| Morrissey – Piccadilly Palare Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
I thought that this time around, I would analyse a song from Morrissey’s solo career, rather than a "Smiths" Song, due to the fact that many of the people I know seem oblivious to it (regardless of it’s overwhelming fame and success). "Piccadilly Palare" is a song that I’ve known for years but have only just begun to appreiciate it’s lyrically passionate and typically "Morrissien" beauty. Before I begin, it would help if I gave a breif summery about the song’s theme. The Song is based on the life of rentboys (Male prostitutes) in the 60’s, A life both feared and envied from Morrissey’s Point of View, But more about that later. The phrase "Off the rails" is used to describe someone who has stopped obeying the general rules of a society, whether these rules are what parents place before their children, or that the government place on the public. This shows that the protaganist of the story is no longer bound by such rules. The next line shows that the protaganist is also happy with his position of being unruly and wild, "and off the rails, I was happy to stay" which brings Morrissey’s opinion of ABSOULUTE freedom from society to hand. That being "Off the rails" is not neccessarily a bad thing. "GET OUT OF MY WAY" can be easily defined as being another trait of our outlandish protaganist’s opinion. The protaganist is described as being "On the rack" (On the game?) showing that he is up for prositutuion. "Easy meat and a reasonably good buy" is a comical way of expressing his availability as a prositute once more "Easy meat" (Suggests body or cock) "Good buy" (implies that he neds to be purchased) In order to understand the chorus of the song, you need to understand what "Palare" actually is. "Parlare" was a slang language used mainly by homosexuals in the 60’s. Naming it the "Piccadilly Palare" links the set place of the song in with the subject (because London was the main area in which rentboys recieved "buissness" and is therefore where the song is set) "The Piccadilly palare was just silly slang" introduces the concept of this slang language through the eyes of our protaganist, therefore to the listener. Describing it as "Silly slang" shows that our protaganist is very light-hearted about the subject, which again shows his confidence in his job and lifestyle. "Between me and the boys in my gang" is a clear representation of our protaganist’s position as a rentboy. The fact that this exclusivly gay language is shared "between" him and the "boys in my (his) gang, shows that he is part of a click of other gay rentboys in the form of a gang. (Which was custom to ensure their saftey) This is where it gets slightly complicated. The next verse is spoken in "Palare" so I’ve set up a translation key... bona - good drag - clothes vada - see, look at eek - face riah - hair When translated, this verse spells out... "So Good to Look at. OH YOU Your lovely Face and Your lovely Hair" This shows typical flirting that is traversed between the protaganist and "The boys in his gang" The "OH YOU" is a stereotypical phrase used by gay men, if you didn’t already know. This verse introduces the main idea of Palare (gay slang) which again portrays to the listener that the characters are indeed gay rentboys. The "Ancient trade" that the boys in the gang "plied" to eachother suggests that they have completely abandoned all rules of normal society "Where we threw all life’s instructions away". The "exchanging" of "lies and digs" suggest that they have subjected themselves to a life of boarder-line criminality and corruption (if yet a little fufilling) "my way". "Trade" is also gay slang for sex (or the act of sex). The song now tweaks itself in a little more negative direction about the life of a rentboy. " Cause in a belted coat Oh, I secretly knew That I hadn’t a clue" The "belted coat" simply represents the kind of bondage outfit that might be suited to some of our protaganists clients. The way our protaganist "secretly knew that he hadn’t a clue" shows his uncertainty and perhaps fear in his current lifestlye, amongst all the corrupted glories it holds. The whisper of (No, no. No, no, no. You can’t get there that way. Follow me...) represents the quiet voice of society yeilding them to get back on the rails and in tune with a proper lifestyle. This is returned by the main chorus kicking in and kicking out the comment made by the laws of society The description that the protaganist gives about how he and the boys in his gang "exchange Palare" show (to an extent) just how much he adores his gang members and the "Off rails" lifestyle he leads. He says that the "Good sons" (those bound by the laws of society) dont understand the special bond that this corrupted, yet enthralling lifestlye brings him. "You wouldnt understand, Good sons like you never do". This could also be interpreted as a childish dig at those more fortunate than himself for being part of the society that keeps them safe and well looked after. This could be a desperate plea for