Shoplifters of the World Unite - 2011 Remaster

The title alludes to the communist slogan "workers of the world, unite!" Morrissey has explained the meaning of the song as follows: "It's more or less spiritual shoplifting, cultural shoplifting, taking things and using them to your own advantage."

Morrissey has said that this is his favorite Smiths song. He sang it in his 1995, 1997, 1999/2000, 2004 and his 2007 concerts.

In 1997, Morrissey told KROQ that this song was penned during what he believes to be The Smiths' finest period: "Very, very witty single and a great moment for The Smiths in England. I think it was probably the best days of our career. It was just a very funny time and a time of very sparky rebellion, and this song, more than any, I think, exemplifies that. I like it."