How Soon Is Now? is a song by the English rock band the Smiths, written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr. It originally appeared as the B-side to the 1984 single William, It Was Really Nothing, and later featured on the compilation Hatful of Hollow as well as certain editions of Meat Is Murder. It was released as a standalone UK single in 1985 and charted modestly, with a later 1992 re-release reaching higher on the UK charts. The complete version of the track is longer (about seven minutes) than the edited 7-inch single version. Key details and context
- Origins and writers: The song was written by Morrissey (lyrics) and Johnny Marr (guitar), reflecting the Smiths’ signature jangly guitar sound and Morrissey’s distinctive vocal delivery.
- Release history: It began as a B-side in 1984, appeared on several Smiths compilations and editions of albums, and then was released as a standalone UK single in 1985, with a later re-release in 1992.
- Length and versions: The original track runs close to seven minutes, while the standard 7-inch single version is shorter due to edits. The full version is commonly used on compilations.
- Cultural notes: The title reportedly drew inspiration from the 1973 book Popcorn Venus by Marjorie Rosen. The song has remained a staple in indie/alternative rock and has been covered in other media contexts.
If you’d like, I can provide more about:
- Song structure and notable riffs or guitar work
- How “How Soon Is Now?” fits into the Smiths’ discography and its influence on later alternative rock
- Notable live performances or cover versions and their reception
- Lyrics themes and interpretation
Would you like a deeper dive into any of these aspects?