help from our protaganist. For a final time, the song takes a hairpin swerve to the negative side of our protaganists lifestyle/prediciment by asking "Why he smiles when he thinks about Earls court?" Earls court is a famous landmark in central London, and is therefore relevent to our protaganists life. Society asks "Why he smiles" for the warped and distorted lifestyle he has led so far. He is also quseton "why he cries about the battles he fought and lost" implieing that he has never won any personal gains in his so-called "happily Off the rails" lifestyle. So why is it so great we ask? This is a spiteful attack at the conscience of our protaganist which makes him think and become fully aware that "It could all end tomorrow" Implieing that he could become warn out and useless as a prostitute and be left for dead (or perhaps involving rape or STI’s). He also questions that "it could go on forever" which implies that he would ware away his life, counting for nothing until the day he dies. It is understood that either way he is "doomed" to a shameful end. This emphisises that what our protaganist takes for granted, won’t neccessarily count for anything or even last in years to come. The final mockery made to our protaganist is the repition made quitely above the music, "Bona Drag" or "Good Clothes" as we now know it. (Bona Drag is also the name of the album in which this song is present). It seems to mock and sum up his lifestyle and bring it to a close within only 2 simplistic words, ironically said in Palare. What begins as an upbeat song about the joys of a life "Off rails" and free of society turns into a condemnent of our rentboy protaganist. This song shows both the joys and horrors of a life "Off the rails" and corrupted which also represent Morrissey’s admirations and fears about the 60’s rentboy lifestyle. It shows that corruption does not neccessarrily mean bad or wrong, yet it should be approached with caution. It also represents again, a very popular theme in terms of Morrissey’s work which is Instinct vs logic (freedom vs society) and this songs sings about both sides remarkably. A highly sexual and elaborate begining to a near perfect album. |
|
| The Smiths – I Want the One I Can't Have Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
This is a song that contains some of my favourite lyrics written by Morrissey. "I Want The I Can’t Have" is (in my opinion) a severly unappreciated and under-rated song because of it’s placing between the wild "Rusholme Ruffians" and the also lyrically demanding "What She Said" on the album "Meat Is Murder". The "Mentality-Biology" couplet refers to the protaginists mind (mentality) being compared to his body (biology). His mind is suffering these attractions to this "One he can’t have" However, his pyshical state (being male) suggests that he should be attracted to those of the opposite sex. The "Catching up" that his mentality has to make to his biology is proving that he longs for his mind to work in the way his body SHOULD work. This could also be interpreted as our protaginist being denied a man who he believes to be gay, but in the closet. "On the days that your mentality, decides to try to catch up with your biology, come round" Our protaganist believes that homosexuality is a biological state as well as a mental one. The lines "I want the one I can’t have" are rather self explanatory, yet I believe, incredibly effective. This implies that the "One" is indeed straight and this causes our protaganist a great amount of grief. "And its driving me mad". The fact that its "written all over my (his) face" portrays that he is finding it hard to hide his affections for the "One". The repition of the "all over" implies that its intensity is gaining in time. The "Double bed" represents sex and the ability to display his affection. If something/someone is "Stalwart" then he/she/it is Loyal, dependable and sturdy. The reference of a "Stalwart lover" therefore is suggesting a near-perfect companion in which to lay with in the "double bed". These terms are described as "the riches of the poor" which implies that it is something that money cannot buy. The verse which talks of "A tough kid" is a description of the "One" through the eyes of our protaganist. This is a verse in which Morrissey’s influences and taste in men becomes evident. The description of a "Tough kid who sometimes swallowed nails" is a reference to director Howard Sachler’s description of James Dean as a "tough kid who sometimes sleeps on nails". The change of words from "sleeps" to "swallows" seems to be a reference to oral sex. Describing the "One" as a "tough kid" suggests that he is a loveable ruffian, (much to both Morrissy’s and our protaganist’s taste). "Raised on prisoner’s aids" is yet another "Tough kid" trait to which the "One" is custom to. The fact that the "One" supposedly "Killed a policeman when he was 13" suggests that he may be dangerous, which is immiedatly followed up by "and somehow that really impressed me". This shows that our protaganist is sexually aroused by thuggish and brutish