The subtext of this song
I've thought about it for so long
But it's really not the sort of thing
That people want to hear us sing

The context of this song
Well I could go on and on
But it's still unfashionable
To believe in principles

South South Yorkshire - Mass Murderer
How can you sleep at night, sleep at night
South South Yorkshire - Mass Murderer
How can you sleep at night, sleep at night

The reason for this song
Well it may be a pointless one
But thank you Jimmy McGovern
For reminding me of what lives on

The ending for this song
Well I haven't really thought of one
There's nothing I could ever say
That could really take the pain away

South South Yorkshire - Mass Murderer
How can you sleep at night, sleep at night
South South Yorkshire - Mass Murderer
How can you sleep at night, sleep at night



Lyrics submitted by RedArmy

Track duration: 05:59

"S.Y.M.M." as written by Bradfield/jones/moore

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

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S.y.m.m song meanings
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11 Comments

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  • 0
    General Comment:I thought this was about the Yorkshire Ripper :S
    Flag manic4manicson October 22, 2012   Link
  • 0
    My Opinion:The subject matter is obvious but definitely a lyrical off-day for Nicky Wire on this one. He has dealt with sensitive issues many times , always delivering a satirical and insightful bite to his words but here , something clearly went wrong resulting in arguably the worst lyric in a Manics song. You could argue that it is a description of the speechless frustration surrounding the tragedy but the lyric is almost too bizarre in it's terminal resignation and utter lack of conviction or commitment. This is a subject that demands themes of justice and optimism.
    Flag Djflemingon September 20, 2011   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:Actually, for my sins I'm an Everton fan but like many from this part of the world, affected by the tragedy. You too, are clearly a Manc or maybe a cockney twat. Putting aside our differences, even Stevie Wonder can see that innocent people died at the negligent hands of the South Yorkshire Police.
    Flag freestuieon March 14, 2007   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:can't we all just get along?
    Flag greenplasticon January 17, 2007   Link
  • -3
    General Comment:Fuck you knobhead, Liverpool suck and all their fans should die.
    Flag undertakerpton December 22, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:You fucking tosser, Kemp. You obviously don't have a clue about how serious a situation this was. What team do you support? You wouldn't be saying the same thing if it was your teams supporters who died. I'm betting you're a Man U fan or a relative of the fucking pigs who opened the gates. Am I right? Cunt.
    Flag freestuieon April 18, 2006   Link
  • -3
    General Comment:i dont know why they should sing about this..manics have no right to-what has it got to do with them... liverpool fans shouldnt have turned up to the game without tickets it is their fault, the police thought they could save a life by opening the gates, nobody knew that would happen
    Flag Kempon May 14, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:does anyone else notice how the drumbeats sound a little like dogs barking?
    Flagged pumkinhedon January 23, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:I hate this song. Lyrics aside, I just cannot stand it.
    Flag paulothemanioon January 04, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment:This is one of the most painful tracks put on an album for me... both a Manics and a Liverpool fc fan. When I bought the album I didn't realise what this one was about. When I go to Anfield and Hillsborough these days I never forget the 96. Never forget the 96.
    Flag Poolman99on December 10, 2004   Link

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