Ask (song)

"Ask"
Single by The Smiths
B-side	"Cemetry Gates" "Golden Lights"
Released	20 October 1986
Recorded	June 1986
Studio	Jam Studios in London, England
Genre	Alternative rock indie pop jangle pop
Length	3:18 (album version) 3:10 (The Very Best... version) 2:59 (single version)
Label	Rough Trade
Songwriter(s)	Morrissey Johnny Marr
Producer(s)	John Porter
The Smiths singles chronology
"Panic" (1986) "Ask" (1986) "Shoplifters of the World Unite" (1987)

"Ask" is a song recorded by the English rock band the Smiths. It was released as a single on 20 October 1986 through Rough Trade Records. Credited to vocalist Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr, "Ask" is an ostensibly upbeat, positive pop song built around major chords. Its lyrics discuss shyness and encourage listeners to overcome their inhibitions. Its multiple guitar parts and complex production led to disagreements regarding its final mix. Craig Gannon, who at the time was rhythm guitarist for the group, has claimed he wrote – and was denied credit for – the song's chord structure.

"Ask" continued the Smiths' top-20 streak in their native country, peaking at number 14 on the UK Singles Chart. It reached number nine on the Irish Singles Chart. Filmmaker Derek Jarman directed the song's music video. Like most of the Smiths' singles, it was not included on a studio album. It can be found on the compilations The World Won't Listen and Louder Than Bombs (both 1987) as well as the live album Rank (1988).