The Headmaster Ritual

"The Headmaster Ritual"
Cover of the Dutch single release
Song by The Smiths
from the album Meat Is Murder
Released	February 1985
Genre	Indie rock alternative rock
Length	4:52
Label	Rough Trade
Songwriter(s)	Morrissey Johnny Marr
Producer(s)	The Smiths
The Smiths singles chronology
"How Soon Is Now?" (1985) "The Headmaster Ritual" (1985) "The Boy with the Thorn in His Side" (1985)

"The Headmaster Ritual" is a song by English band the Smiths that appeared as the first song on their second studio album, Meat Is Murder (1985). It was released as a single in the Netherlands. The music was written by Johnny Marr and the lyrics by Morrissey.

Written as a critique of British education and corporal punishment, "The Headmaster Ritual" features a jangling guitar line with inspirations as diverse as the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, and MC5. The song attracted attention and controversy in the UK for its lyrics. The song has drawn critical acclaim for Morrissey's vocals and lyricism as well as for Marr's guitar.