The Smiths – Jeane

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  General Comment:I do think this song lends itself more to Linder Sterling, as appose to Morrissey's aunt. Linder and Morrissey lived together for a while in Manchester and I don't believe they were particularly well off, which reflects in the lyrics.
  
  I think this song is about their time together and perhaps Morrissey explaining why things did not work out.

  Flag JJKelsallon April 27, 2013   Link

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  Song Comparison:I love both versions equally. Sandie's version is technically cleaner and better produced, because The Smiths' version was one of their first recorded songs so they didn't have the best equipment or professionals working on it with them. The lyrics are just genius, and Morrissey's backing vocals on the Shaw version are absolutely lovely.

  Flag theghostoftroubledjoeon October 01, 2011   Link

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  General Comment:Rathatespeople, I thought exactly the same thing. The main riff reminds me of "Accept Yourself" and it's pretty much only the lyrics that push the songs apart. I love both songs, and isn't it rather ironic that Morrissey first sings Jeane, then reuses the riff in a song in which he pretty much tells himself "move on with your life and suck it up"
  Anyway, a highly underrated Smiths track.

  Flag Jacobinion August 08, 2011   Link

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  General Comment:Morrissey's voice absolutly kills in this. Its so beautiful.

  Flag mediocremurphyon January 13, 2011   Link

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  General Comment:The main riff is very, very familiar to my ears. And I'm not talking about a cover. But I can't name the song this reminds me of just yet.
  Anyone else got any idea?
  It's really bugging me.

  Flag Rathatespeopleon October 22, 2008   Link

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    David Bowie - Queen Bitch?

    Flag Jreece7on November 12, 2012  
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  General Comment:Jeane is almost impossible to get hold of (I think it's going to be on a double-cd compilation released soon), which is a disgrace because for me it is right up with their best work.
  
  It's just an incredibly powerful song and perfectly sums up the 'mythology' of the Smiths - listening to it you genuinely feel that this was what Morrissey's life was like before the start of the band.
  
  The last verse ('No heavenly choir/not for me and not for you...') is absolutely sublime, as good if not better than the endings to other Smiths songs like Hand In Glove and I Know It's Over.

  Flag Pleaton September 06, 2008   Link

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  General Comment:i absolutely love Sandie Shaw's version. very beautiful song.

  Flag XianSnakeon November 10, 2007   Link

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  General Comment:Anybody heard the Billy Bragg version? I'm not as big on the Smiths as I was a while back (Rubber Ring??) but lyrically, it's genius. Every song has a line you can take away and call your own.

  Flag geebeeon December 05, 2006   Link

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  General Comment:Quite correct- it's Morrissey's Aunt who is called Jeane, not his Mother. It's been a while since I last read The Severed Alliance, that's my excuse.

  Flag fourgangeron June 21, 2006   Link

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  General Comment:This song may have been inspired by Morrisey's friend Linder, although there are no specific references or allusions to her in either song. A more likely source for this song is Morrissey's aunt, Jeane Sheppard. Also, knowing of Morrisseys interest in Oscar Wilde, it should be noted that the bastard child of Oscar Wilde's friend (and possible lover) Lillie Langtry was named Jeane.

  Flag marquiceriseon January 13, 2006   Link

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