As with several other of Morrissey’s writings, it’s often been said that “Hand In Glove” is an expression of homosexual unease, of being afraid or unable to come out. Clearly, the cover art is meant to tease this interpretation out of you, but the lyrics appeal to a more general teenage melancholy: “No it’s like any other love/This one’s different, because it’s us.”
This single also began the band’s custom of putting out absolutely stonking B-sides. This live version of “Handsome Devil”, from a performance at the legendary Haçienda, begins with Morrissey proclaiming: "I repeat. The only thing to be in 1983 is handsome.”
Contrasting with the A-side, this a ridiculously overt stream of sexual intent, driven majestically by Johnny Marr's sleazy opening riff. The song is so intricately written that we’re not sure whether this pairing is gay, straight, teacher-and-student, husband-and-wife or, as Morrissey once suggested, maybe the song is just about the need for education. Anyway, it’s rather good fun, and how can you not sing along to words like “Oh, let me get my hands/On your mammary glands”?
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