acts in "somehow (somekind)" of way. Therefore the love he holds for the "One" appears to be an entirely primal and instinctual love/lust. "And if you ever need self validation, then meet me in the alley by the railway station". This final statement seems to be a plea to the "One" urging him to come out of the closet and find himself. This can be interpreted in different ways. This plea could be a sound piece of advise that our protaganist is giving to the "One" in order for them to comence their gay relestionship. Or it could be our protaganist fruitlessly clinging onto the hopes of his clearly straight wannabe lover being his way inclined. The use of an "alley by the railway station" represents 2 things. Firstly, it represents the taste of both our protaganist and the "One" because of our protaganists love of dirty, badboy ruffians and probably the "One’s" favourite haunt of the streets, (his backyard/scene). It can also represent the dirty and corrupt road that is homosexuality because it goes against society’s perception of "natural" (Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve). |
|
| The Smiths – Back to the Old House Lyrics | 15 years ago |
| ive been to the house of the boy i once loved, and il never go back again. its a shame but i dream about him from time to time. but il never go back to the old house | |
| The Smiths – I Won't Share You Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
To love and refuse to share someone who isnt yours. you only wont share them because you cant share someone that doesnt belong to you. thats what it means to me, and what ive learnt, to learn to deal with that and be happy with your friendship |
|
| Morrissey – You're The One For Me, Fatty Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
I do love him so. and im drunk again! woop You're the one for me, Matty |
|
| The Smiths – Reel Around the Fountain Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
*AHEM* I thought that another Smiths song was in order. I believe it is about time I did this song because it is one of my most favourite songs ever written due to it’s whimsical tune and lyrics crammed full of romantic and homo-erotic imagery. I doubt I will ever be able to do the song justice just by writing about it. Please feel free to "Youtube" the song and find out for yourself. The first verse has always been subject to much negetive publicity due to the believe that it portrays child abuse. These accusations were proven false and dismissed as the music industry’s typical ability to stupidly miss read lyrics that are beyond them. The verse, "It’s time the tale were told, Of how you took a child, And you made him old" is actually refering to the concept of a life long relationship between two people, (Our protaganist and his wannabe lover). To go from childhood through to adulthood with someone you love is an idealistic fantasy for Morrissey, myself and I’m sure, many other people. (including yourself?). The "Child" represents the innocence of virginity and how this can be "Made old". This shows one of the themes of the song, which is early sexual feelings/experiences. This stereotypical portrayal of romantic imagery is a consistant theme throughout the song. This shows some of Morrissey’s earliest work and ideas. Due to it being the first song on their debut album. (although not the first song they released). Right, brace yourselves! The term "Reel around the fountain" is a term that was originally used by homosexuals. To "Reel around the fountain" is when you run your toungue around the tip of someone’s penis until they ejaculate. This very particular, homo-erotic imagery is very well placed as the songs title, as it puts a whole new angle on the song being about innocence and first sexual encounters. (which it still is). It places the theme of homosexuality right at the core of the songs meaning in a typically Morrisean way. (shocking, brash, yet subtle and elegant.) I am unable to derive any other meaning from the lines "Reel around the fountain" but I am sure I’ve hit the nail on the head. "Slap me on the patio" shows that our protaganist may have been rejected by the one he claims to love. The fact that the gesture of rejection (the slap) occured on the patio indicates that our protaganist was never inside/with the person he loved, but just on the boarders/outskirts. To be so close and apparently so far. The point remains that he is just outside of what he truely wants. Therefore this line carries certain sexual inuendos (to never be inside the one he loves). This line could also relate to aggresive love, which is something that seems to tickle Morrissey’s and our protaganists intrest. (read my other blogs for more info on Morrissey’s taste in men:) "I’ll take it now" also carries sexual connotations of being able to "take" whatever the wannabe lover can offer. Along with the previous line, this could mean that our protaganist would be happy with any physical contact with his wannabe lover. Our protaganist is again desparate for his attention and contact. "Fifteen minutes with