My first Smiths cover goes viral-ish

We now have a swell Queer Clubhouse in my town, and one of the events is a free monthly karaoke night. I’ve only been a few times, but it’s fun. Very small, kind, diverse crowd: all ages, all abilities, queer and straight…

On this particular night, I was pretty manic, and acting up for the phone camera, held by my friend Gavin who’s always in an amateur theatre production or two. Another close friend, with a disability, was homeless and suicidal at the time and happened to be in a police holding cell overnight, just a few blocks away (false arrest). I desperately wanted to sing Girlfriend in a Coma, another Smiths song, and change the lyrics to suit—but (boo!) it wasn’t available.

This is what I sang instead, and I hope you like it. Over 600 views can’t be wrong, right? You are certain to cringe more than a few times—but I challenge you to watch/listen to the very end … it does get slightly better, and there’s falsetto! (Oh and please join the other 10 subscribers on my YouTube channel; I post poetry performances there too, and occasional videos of my art installations.)

Video and cover still by Gavin Fryer 2024. Performance by Catherin J Pascal Dunk. Thanks to Kiki Karaoke and FunHaus Factory Gosford.
Song by The Smiths 1986, written by Johnny Marr and Morrissey, © Artemis Muziekuitgeverij B.v., Marr Songs Ltd.

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