In the realm of iconic 80s music, few bands have left as indelible a mark as The Smiths. Their unique blend of morose lyrics and jangle-pop melodies has cemented their place in music history. One of their standout tracks, "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side," exemplifies their signature sound and lyrical depth. This song, like many others in their catalog, presents lucrative sync licensing opportunities that can be seamlessly managed with OutFndr's comprehensive music analytics and licensing platform.
"The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" Lyrics Analysis"The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" is a poignant exploration of the struggles faced by a young individual striving for recognition and success. The lyrics, penned by Morrissey, are rich with metaphor and emotion, painting a vivid picture of resilience and vulnerability. The titular "thorn" symbolizes the obstacles and pain that accompany the pursuit of dreams. This depth of meaning makes the song a compelling choice for sync licensing, particularly in contexts that explore themes of perseverance and personal growth. OutFndr's advanced search capabilities can help you find the perfect placement for tracks with such profound lyrical content.
Smiths' Songwriting TechniquesThe Smiths' songwriting was a unique collaboration between Morrissey's evocative lyrics and Johnny Marr's intricate guitar work. Their songs often featured unconventional chord progressions and melodic structures, setting them apart from their contemporaries. For instance, "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" combines a melancholic melody with uplifting instrumental elements, creating a bittersweet listening experience. This distinctive approach to songwriting enhances the emotional resonance of their music, making it highly desirable for sync licensing opportunities in film, television, and advertising. OutFndr's detailed track analysis can help identify these unique musical elements, ensuring the perfect match for your project.
Track's Chart Performance"The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" achieved notable success on the charts, reflecting its enduring appeal. Upon its release in 1985, the song reached number 23 on the UK Singles Chart, a testament to its popularity among fans and critics alike. Over the years, it has continued to garner attention, with numerous covers and references in popular culture. Its consistent performance underscores the track's timeless quality and its potential for sync licensing. OutFndr's chart performance tracking provides valuable insights into the historical and ongoing success of tracks like this, aiding in strategic licensing decisions.
Comparable Track Performance
The inspiration behind "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" is rooted in Morrissey's reflections on the challenges faced by young artists. The song is believed to draw from the experiences of artists who struggle with the pressures of fame and the harsh realities of the music industry. This theme of resilience in the face of adversity resonates deeply with audiences, making the track a powerful choice for sync licensing in narratives that explore similar themes. Understanding the inspiration behind a song can enhance its placement, and OutFndr's detailed track information ensures you have all the context you need.
Music Royalties BreakdownAnalyzing the music royalties for "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" reveals its financial success and potential for sync licensing. The track has generated substantial royalties through various streams, including radio play, streaming, and sync placements. Its enduring popularity ensures a steady income from these sources, making it a valuable asset for any music catalog. By leveraging OutFndr's royalty tracking and analytics, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of a track's financial performance and identify lucrative licensing opportunities.
Performance Facts
Record Breaker
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Frequently Asked Questions"The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" reached its peak position at number 23 on the UK Singles Chart in 1985. According to OutFndr’s historical chart data, it also peaked at number 16 on the Irish Singles Chart, showcasing its strong performance in the UK and Ireland.
How many weeks did "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" spend on the charts?The track spent a total of 7 weeks on the UK Singles Chart. OutFndr’s analytics indicate that its chart longevity was relatively modest compared to other Smiths singles, but it remains a fan favorite and a staple in their discography.
Did "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" set any chart records?While it didn’t set any major chart records, "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" is notable for being one of The Smiths' most enduring tracks in terms of cultural impact. OutFndr’s data shows that its consistent streaming numbers and radio play have kept it relevant decades after its release, similar to tracks like The Cure’s “Just Like Heaven.”
How did "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" perform internationally?Internationally, the track had limited chart success outside the UK and Ireland, but it gained a cult following in countries like the US and Canada. OutFndr’s international performance metrics show that it has since become a global indie anthem, with strong streaming numbers in markets like Germany and Australia.
What is the estimated streaming revenue generated by "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side"?As of 2023, "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" has accumulated over 50 million streams on Spotify alone. OutFndr estimates that this translates to roughly $200,000 in streaming revenue, considering an average payout of $0.004 per stream, which is comparable to other indie classics like New Order’s “Blue Monday.”
What is the sync licensing value of "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side"?The sync licensing value for "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" is estimated to be between $50,000 and $100,000 per placement, depending on the usage. OutFndr’s sync licensing data shows that tracks with similar cultural cachet, such as Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart,” often command high fees for film, TV, and commercial placements.
How much has "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" earned in radio performance royalties?Over the years, the track has generated significant radio performance royalties, estimated to be in the range of $100,000 to $200,000. OutFndr’s radio performance analytics indicate that its frequent airplay on indie and alternative radio stations has contributed to these earnings, similar to tracks like The Stone Roses’ “Waterfall.”
What are the total earnings for "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" across all revenue streams?Combining streaming revenue, sync licensing, radio royalties, and physical sales, OutFndr estimates that "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" has generated total earnings of approximately $1 million to $1.5 million. This figure reflects its enduring popularity and continued relevance in various media and markets.
What is the cultural influence of "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side"?"The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" is widely regarded as one of The Smiths' most influential tracks, resonating deeply with fans for its poetic lyrics and melancholic melody. OutFndr’s cultural impact metrics highlight its role in shaping the indie and alternative music scenes of the 1980s and beyond, often cited as an inspiration by artists like Radiohead and The 1975.
Have there been any notable samples or remixes of "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side"?While there haven’t been many official remixes, the track has been sampled and covered by various artists over the years. OutFndr’s remix and sample tracking data shows that its influence can be heard in tracks by artists like Belle and Sebastian and The Decemberists, who have cited The Smiths as a major influence.
How has "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" been used in media?The track has been featured in several films, TV shows, and commercials, enhancing its cultural footprint. OutFndr’s media usage analytics note its appearances in popular series like "The O.C." and films such as "500 Days of Summer," which have introduced the song to new generations of listeners.
What industry recognition has "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" received?Although it didn’t win any major awards, "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" is frequently listed among the greatest songs of the 1980s by music critics and publications. OutFndr’s industry recognition data shows that it has been included in numerous "best of" lists by outlets like NME, Rolling Stone, and Pitchfork, solidifying its legacy in music history.
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