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Quizzes > Music

The Smiths Quiz: How Much Do You Know?

Quick, free The Smiths trivia to test your knowledge. Instant results.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Ehtisham FazalUpdated Aug 23, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art illustration with quiz title about testing Smiths lyrics iconic albums and charmed theme on dark blue background.

This The Smiths quiz helps you check your knowledge of songs, albums, and lyrics in minutes. Compare your score with friends, then explore more music with our Marilyn Manson quiz and Amy Winehouse quiz for a fresh challenge. Prefer heavier sounds? Try a Slipknot quiz next and keep your streak going.

Who was the lead singer of The Smiths?
Johnny Marr
Andy Rourke
Mike Joyce
Morrissey
Morrissey served as the distinctive frontman and principal lyricist for The Smiths, guiding the band's image and themes through his vocals and writing. He co-founded the group in 1982 with guitarist Johnny Marr. Morrissey's baritone voice and poetic style became synonymous with the band's identity. .
In which year did The Smiths form?
1985
1982
1979
1987
The Smiths officially came together in Manchester in 1982 when Morrissey and Johnny Marr first collaborated. That year they recruited bassist Andy Rourke and drummer Mike Joyce to complete the lineup. Their formation in 1982 marked the start of a highly influential era for British indie rock. .
Which instrument is Johnny Marr best known for playing?
Drums
Guitar
Keyboard
Bass
Johnny Marr's jangly and intricate guitar work defined The Smiths' sound, earning him acclaim as one of rock's most innovative guitarists. He also contributed occasional keyboard and harmonica parts, but the guitar remained his signature. Post-Smiths, Marr continued to play guitar in numerous projects. .
What was The Smiths' debut single released in 1983?
Panic
Hand in Glove
William, It Was Really Nothing
This Charming Man
"Hand in Glove" was The Smiths' first official single, released on May 13, 1983 through Rough Trade Records. Its stark production and candid lyrics announced the band's arrival on the British indie scene. The single set the tone for their raw, emotive style. .
'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out' appears on which studio album?
Hatful of Hollow
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Queen Is Dead
Meat Is Murder
Although first issued as a B-side, "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" was later included as a featured track on The Smiths' third studio album, The Queen Is Dead, released in 1986. It has since become one of their most celebrated songs. The emotional lyricism and melodic guitar work exemplify the album's enduring reputation. .
Which song by The Smiths contains the line "And if a ten-ton truck kills the both of us"?
How Soon Is Now?
That Joke Isn't Funny Anymore
Bigmouth Strikes Again
There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
The iconic line "And if a ten-ton truck kills the both of us" appears in "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out," reflecting the song's romantic yet morbid sensibility. Morrissey's lyrics blend longing and dark humor, while Marr's guitar underscores the drama. The track is a fan favorite and regularly cited as a highlight of The Queen Is Dead. .
What is the title of The Smiths' second studio album?
Hatful of Hollow
Strangeways, Here We Come
The Queen Is Dead
Meat Is Murder
Meat Is Murder, released in February 1985, is The Smiths' second studio album. It expanded their political and personal themes, notably in the title track's vegetarian message. The album reached number one on the UK charts and solidified the band's stature. .
Which Smiths song's title is often playfully linked to the TV show 'Charmed'?
Girlfriend in a Coma
Hand in Glove
Panic
This Charming Man
Fans often joke that The Smiths' song "This Charming Man" could be a theme for the TV show Charmed thanks to its title pun. The track was first released in 1983 and became one of their signature songs, characterized by Marr's bright riff and Morrissey's witty lyrics. Though never used on the show, the playful association endures. .
Who produced The Smiths' debut album?
Grant Showbiz
Stephen Street
John Porter
Johnny Marr
John Porter was the producer behind The Smiths' self-titled debut album, released in 1984. His production helped capture the duo's raw energy while retaining a clear, jangly guitar tone. Porter had previously worked with Roxy Music and contributed to the album's distinctive atmosphere. .
'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out' was originally released as the B-side to which single?
Bigmouth Strikes Again
Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now
Panic
William, It Was Really Nothing
Before its inclusion on The Queen Is Dead, "There Is a Light That Never Goes Out" was first issued as the B-side to the single "William, It Was Really Nothing" in 1984. Its immediate acclaim led to its promotion onto later albums and compilations. This release helped cement the song's status among fans. .
What are the opening lyrics of 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now'?
And if a ten-ton truck kills the both of us
Every day is like Sunday
I go out every night and sleep all day
I was looking for a job, and then I found a job
