Shoplifters of the World Unite
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"Shoplifters of the World Unite" | ||||
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Single by The Smiths | ||||
from the album Louder Than Bombs and The World Won't Listen | ||||
Released | 26 January 1987 | |||
Recorded | November 1986 | |||
Studio | Trident Studios, London | |||
Genre | Alternative rock | |||
Length | 2:56 | |||
Label | Rough Trade | |||
Songwriter(s) | Johnny Marr, Morrissey | |||
Producer(s) | Johnny Marr | |||
The Smiths singles chronology | ||||
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Review scores | |
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Source | Rating |
Allmusic | ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() ![]() |
"Shoplifters of the World Unite" is a song by the English rock band the Smiths. Released in January 1987, it reached No. 12 in the UK Singles Chart. As with most of the Smiths' singles, it was not included on a studio album. It is featured on the compilation albums The World Won't Listen, Louder Than Bombs, Singles and The Sound of The Smiths.
Another newly completed song, "You Just Haven't Earned It Yet, Baby", was originally intended to be the A-side of this single. It made it to the white label test pressing stage and approximately 900 stock copies of the single were manufactured. This aborted single mix can be heard on The World Won't Listen, while a remixed version is included in Louder Than Bombs.
Background
The title alludes to the slogan "Workers of the world, unite!", and the 1966 David and Jonathan hit "Lovers of the World Unite".
Music and lyrics
During a 1987 interview with Shaun Duggan, Morrissey said of the song: "[It does] not literally mean picking up a loaf of bread or a watch and sticking it in your coat pocket. It's more or less spiritual shoplifting, cultural shoplifting, taking things and using them to your own advantage."[2] Musically the song has a resemblance to the T. Rex song "Children of the Revolution".[3]
Music video
A music video produced for the song was directed by Tamra Davis.
Track listing
No. | Title | Length |
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1. | "Shoplifters of the World Unite" | 2:56 |
2. | "Half a Person" | 3:35 |
No. | Title | Length |
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1. | "Shoplifters of the World Unite" | 2:56 |
2. | "London" | 2:06 |
3. | "Half a Person" | 3:35 |
No. | Title | Length |
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1. | "You Just Haven't Earned It Yet, Baby" | 3:34 |
2. | "London" | 2:06 |
3. | "Half a Person" | 3:35 |
Artwork and matrix message
The single's sleeve features a photograph of a young Elvis Presley that was taken by James R. Reid.
The British 7" and 12" vinyls contained the matrix messages: ALF RAMSEY'S REVENGE/none
Charts
Chart | Peak position |
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Ireland (IRMA) | 7 |
UK Singles (The Official Charts Company) | 12 |
References
- ^ "Shopliters of the World Unite rating". Allmusic. Retrieved on 29 October 2012.
- ^ Duggan, Shaun. "Interview, The Tube".
- ^ Walk right through the door: 12 songs about shoplifting