What Difference Does It Make? Lyrics
All men have secrets and here is mine
So let it be known
For we have been through hell and high tide
I think I can rely on you
And yet you start to recoil
Heavy words are so lightly thrown
But still I'd leap in front
Of a flying bullet for you
[Chorus]
So, what difference does it make?
So, what difference does it make?
It makes none, but now you have gone
And you must be looking very old tonight
[Verse 2]
The devil will find work
For idle hands to do
I stole and I lied, and why?
Because you asked me to
But now you make me feel so ashamed
Because I've only got two hands
But I'm still fond of you
Oh-oh-oh
So, what difference does it make?
Oh, what difference does it make?
Oh, it makes none, but now you have gone
And your prejudice won't keep you warm tonight
[Verse 3]
Oh, the devil will find work
For idle hands to do
I stole, and then I lied
Just because you asked me to
But now you know the truth about me
You won't see me anymore
Well, I'm still fond of you
Oh-oh-oh
[Chorus]
But no more apologies
No more, no more apologies
Oh, I'm too tired, I'm so sick and tired
And I'm feeling very sick and ill today
[Outro]
But I'm still fond of you
Oh-oh-oh
Oh, my sacred one
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh-oh
Oh-oh
About
“What Difference Does It Make?” is the Smiths' third single in the UK, released on the 16th of January, 1984. The song peaked at #12 on the UK Singles Chart, being relevant in the band’s early success. The song would then make it onto the band’s self titled debut album, as the 9th track.
The song is about dismissal from a friend after they find out a secret about you. Although not confirmed, fans like to speculate that the song is based on a true story about Morrissey confessing his feelings to another man, only to be subsequently rejected.
“What Difference Does It Make?” is not one of Morrissey’s favorites among the Smiths' catalogue, unfortunately, voicing his opinion to Following the Mozziah, explaining that “‘What Difference Does It Make’ is musically interesting but lyrically it is very…Simon Le Bon [of Duran Duran]. I find the lyrics facile and mildly embarrassing. Otherwise it’s a majestic pop melody by Johnny and, ironically, had the lyrics indeed been penned by Simon Le Bon, I would probably cover it! As it is I’d feel too ashamed.‘”.
Q&A
Find answers to frequently asked questions about the song and explore its deeper meaning
- 7.Still Ill
- 9.What Difference Does It Make?