 2:58 | ||||
| Label | Rough Trade | ||||
| Writer(s) | Johnny Marr Morrissey |
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| Producer | Johnny Marr | ||||
| The Smiths singles chronology | |||||
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"Shoplifters of the World Unite" is a song by The Smiths. It was released as a single in January 1987, reaching #12 in the UK Singles Chart. As was often the case with Smiths singles, it did not appear on an original studio album. It can be found on the Louder Than Bombs, Singles and The World Won't Listen compilations.
The title bears reference to the communist slogan "workers of the world, unite!". It has been suggested that the song is about homosexuality, and further that it is a critique of Section 28. This is perhaps owing to the similarity between the word "shoplifter" and the word "shirtlifter", a slang term for a homosexual man in the United Kingdom.
During a chat with Shaun Duggan, Morrissey explained the meaning of the song as follows: "It's more or less spiritual shoplifting, cultural shoplifting, taking things and using them to your own advantage."
Musically the song bears a strong resemblance to the T. Rex song "Children of the Revolution". Both Morrissey and Johnny Marr are Marc Bolan fans, and Marr has admitted in an interview that the melody for a previous Smiths single, "Panic", was copied from "Metal Guru". It also musically sounds like Thin Lizzy's The Boys Are Back In Town. Johnny Marr has stated his love for Phil Lynnott many times.
Morrissey has said that this is his favourite Smiths song. He sang it in his 1995, 1997, 1999/2000, 2004 and his 2007 concerts.
Contents |
[edit] Track listing
[edit] 7": Rough Trade / RT195 (UK)
- "Shoplifters of the World Unite"
- "Half a Person"
[edit] 12": Rough Trade / RTT195 (UK)
- "Shoplifters of the World Unite"
- "London"
- "Half a Person"
[edit] Etchings on vinyl
UK 7" and 12": ALF RAMSEY'S REVENGE / none
Alf Ramsey was the England football manager from 1963 to 1974.
[edit] Artwork
Photograph of Elvis Presley by James R. Reid.
[edit] References
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