Dum Sheet music / drum transcription / drum chart of There is a Light That Never Goes Out by The Smiths.
Difficulty (1-10): 1
Are you looking for the drum sheet music for “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” by The Smiths? You’ve come to the right place! In this article I share with you the complete and accurate transcription of the original groove, perfect for both intermediate and advanced drummers who want to nail Mike Joyce’s unmistakable style.
This song is one of the Manchester band’s most iconic anthems and, although it doesn’t have an extremely complex drum pattern, its subtle and emotional dynamics are essential to play it with the soul it deserves.
You can download the sheet music in .pdf format, for free, below in the post.
About the song: An immortal classic by The Smiths
Released in 1986 as part of the album The Queen Is Dead, “There Is a Light That Never Goes Out” is one of The Smiths’ most beloved songs, written by Morrissey and Johnny Marr. Its blend of melancholy, poetry and brilliant arrangements made it an icon of alternative music.
🎧 And the drums? A lesson in sensitivity
Although The Smiths were not a band that put drums at the forefront, Mike Joyce shines with a subtle, measured and elegant approach. On this particular track, the groove is constant, with tight hi-hat, snare on 2 and 4, and a kick drum that accompanies the harmonic progressions without saturating.
📌 Technical details of the groove
- Tempo: 124 BPM (aproximadamente)
- Measure: 4/4
- Style: Alt Rock / Brit Indie
- Técnica principal: Timekeeping with a tight hi-hat, snare accents.
🥁 What makes this drums special?
- Economy of resources: No unnecessary fills or variations. This forces to work on rhythmic precision and clean phrasing.
- Musical phrasing: The groove accompanies the emotional journey of the lyrics, with subtle transitions between verses, choruses and interludes.
- British Feeling: Sounds “light”, but with intent. Ideal for working on dynamics and volume control.
Drum Sheet Music – There Is a Light That Never Goes Out
Below is the complete transcription of the track. It is written in standard drum notation and faithfully reflects the original beat played on the recording.
IMPORTANT: This score was accurately transcribed by ear and reviewed in context, a gem to add to your repertoire!
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