The song opens with Morrissey singing "I was looking for a job, and then I found a job," setting the tone for its existential angst. Released in late 1984, the track became The Smiths' first Top 10 UK single. Its candid, conversational lyricism exemplifies Morrissey's style. .
From which British city did The Smiths originate?
Birmingham
Liverpool
London
Manchester
The Smiths formed in Manchester, England, a city renowned for its influential music scene. Bands like Joy Division and New Order also hailed from Manchester, making it a hotbed of post-punk and indie innovation. The city's working-class backdrop informed much of their lyrical content. .
On which radio show did The Smiths make their first BBC live session?
The Evening Session
Top of the Pops
The Old Grey Whistle Test
John Peel's BBC Radio 1 show
The Smiths recorded their first BBC session with John Peel for his Radio 1 show in January 1984. Peel was a major supporter, giving the band early exposure. These Peel Sessions are now celebrated for capturing The Smiths in peak creative form. .
Which song features the line "I know it's over and it never really began"?
How Soon Is Now?
This Charming Man
There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
I Know It's Over
The lyric "I know it's over and it never really began" appears in the closing lines of "I Know It's Over," a standout track from The Queen Is Dead (1986). The song is renowned for its emotional depth and Hubbell-like guitar interplay. It's often cited as one of Morrissey's finest lyrical achievements. .
Which compilation album first included the single 'Girlfriend in a Coma'?
The World Won't Listen
Louder Than Bombs
Hatful of Hollow
Rank
"Girlfriend in a Coma" was first compiled on The Smiths' 1987 collection The World Won't Listen. Although released as a single in August 1987, it wasn't featured on a studio album. The World Won't Listen gathered various non-album tracks and singles. .
Which record label signed The Smiths in 1983?
Rough Trade
Parlophone
Sire Records
Factory Records
The Smiths signed with the independent Rough Trade Records in 1983, which released all four of the band's studio albums. The label was pivotal in promoting UK post-punk and indie acts. Rough Trade's DIY ethos aligned with The Smiths' artistic vision. .
What was the B-side to the 'Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now' single?
Girl Afraid
Back to the Old House
Stretch Out and Wait
These Things Take Time
The 1984 single "Heaven Knows I'm Miserable Now" featured "Girl Afraid" as its principal B-side. "Back to the Old House" also appeared on certain formats but "Girl Afraid" was the standout. These additional tracks offered deeper insight into the band's early sound. .
Which actor appears on the cover of the single 'The Boy with the Thorn in His Side'?
Marlon Brando
Terence Stamp
James Dean
Vic Atherstone
The cover photo for "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" features actor Terence Stamp from the 1963 film Billy Liar. The Smiths frequently used imagery of actors and cultural icons on their sleeves. Stamp's image complemented the song's bitter-sweet irony. .
The photograph on the cover of 'Meat Is Murder' depicts a soldier from which war?
Falklands War
Korean War
Vietnam War
World War II
The stark image on Meat Is Murder's cover shows a U.S. military police officer holding a rifle during the Vietnam War. The photo underscores the album's critique of violence and animal cruelty. This choice of imagery reinforced The Smiths' socially conscious stance. .
'Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want' ends with a guitar solo by which musician?
Johnny Marr
Andy Rourke
Morrissey
Stephen Street
The instrumental outro of this B-side track features a tender, melodic guitar solo performed by Johnny Marr. His delicate phrasing elevates the song's melancholic tone. The solo is widely praised as a showcase of Marr's expressive playing style. .
The slide guitar riff in 'Rubber Ring' is reminiscent of which instrument?
Mandolin
Sitar
Harpsichord
Banjo
Johnny Marr's slide guitar on "Rubber Ring" evokes the droning, exotic timbre of a sitar. The shimmering tones contribute to the track's dreamy, psychedelic atmosphere. Marr often experimented with timbral references to broaden their sound palette. .
In what year was 'How Soon Is Now?' originally released as a B-side?
1988
1982
1984
1986
"How Soon Is Now?" first appeared as the B-side to the "William, It Was Really Nothing" single in September 1984. Its unique tremolo guitar riff and haunting lyrics quickly made it a fan favorite. It was later reissued as a standalone single due to popular demand. .
What is the catalog number of The Smiths' debut single 'Hand in Glove' on Rough Trade?
RT 100
RT 045
RT 030
RT 010
The original Rough Trade catalog number for "Hand in Glove" was RT 030, marking it as one of the early releases on the label. Discogs and collector references confirm this numbering. The catalog code is often cited by aficionados when discussing the band's early vinyl pressings. .
Which unreleased Smiths track from the 'Strangeways, Here We Come' sessions circulated among collectors is known by what title?
You've Got Everything Now
London, Autumn 67
What's the World?
Accept Yourself
"You've Got Everything Now" is a rare outtake from the Strangeways sessions that never saw official release. Bootleg versions circulated on fan tapes and collector sites, making it a sought-after track. It demonstrates the band's late-period experimentation before their 1987 split. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Recall Iconic Lyrics -