you, Well, I wouldn’t say no" is beautifil imagery concerning our protaganists devout love and obsession for his wannabe lover. The fact that our protaganist would do anything for such a short space of time with the one he loves is another example of Morrissey’s wit of words. But few lines in this song are left without a sexual connotation of some sort. The "15 minutes" represent the average alotted time in which to have sex/make love. This is well recieved as our protaganist answers that he "wouldnt say no" to a passionate, but brief spell of sexual pleasure. "Oh, people said that you were virtually dead, And they were so wrong.". This line suggests that "the people" (representing some sort of obscure, obselete authority) are advising him that he is dead to our protaganist, meaning that he is beyond reach, non compatible, regardless of his feelings. (he could be straight or older). It could also show that our protaganists quarry is an older, more expeirienced man "virtually dead". "Oh, people said that you were easily led, And they were half-right". This line suggests a certain flirtatious tone from our protaganist. Our protaganist suggests that his quarry is easily lead, which may not and probably isnt all together true. This ambiguity comes from the "half right" part of the line. This shows that (in the eyes of our protaganist) that his quarry is slightly easy and yet hard to get. "Oh, people see no worth in you, I do." This to me, is a little easier to read than the previous "people’s" views. They see no worth in the protaganist’s wannabe lover, showing that they may not approve of him. (Badboy reference, Morrissey’s, the protaganist’s taste in lads, read my other blogs for more detail). He may be slightly off the rails but is nevertheless lovable in our protaganists eyes. These lines are repeated twice throughout the song unlike the previous two. It is my belief that this is because it sums up the other two "People’s" views and is more important to our protaganist. It is repeated at the end with a stunning and passionate vocal performance by Morrissey. This to me, sums up the song. The next verse includes my most favourite, meaningful, passionate and practically orgasmic lyrics I have ever heard and ever will. And that is saying alot. "I dreamt about you last night, and i fell out of bed twice" is a quote from the play/film adaptation of "A taste of honey" by Shealgh Delaney. A story about a working class, masculine girl called Jo, her dreadful mother and a homosexual art student in 1950’s Manchester. A book that caught Morrissey’s eye and is a huge influence on his work (im lucky enough to have read it). It is taken from Act 1 scene 2 when Jo and her black sailor boyfriend are talking about eachother, to eachother: Boy: Good night. Jo: Dream of me. Boy: I dreamt about you last night. Fell out of bed twice. Jo: You’re in a bad way. Boy: You bet I am. By seeing you! Jo: [as she goes] I love you. Boy: Why? Jo: Because you’re daft. This line also implies that the wannabe lover is forever on our protaganists mind. His sleep may be restless due to the dreams of his wannabe lover. To fall out of bed twice suggests quite active and passionate dreams, again, connotations of masturbation/wet dreams or simply erotic dreams perhaps. "You can pin and mount me like a butterfly" can be inturpreted in several different ways. To pin and mount a butterfly is when people catch them and put them on display like a trophy. This implies that our protaganist is declaring himself as a prize and delecate trophy to his wannabe lover. Pinning and mounting butterflies is also a childhood hobbie for children back in early Britain. This suggests the theme of innocence still shows through all the sex, love and vulgarity that has been displayed in the song so far. My personel favourite inerpretation is that to be mounted is the obvious act of love and sex. To show that our protaganist would prefer to mounted again expresses the theme of homosexuality in the song. To be mounted like a butterfly suggests that when they would make love, it would be gentle, with care and delecacy. This shows our protaganist as the feminate and delecate homosexual he really is. The fact that he would be the one mounted (in sync with "I’ll take it now") also reinforces this. "But take me to the haven of your bed, was something that you never said" This line holds a significant messege in the song and melts my heart with empathy and sympathy when ever I hear it. Our protaganist describes the bed of his wannabe lover as a "haven" suggesting that there is no other place that he’s rather be (or rather spend 15 minutes). This shows again his absolute passionate love and eternal affection for his wannabe lover. The bed signifies everything our protaganist would ever dream of (and has dreamed of), a place of pure sexual and emotional gratification and satisfaction. This line of joyous passion is however followed by "....was something that you never said" portraying that his wannabe lover is indeed "virtually dead" (to him). He has never and will never feel the love