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There Is a Light That Never Goes Out

Episode 4 of 5

Exploring the lasting emotional impact of The Smiths' 1986 anthem of hope, loss and love. From December 2014.

'There Is a Light That Never Goes Out' by The Smiths is explored through personal stories.

Released in 1986 on 'The Queen Is Dead' album, it's become an anthem of hope, loss and love.

As a teenager, Andy listened to it with his father, as he drove him to work. They had a moment of connection, and when his father died suddenly a few weeks later, the song took on huge significance.

When her young son was ill, Sharon Woolley drew strength from this music as she sat by his bedside in the small hours of the morning.

For comic artist Lucy Knisley, the song got her through a bad break-up with her long-term boyfriend - and its meaning changed for her when unexpected events unfolded.

Also featuring:

Mike Garry
Teddy Jameison
Mark Gatiss
Simon Goddard

Producer: Sara Conkey

First broadcast on 大象传媒 Radio 4 in December 2014.

Available now

30 minutes

Last on

Sat 17 Aug 2024 00:00

Lucy Knisley and her husband John

Lucy Knisley and her husband John

Broadcasts

  • Tue 2 Dec 2014 11:30
  • Sat 6 Dec 2014 15:30
  • Fri 8 Sep 2017 18:30
  • Sat 9 Sep 2017 00:30
  • Tue 15 Feb 2022 18:30
  • Wed 16 Feb 2022 00:30
  • Fri 16 Aug 2024 10:00
  • Fri 16 Aug 2024 16:00
  • Sat 17 Aug 2024 00:00

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Watch the animation - Professor Mary King describes how the song became a symbol of hope.

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