Girlfriend In a Coma

The Smiths' 'Girlfriend in a Coma' is a song that juxtaposes a seemingly light and catchy melody with dark and morbid lyrics, a characteristic style of the band. The song's narrative revolves around the protagonist whose girlfriend is in a coma, and the repeated line 'I know, I know, it's serious' underscores the gravity of the situation. However, the casual delivery of the lyrics and the upbeat tune create a contrast that suggests a deeper layer of meaning, possibly reflecting on the complexities of relationships and the human condition.

The lyrics also express a conflicted emotional state. The protagonist admits to having had violent thoughts ('When I could have murdered her' and 'When I could have strangled her'), yet he also expresses a deep concern for her well-being ('I would hate anything to happen to her'). This duality can be interpreted as a metaphor for the love-hate dynamics that can exist in intimate relationships, where intense emotions can lead to thoughts of both affection and aggression.

The song ends with the protagonist wanting to whisper his last goodbyes, indicating a resignation to the possibility of loss. The Smiths often explored themes of melancholy, alienation, and the darker aspects of life with a wry sense of humor, and 'Girlfriend in a Coma' is a prime example of this. It's a song that invites listeners to ponder the irony of expressing such a somber topic through a seemingly lighthearted tune, and it encapsulates the band's unique ability to blend the morose with the whimsical.