and affection that he so dearly longs for in the deepest recesses of his heart. This implies that the quarry of our protaganist is not his way inclined. eg. straight. He must suffer the agonising feeling of loss for something he never and will never have. And so is the life of our protaganist and Morrissey himself. "Two lumps please" is used to bring the tone of formal friendship to the song. Suggesting that the wannabe lover of our protaganist only knows the protaganist as a friend, and is unaware of his feelings. However, this line also carries a sexual connotation of "Two lumps" indicating testecles. I may sound like i’m reading into too far but its a simple analysis. Trust me. "You’re the bees knees, but so am I". This line could be told from either the protaganist’s or the wannabe lover’s point of view. From the protaganist point of view, the compliment of "the bees knees" could symbolise the generic compliment used alot in the 60’s, because he cannot describe his feelings any other way without givinig his true feelings away and exposing himself. Our protaganist then swallows his words and says "but so am I". This display of arrogance, I believe, shows that he is standing his ground as to not expose himself. (it also portrays Morrissey’s character within the protaganist). From the point of view of the wannabe lover the compliment of "the bees knees" could indeed be a generic and friendly compliment to show that they are friends. (and nothing more). The additional comment of "but so am I" shows that he is out of reach from our protaganist. Basically when translated he states that " yeah you’re a nice guy, but im out of your league/we are not compatible". (showing that he is far more expeireanced or straight) This ends their conversation with a sickening finality that there would never be anything between them. The change from "Reel around the fountain" to "Meet me at the fountain" shows that after the conversation, he is more aware of the finality of his situation. The sexual connotation is removed and replaced with a formal gesture of meeting, regardless of how much pain our protaganist is in now knowing this. The change from "slap" to "shove" on the patio shows that the wannabe lover has made his intentions clear and is being more forceful (even violent perhaps?) The fact that he will "Take it slowly" shows that it will be a long time before the pain for the loss of the one he never had will heal. Our protaganist is finally aware where he stands in the situatuon and is both heartbroken but put out of his misery. The song ends with our protaganist saying that although the "Others" may see no worth in him, he will and always will eternally. I will not lie or exaggerate (I curse the fact that this statement is incredibly "Emo"), but this song means so much to me as I have grown up. This song has had me break down in hestarical tears both when alone and in public. And I am not ashamed of that. Although I knew all the words from the age of 12, I learnt their meaning along the way. I will remain eternally grateful for the lyrics that have help me through the struggles of the "teen scene" which is cruel to everyone from time to time. This song and it’s lyrics will live with me till the day I die. It remains one of the best songs ever written. A song which depicts the first experiences of love, sex, instinct and passion of anyone who has ever felt sexually confused and lost. A remarkably perfect song to the best album in the world :) |
|
| The Smiths – Handsome Devil Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
*AHEM* The song "Handsome Devil" is one that has recently caught my fancy after years of casual listening. Due to "The Smiths" voluntary disassociation with the music industry, "Handsome Devil" was never graced with a studio recording; which is a shame because of the song's rebellious guitar performance by Johnny Marr and the ferocity in which Morrissey sings the lyrics. However, the sketchy edge gives the song a suitable tone due to it's controversial themes and connotations. "Handsome devil has always sparked controversy in the music industry due to the song giving apparent allusions to statutory rape of boys, (partially due to the themes of the song portraying sex in school/college, teachers, student etc.) As inclined as I am to dismiss this, I do not blame them for making the allegations. Personally, I believe that the song portrays more about instinctual sex rather than child abuse. I'll back up this statement later in the analysis. The first verse describes the world through the perception of what I think is a sex crazed, rather perverted man/woman. "All the streets are crammed with things, eager to be held". This line implies that the man/woman isn't referring to a single person. (which is usually the case with other sexually orientated "Smiths" songs) . It seems to portray that all over the place ("All the streets"), there are potentially sexual opportunities and that they appear to be in abundance ("crammed"). The connotation on the word "things" implies sexual body parts/typically