Morrissey – I'm OK By Myself

Song MeaningThis song is about Morrissey's rejection of Christianity and organized religion in general - he's sending a message that you don't need religion to be a good, moral, loving person.

The lyrics could really apply to anyone who isn't part of the in-group and is OK with it, but I think a few choice words make it pretty clear he's having a go at the church:

"And I don't need you
or your morality to save me
No, no, no, no, no" - Claiming a knowledge of superior morality is an old chestnut of the church, as is the concept of being saved by adherence to a particular "moral standard" or set of rules.

"I find I'm OK by myself
And I don't need you
or your benevolence to make sense" - The concept of 'Benevolence' is very commonly associated with religion. It seems like it would be an odd word choice if one didn't want to impart a religious context to the song.

"After all these years I find I'm OK by myself
And I don't need you
Or your homespun philosophy" - Again, probably a dig at some of the church's ambiguous, poorly constructed, or otherwise lackluster philosophical arguments.

"This might make you throw up in your bed:
I'm OK by myself!" - Maybe a reference to Linda Blair? In any case, many people who claim strong religious affiliation find the concept of an Atheist or non-believer completely distasteful, and reactions of disgust or hatred are not uncommon.


I think given that Moz has other songs that bang on religion (I have forgiven Jesus) I think it's fairly likely that this is one as well.

• No Replies Log in to reply
  
    There was an error.

General CommentHmm. A bit sad really. The narrator doesn't seem to hold much faith in anyone trying to love him. Anyone who has in the past has only caused him pain and so he's suspicious of anyone who tries to now. He's been on his own for years now, why should things change? He's ok by himself

• 2 Replies Log in to reply
  
    There was an error.
  0

  Perhaps this song is about God, he’s saying he doesn’t need salvation and is OK without it?

  Flag Maggsyon March 14, 2009  

  -1

  I don't think it's about God. It's about what Mr Soul said.

  Flag ballendaion August 01, 2011  

General Commentgreat song, i can really relate. sounds to me you can only be wronged by others so many times before you shut yourself off from humanity; least for a little while, then our primal needs force us back in.
with me, its a never ending cycle

• No Replies Log in to reply
  
    There was an error.

General CommentMister Soul is f u n n y!!! But not as much as he is, sooo DEEP.. Otherwise, a classic song!!!!

• No Replies Log in to reply
  
    There was an error.

General CommentThis reminds me of my closest friend. His situation is not as dramatic, he just really doesn't need anyone to entertain him or long for the company of others. Of course, were no one to inquire about his well being, he'd probably get lonely and become pathetically needy.

It seems Morrissey on the other hand ACTUALLY doesn't need anyone in his life. He's lasted this long as a social recluse, what's another twenty odd years alone?

• No Replies Log in to reply
  
    There was an error.

General CommentIn my opinion Morrissey's words are someone else's words directed to Morrissey. Imagination or reality, it won't ever be clear to us.

• No Replies Log in to reply
  
    There was an error.

My InterpretationI think most listeners here are wrong; the straightforward structure hides the more subtle elements.

I don't think he really is OK by himself. Why does he say he is OK? Because he doesn't trust anyone; no one can get close without him thinking that they mean harm. He takes it over the top with the weapons imagery; will a potential close friend really want to kill him?

He is absolutely adamant when denying the help of others ("No, no, no, no, no"). He could just simply say, "No, thank you," but he practically lashes out at those who try to help. In fact, he degrades the help's argument until he believes it is moot:

At first the help is "morality," ("being by myself might not be healthy, but I don't care"); he admits that the help has some value. Then it is "benevolence" ("I know you are trying to be a good person, but I don't care"). Then "home-spun philosophy" ("you're just making this up, aren't you?); this here is an insult as he tells himself that companionship is just a fabricated ideal. "This might make you throw up" is when he actually admits that his life choice is to a certain degree grotesque; I know many can figure that last part out, but why does he admit this? He dismisses the idea of companionship by debasing the arguments against him, and this last part is probably him coming to terms with his decision. Finally managing to convince himself that he is OK (and he has to convince himself), he admits that his decision is not only different and strange, but awful enough to induce vomiting.

• No Replies Log in to reply
  
    There was an error.

General CommentFrom "That's How People Grow Up":

"As for me, I'm OK
For now, anyway."

He is only OK for now. In both these songs he says being alone is OK, but in the end it really isn't. "That's How People..." is entirely sarcastic (maybe except for the death-bed part), and a closer look at this song shows that he really doesn't believe what he says.

• No Replies Log in to reply
  
    There was an error.

General CommentI don't think he's saying a close potential friends is trying to kill him, I think that he is just saying that generally people aren't interested in him in a sexual way. Other than that, I don't see this as sarcasm, even though it may be him trying to be ok by himself when he really isn't. Love this song, I never understand why this album didn't do too well.
(Yes. I realise how awkward my username is, didn't think it through...)

• No Replies Log in to reply
  
    There was an error.