    Recall key Morrissey lyrics and accurately match them to their original songs, demonstrating your command of Smiths songs trivia.

  2. Identify Landmark Albums -

    Identify the band's most influential releases, their release years, and defining tracks to solidify your grasp of Smiths album questions.

  3. Analyze Band History -

    Analyze crucial moments in the Smiths' formation and evolution, using morrissey band facts to chart their impact on alternative rock.

  4. Recognize the smiths charmed theme -

    Recognize how the smiths charmed theme weaves into song references and pop culture nods throughout the quiz.

  5. Evaluate Your Trivia Skills -

    Evaluate your overall knowledge with challenging questions that blend lyrics, albums, and fun band trivia into one ultimate Smiths band history quiz.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Origins of the Smiths Charmed Theme -

    Dive into the cultural backdrop that shaped the smiths charmed theme, exploring how 1980s Manchester nightlife inspired the band's aesthetics and symbolism. Oxford Music Online notes that the recurring "charmed" motifs echo post-punk romanticism, symbolizing youthful resilience. Try the mnemonic "Charm = Change + Calm" to remember how the theme blends rebellious energy with poetic introspection.

  2. Morrissey's Lyrical Quirks -

    Unpack morrissey band facts by studying his trademark use of irony and literary references in songs like "Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me." University of Sheffield research highlights his knack for weaving social commentary into intimate narratives. A handy tip: flag each lyric with a colored note - green for irony, blue for social critique - to spot patterns quickly.

  3. Iconic Album Milestones -

    Master the chronology for your smiths album questions by charting release dates of The Smiths' four studio albums from 1984's "The Smiths" to 1986's "The Queen Is Dead." Rolling Stone's discography guide outlines how each album evolved their sound from jangly guitar pop to more layered arrangements. Use the acronym "SQBR" (Smiths, Queen, Brass, Revenge) to recall "The Smiths," "Queen," "Meat Is Murder," and "Strangeways, Here We Come."

  4. Signature Guitar Riffs and Song Structures -

    Strengthen your smiths songs trivia by analyzing Johnny Marr's iconic jangle-pop chord progressions, such as the I - IV - V - vi (G - C - D - Em) pattern in "This Charming Man." Cambridge University's music department studies emphasize how these riffs create a bright, danceable feel. Remember the pattern with "Graceful Cats Dance Easily" to lock in the chord sequence.

  5. Key Milestones in Band History -

    Review pivotal events for the smiths band history quiz, starting with their 1982 formation, the breakthrough single "Hand in Glove" (1983), and their 1987 split documented in NME archives. These landmarks reflect how internal tensions and creative peaks shaped their legacy. Use the timeline mnemonic "82-83-87: Form, Fame, Farewell" to cement these dates in your mind.

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