"Barbarism Begins at Home" was co-written by lead vocalist Morrissey and guitarist Johnny Marr at the band's rehearsal room in Manchester. When first introduced by the band, the song was titled "Fascism Begins at Home." Lyrically, the song was an ardent criticism of corporal punishment and child abuse. Morrissey commented in a Melody Maker interview in March 1985, "From the time you get hit when you're a child, violence is the only answer. Conversation is pointless."
