Meaning of "This Charming Man" by The Smiths

"This Charming Man" conveys a message of societal alienation and the struggle for self-acceptance. The lyrics describe a character who is marginalized and feels out of place, using vivid imagery to depict their isolated existence. The punctured bicycle on a desolate hillside symbolizes a lack of progress or momentum in life, with the protagonist wondering if nature will ever shape them into a confident individual. This uncertainty is heightened when they question why they should bother with the complexities of life when the superficiality of appearances seems to dominate. The mention of the leather running smoothly on the passenger seat implies a comfort in conforming and adhering to societal expectations, even if they may lack authenticity.

The desire to go out but lacking appropriate clothing symbolizes a deeper longing to fit in and be accepted. The protagonist's frustration is expressed through the remark that it is "gruesome" that someone as handsome as them should care about their appearance. This highlights the pressure society places on physical attractiveness and the resulting impact on an individual's self-esteem. The repetition of "Na-na-na-na-na-na-na" reinforces the frustration and sense of futile resistance against the conforming forces of society.

The reference to the "jumped-up pantry boy" who demands the return of rings signifies the protagonist's struggle against the established order and its social hierarchies. This character represents those who are born into privilege and place excessive value on material possessions. The chorus repeating that he "knows so much about these things" reinforces the irony and hypocrisy of those who hold power and knowledge but may lack empathy or understanding of those who do not fit societal norms.

Overall, "This Charming Man" critiques societal expectations, conformity, and the shallow nature of appearance-based judgments. It highlights the struggle for self-acceptance and the yearning for validation in a world that often values superficial qualities over genuine individuality.