Among The Smiths’ many memorable tracks, Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others stands out for its unusual combination of witty lyricism and lush musical arrangement. Featured as the closing track on their critically acclaimed 1986 album The Queen Is Dead, the song exemplifies the band’s distinctive ability to blend humor with melancholy, irony with sincerity, and playful absurdity with genuine artistry.
Musically, the track is driven by Johnny Marr’s shimmering guitar work, which gives the song a bright, almost ethereal quality. Marr’s chiming, layered melodies create a dreamlike atmosphere, contrasting beautifully with Morrissey’s tongue-in-cheek lyrics. The instrumental introduction and outro are particularly striking, as Marr allows the guitar to drift and expand, producing a sense of openness that softens the satirical edge of the words. This combination of intricate guitar textures and spacious arrangements is a hallmark of Marr’s craftsmanship, elevating what might have been a novelty song into something musically compelling.
Lyrically, Morrissey delivers one of his more humorous and absurd performances. The central refrain, “Some girls are bigger than others,” appears to comment on physicality in a blunt, almost comedic way. Yet, as with much of Morrissey’s writing, there is a deeper ambiguity. Some interpret the line as a playful critique of social superficiality or trivial obsessions, while others see it simply as absurdist humor delivered with deadpan seriousness. This lighthearted tone contrasts with much of The Queen Is Dead, an album filled with social commentary, romantic longing, and existential reflection.
Despite its quirky premise, the song is far from throwaway. Morrissey’s vocal delivery—wistful, detached, and occasionally tender—imbues the lyrics with unexpected depth. What could have been pure satire instead becomes strangely moving, demonstrating The Smiths’ unique ability to turn humor and irony into something layered and affecting. This interplay of levity and poignancy gives the track an enduring appeal, showing that even a seemingly silly lyric can resonate emotionally.
Although Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others was never released as a single, it has grown into a cult favorite among fans. Its placement as the closing track of The Queen Is Dead provides the album with a curious yet fitting sense of closure. After exploring heavy themes of social injustice, love, and existential angst, the song ends the album on a lighter, whimsical note without sacrificing musical sophistication. Its rarity in live performances has added to its mystique, making it a hidden gem within The Smiths’ discography.
Over time, the track has come to symbolize The Smiths’ unique artistic balance: Johnny Marr’s innovative guitar work, Morrissey’s unmistakable lyrical voice, and the band’s ability to mix satire with sincerity. While it may not have the instant recognition of hits like There Is a Light That Never Goes Out or How Soon Is Now?, its offbeat charm and delicate guitar textures have ensured its lasting place in alternative rock history.
In the end, Some Girls Are Bigger Than Others encapsulates what makes The Smiths so compelling—quirky, intelligent, musically rich, and tinged with irony. It demonstrates that even in jest, the band could produce songs that were profound, memorable, and unmistakably their own. For fans of 1980s alternative rock, this track remains a testament to The Smiths’ distinctive voice and their ability to balance humor with artistry, creating music that continues to intrigue, entertain, and inspire.
