I think this song goes some way to answering Paint A Vulgar picture too - where he bemoans labels re-releasing albums and cashing in on merchandise etc. I don't know how many times I've seen people writing reviews on Amazon quote from that song questioning his integrity and here he's saying 'look, you knew I couldn't keep it up' in the end he wants to maintain the standard of living he's grown accustomed to, even if that means selling some of his more youthful ideals. Also, initially The Smiths were very anti-music video (promos) but since going solo he's made quite a lot of them. The -ist and -ism relates (amongst other things) to accusations of racism in the UK music press. Great song from a remarkably uncompromised artist, despite what he says in this song.
I think this song goes some way to answering Paint A Vulgar picture too - where he bemoans labels re-releasing albums and cashing in on merchandise etc. I don't know how many times I've seen people writing reviews on Amazon quote from that song questioning his integrity and here he's saying 'look, you knew I couldn't keep it up' in the end he wants to maintain the standard of living he's grown accustomed to, even if that means selling some of his more youthful ideals. Also, initially The Smiths were very anti-music video (promos) but since going solo he's made quite a lot of them. The -ist and -ism relates (amongst other things) to accusations of racism in the UK music press. Great song from a remarkably uncompromised artist, despite what he says in this song.