Is It Really So Strange?

The Smiths' song "Is It Really So Strange?" delves into the complexities of love, identity, and the sense of belonging. The lyrics narrate a journey, both physical and emotional, as the protagonist travels between the north and south, experiencing confusion and turmoil. Despite the physical violence and emotional upheaval, the protagonist's feelings of love remain steadfast and unchangeable. This unwavering love is a central theme, highlighting the resilience of the human heart even in the face of adversity.

The repeated question, "Is it really so strange?" serves as a rhetorical device, challenging societal norms and expectations about love and behavior. The protagonist's actions, such as killing a horse and a nun, are hyperbolic and surreal, symbolizing the extreme lengths to which one might go when driven by intense emotions. These actions also reflect a sense of disorientation and the struggle to find one's place in the world. The mention of losing a bag in Newport Pagnell adds a touch of mundane reality, grounding the otherwise fantastical narrative.

The song also touches on the theme of home and the difficulty of returning to it. The line, "I could never, never, never go back home again," suggests a permanent change in the protagonist's identity and circumstances. This could be interpreted as a metaphor for the irreversible impact of love and life experiences. The imagery of a dry throat and the sun in the eyes evokes a sense of exhaustion and clarity, as the protagonist realizes the impossibility of returning to a previous state of being. The Smiths, known for their melancholic and introspective lyrics, capture the essence of human vulnerability and the relentless pursuit of love and self-understanding in this poignant song.