The Smiths - The Hand That Rocks The Cradle (Troy Tate Alternative Mix/Lyrics)

[jehouse]

Can you buy a record of the Tate recordings? Anyone know?

[pullupboy]

great poet

[MckyMseNTarotCrds]

I've never heard this version. It's cool. I still like the album version better, but this is nice. Good post. And as to all the controversy about this song: to me, it's clearly about a loving parent, maybe an overprotective one, but certainly nothing lurid or evil. The mention of the mother at the end: she's no longer around, maybe she left or died. That's why he's "the hand that rocks the cradle." And what she "never knew": that he loved his boy more than her.

[daivietjohn]

I know the "original" from the album and it's been one of my all-time Smiths faves. Then ... I hear this. And the other Troy Tate's. So, if if the TT versions hit the record shops as The Smiths first album back in '83, what would have been the response? Until I heard the TT versions (though I know the "'Jeanne" B-side from long ago), I could never decide if the Smiths were more Morrisssey or more Marr. I love Marr's guitar. but I think Morrissey's lyrics hold it all together. So there ...

[humanson143]

Did Morrissey write this? I believe these lyrics to be the best of any Smiths song.

[Slapbass13]

@humanson143 Morrissey wrote all the Smith's lyrics.

[adorelesun]

I like the lyrics of the Troy Tate Version a lot more than the lyrics of the other version. Because the other version seems like it is about child abuse. This version just seems to be more about a father who loves his son a lot.

[enduboh]

@adorelesun the lyrics are the same

[adorelesun]

@enduboh No they arent. The lyrics are pretty similar but there are some differences. For example: In the Troy Tate version Morrissey sings "And I never even gave his name" in the other version he sings "And I never even asked his name".

[enduboh]

@adorelesun right, I see what youre talking about now. my mistake.

[RainJetSprinklers]

This one almost has a country sound to it. Good example of The Smiths rockabilly influence.

[skaszy1]

This version is great. Almost didn't recognise it at first, the sound is very stripped back and bare.

[Eyesighttotheblind]

I agree with steele66, i never knew there was a troy tate version though! That's amazing how you found it.

[steele66]

i like the other version better but it's cool to hear these earlier Tate produced recordings.

[sipper34]

thank you thank you thank you, thats all

[muertefacil90]

i don't know, I think the other one was a little better because it sounded like a lullaby.

[stairwayfilm]

absolutely perfect

[Cecily512]

friggn awesome!!! totally different guitar sound.,,more crunchy

[drjoekidd08]

OMFG THIS IS AMAZING

[handsomedevil98]

Great Great!!!

don'nt know which one I like better!!