Suffer Little Children

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Suffer Little Children is a song by the British band The Smiths that was included on their eponymous debut album. The song is about the Moors murders that took place on the moors of Greater Manchester, England in the 1960s. Many of the victims were the same age as Morrissey at the time and he has since said that the murders left a deep impression on him that he never forgot. When the grandfather of one of the victims, John Kilbride, heard the song he became furious from what he felt was profiteering from the horrific murders and then sought legal action, but later stopped after talking to Morrissey and realizing the sincerity of the lyrics.

"Suffer Little Children" was only played once live, at The Smiths first gig at The Ritz. The original title of the song was 'Over the Moors'.

The song is a rather melodic, yet haunting piece. Notable lyrics are including:

"A woman says, 'I know my son is dead./I'll never rest my hands on his sacred head.'"

"Hindley waits, and Hindley says 'Oh where-ever he has gone, I have been.'."

"Oh, Manchester./ So much to answer for."

The title of the song is taken from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 19, verse 14, in which Jesus rebukes his disciples for turning away a group of children saying;

"Suffer little children, and forbid them not to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven."

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