Shoplifters of the World Unite

"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.

Another newly completed song, "You Just Haven't Earned It Yet, Baby", was originally intended to be the A-side of this single. The single even made it to the white label test pressing stage and approximately 900 stock copies of the single were manufactured before the proper single was issued. This aborted single mix can be heard on the UK compilation The World Won't Listen, while the song was later remixed for the American compilation Louder Than Bombs.

The title alludes to the communist slogan "workers of the world, unite!", and the 1966 David and Jonathan hit 'Lovers of the World Unite'.

The man on the cover is a young Elvis Presley.

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".^[1] It also musically sounds like Thin Lizzy's "The Boys Are Back In Town". Johnny Marr has stated his love for Phil Lynott many times.

The heavy metal band Pist.on recorded a cover of 'Shoplifters of the World Unite' on their 1996 album 'Number One'.

Morrissey has said that this is his favourite Smiths song. He sang it in his 1995, 1997, 1999/2000, 2004, 2007 and his 2011 concerts.

Track listing

Matrix message

The seven and 12-inch vinyl releases feature the matrix message "ALF RAMSEY'S REVENGE" (A-sides only). Alf Ramsey was the England football manager from 1963 to 1974.

Artwork

Photograph of Elvis Presley by James R. Reid.