Twenty-four seconds. That’s how long it takes for Johnny Marr’s acoustic guitar to basically erupt into one of the most famous jangle-pop riffs in history. It’s light. It’s airy. But the words? They’re anything but.
When The Smiths released "William, It Was Really Nothing" in August 1984, they weren't just putting out another indie single. They were dropping a two-minute manifesto against the crushing weight of ordinary life.
The Mystery of the "Humdrum Town"
Most people hear the opening line—The rain falls hard on a humdrum town—and think of Manchester. It makes sense, right? It’s where the band started. But for years, rumors have swirled that the song is actually a pointed message to a specific person: Billy MacKenzie, the lead singer of The Associates.
MacKenzie was a Dundee native, and Dundee fits the "humdrum town" description perfectly in the context of the early 80s. The two singers had a brief, intense friendship. Some say it was more. Regardless of the exact nature of their bond, the fallout was legendary.
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Did Morrissey really write a "diss track"?
Kind of. MacKenzie certainly thought so. He later recorded a response called "Stephen, You’re Really Something" (a nod to Morrissey’s first name, Steven).
The lyrics in "William" feel like a plea. Morrissey is telling William—or Billy—that the life he’s choosing is a trap. He’s mocking the idea of settling down. He’s terrified of the "fat girl" who wants to buy the ring. It isn't necessarily a dig at someone’s weight; it’s a jab at the perceived "heaviness" and boredom of domesticity.
Breaking Down the Marriage Narrative
Morrissey once told Melody Maker that he noticed a huge gap in pop music. Every song about marriage was from a woman's perspective. Think about it. You had hundreds of tracks about women wanting to get married or complaining about their husbands.
Where was the male voice saying, "Actually, don't do it"?
"I thought it was about time there was a male voice speaking directly to another male saying that marriage was a waste of time... that, in fact, it was 'absolutely nothing'." — Morrissey
This perspective makes the William It Was Really Nothing lyrics feel less like a personal attack and more like a radical act of self-preservation.
Key Lyric Highlights
- "This town has dragged you down": A classic Smiths trope. The idea that where you live determines who you are—and if you don't leave, you'll die spiritually.
- "I don't dream about anyone, except myself": This is peak Morrissey. It’s honest. It’s narcissistic. It’s the ultimate defense mechanism against being hurt by others.
- "Would you like to marry me? And if you like you can buy the ring": He’s mimicking the partner here. He makes the proposal sound transactional and dull.
Why the B-Sides Mattered More
It’s wild to think about now, but the original 7-inch single featured "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want" and "How Soon Is Now?" as B-sides.
Talk about a powerhouse.
"How Soon Is Now?" eventually became the band's defining anthem, but at the time, "William" was the lead. It reached number 17 on the UK charts. It’s a short song—barely over two minutes—but it’s packed with so much social commentary that it feels twice as long.
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The "Billy Liar" Connection
Another popular theory is that the song is based on the 1959 novel (and 1963 film) Billy Liar. The protagonist, William Fisher, is a pathological liar stuck in a boring job in a boring town. He dreams of moving to London but never quite makes it.
The parallels are obvious.
- The name "William."
- The "humdrum town."
- The pressure to get married and settle for a "normal" life.
Morrissey was famously obsessed with 60s kitchen-sink realism. It’s highly likely the lyrics are a blend of his real-life frustrations with MacKenzie and his love for the character of Billy Fisher.
The Guitar Work of Johnny Marr
You can't talk about these lyrics without mentioning how they sit on top of the music. Marr used a Gibson J-160E—the same model John Lennon used. He wanted that percussive, bright sound.
The music is celebratory. It’s fast. It’s "up."
This creates a massive contrast with the lyrics, which are essentially about the death of ambition and the fear of commitment. It’s a classic Smiths trick: make them dance while you tell them their life is over.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to truly appreciate the depth of "William, It Was Really Nothing," try these steps:
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- Listen to The Associates: Check out the album Sulk. It gives you a glimpse into the world of Billy MacKenzie and why Morrissey might have been so fascinated by him.
- Watch Billy Liar: The 1963 film is a masterpiece. It provides the visual aesthetic that Morrissey spent his entire career trying to replicate.
- Read the credits: Look at the single’s artwork. The original cover featured a man sitting on a bed, which was actually an ad for A.D.S. speakers. The 1988 reissue featured Colin Campbell from the film The Leather Boys. These choices weren't random; they all tie back to the theme of trapped masculinity.
Understanding the William It Was Really Nothing lyrics requires looking past the surface-level cynicism. It's a song about the fear of becoming "nothing" in a world that demands you play a role. Whether he's talking to Billy MacKenzie or a fictional character, Morrissey is ultimately talking to himself—and anyone else afraid of the "humdrum" life.