I’m ashamed to admit that 3 years ago I hadn’t even heard of Steven Patrick Morrissey, or the Smiths either. However, once a friend introduced me to Morrissey’s music, I was hooked. I immediately acquired most of his discography as well as the live DVD “Who Put the ‘M’ in ‘Manchester’?” I listen to his music frequently, and (although it was difficult) I managed to identify my top ten favorites by Morrissey. I haven’t been able to rank them, however, so these are in no particular order.
One – “First of the Gang to Die” – This is a fun song for me despite its apparent theme of death. The music inspires me to dance, and the lines that begin “you have never been in love…” present what I consider to be the true theme of the song, and that is love. “He stole all hearts away” confirms this. Musically, I enjoy the vocal harmonies from the band on the chorus and some of the verses.
Two – “Every Day is Like Sunday” – A definite contender for my absolute favorite Morrissey song, this tale of loneliness, futility, and fatalistic surrender represents my feelings at the lowest points of my life. Those were the times when I, too, said “how I dearly wish I was not here,” and I welcomed the death and destruction of Armageddon if it would mean ending the pain. On the other hand, the song also has an uplifting effect similar to “First of the Gang.” I believe it stems from the steady and cyclical rhythms and chord progressions, which give a sense that eventually life will be more pleasant – that there is still hope.
Three – “Hairdresser On Fire” – What a great concept! I’m not sure if the hairdresser is meant to be male or female, but in any case he or she is “remarkably dressed” and very, very busy. In this song I hear the foolishness of trying to be “normal.” What is the use of it all? Do the busy scissors actually accomplish anything? The hair will need dressing all over again soon! The smoothly flowing melody and background, punctuated by a tambourine which evokes a sense of brash and outrageous youth culture, eases the sting of lines such as “can you tease me into an empty page of your diary?”
Four – “America Is Not The World” – I am American and I wish every American would listen to this song and consider its meaning. In general, our country’s belly is too big – most of us are on the feast side of the stark “feast vs. famine” contrast in the world today. We say we want to increase freedom and rights for other countries, yet the statement Morrissey makes — that our president is never black, female, or gay — currently is still true. I’m showing my political leanings when I say that I agree with Morrissey here. America as a whole needs to look at the rest of the world and listen to what it has to say, before sending troops to impose our own notions of what is right.
Five – “Shoplifters of the World Unite” – This is a great anthem for the disaffected of every time and place! I see it as an attack on excessive socioeconomic class distinctions, with the assumption that many people shoplift because they are so poor. Also, Morrissey points up the foolishness of fighting wars when people at home don’t have their needs met. The music supports “Shoplifters” as a theme song with strong downbeats, almost march-like, and an infectious rhythm with plenty of percussion.
Six – “I’m Not Sorry” – This is my other serious number-one contender. In this song Morrissey makes his stand for personal freedom and uniqueness even when it means rejection by others. However, he does include a plaintive plea for someone to understand him. The phrase “slipping below the water line,” along with the sonar sound effect, illustrates very well Morrissey’s sense of being cut off from the rest of the world. Yet he still does not regret his choices. I admire that very much. As a bonus, the song features a fantastic flute solo at the end!
Seven – “Let Me Kiss You” – Morrissey again expresses the pathos of being unwanted and unloved, a feeling I (like most people) have experienced many times. However, he chooses to continue being vulnerable: “my heart is open to you.” The trumpet solo adds a sad yet brave note.
Eight – “The World is Full of Crashing Bores” – The first time I heard this song I was simply astonished that anyone would dare to say, or rather sing, those statements publicly! I was brought up not to criticize police and similar authorities, because even though I might question their judgment, I depended on them for protection. Morrissey is not afraid to criticize anyone that, in his opinion, deserves criticism. In this song he covers both authority figures and celebrities, two groups that are often almost worshipped.
Nine – “Alma Matters” – This is an older song by Morrissey. It expresses the need for personal freedom as well as validation from others. I am reminded of the early Revolutionary flag which said “Don’t tread on me.” That would be an excellent slogan for Morrissey! The simplicity of the accompaniment in “Alma Matters” underscores, for me, the simplicity of the theme.
Ten – “I Like You” – the lead-in music sounds so serious compared to the rest of the song! As usual, the melody flows well in spite of a certain jerkiness of the words themselves. I like the tongue-in-cheek humor of “this is good or bad/ all depending on my general mood” and “It’s so shameful of me / I like you.” I have lived this song! “You’re not right in the head / and nor am I.” Sing it, Morrissey!