attractive areas of the body i.e. penis, breasts, arse. This line followed up by "Eager to be held" depicts a perverted, sex crazed person wondering the streets, looking for people to grope and eye-up. The character; man or woman states that "I know what hands are for, and I'd like to help myself" This implies that the character assumes that everybody/everything is up for grabs and available, which is often not the case. This line implicates quite serious connotations of rape/molestation in my opinion. The character "knows what hands are for" and so is willing to use them to grope the so called "eager" "things". The character states that he/she would "like to help myself", to me this suggests a lack of consent from the other person. "You ask me the time, but I sense something more" This quote takes a formal statement "you ask me the time" that the character takes as a sexual advance, "but I sense something more" This shows the character's obsession with sex and lust. This character seems to take every social interaction and formulate a sexual plan. "And I would like to give you what I think your asking for". This line involves the characters slight delusion of their quarry's intention. They believe that the person they appear to be harassing is asking for sex. The title of the song "Handsome devil" symbolises the pure, sexual, instinctual and flirtatious tone of the song. This point will be elaborated on later in the analysis. This whole verse revolves around the characters obsession and pure lust for anybody to shag. The gender of the character remains ambiguous. "Let me get my hands, on your mammary glands". This statement somewhat removes a little of the gender ambiguity involving the character. "Mammary glands" are breasts which implies that the character is male and is after a girl. However, This statement could be coming from the other person involved in the sexual acts i.e. the woman/girl. This statement is filled with lust, partially due to the way it is sang by Morrissey. It can not be denied that males also have mammary glands, yet they do not function. This line clearly suggests groping of the breasts/chest of another. "And let me get your head on the conjugal bed". "Conjugal" means marital which to me symbols unity and togetherness, much like the act of sex itself. I have found several meanings/interpretations for the use of the word "head" in the currant context. The head could be referring to the literal head of the person, however, this suggests stereotypical sex/love so I believe that this isn't the case. Another interpretation of the "head" is the end of the penis which is a more sexual and crude to suit the song (also a reference to oral sex i.e. giving head). Another, more interesting interpretation involves the maiden's "head" which is a reference to virginity, symbolising the innocence of our character's quarry, and how it is about to be tainted/corrupted at the "Conjugal bed". The quote "Conjugal bed" does seem slightly contradictory to its meaning due to the act of viscous, instinctual sex (borderline rape) involved on the marital bed. This shows the corruption of traditional love/sex/romance. It has also come to my attention (credit to Deanne) that a "Conjugal Visit" is an act where you visit a prison inmate to have sex with them. This could reinforce that the acts of sexual pleasure may barely be legal, or at least that they are certainly frowned upon. It shows that the sex they partake in is immoral, or seen as such. "I crack the whip, and you skip". Yet again, another line that arouses gender ambiguity. I believe that this line practically contradicts the previous lines of "Let me get my hands, on your mammary glands". This is where I believe that both the sexually corrupted victim and victimiser are speaking. "Let me get my hands, on your mammary glands" suggests an ignorant and childish approach to sex/sexual experiences, thus indicating that the naive young man/boy (who is unknowingly being taken advantage of) is talking about his experience with an older, more mature woman (by experience or age?). "I crack the whip, and you skip" suggests the sex crazed, experienced and powerful woman using her knowledge of the adult world to awe and dominate the naive and inexperienced youngster. Both these quotes show that the young man/boy is being unknowingly manipulated for the sexual pleasure of this older woman (possibly man? mammary glands are not definitive). The young man/boy thinks he is in control and has dominance, yet we know that he is being exploited for sexual pleasure and gratification. Along with this, the theme of violent sex is recurrent throughout, with this reference to bondage. "...But you deserve it, you deserve it, deserve it, deserve it." This quote, I assume, is from the perspective of the more experience/older individual. The tone of the statement is very derogatory as to imply the power that the dominant participant has over the young man/boy. The repetition seems almost taunting and teasing to the naive participant, who believes he is in control. The more experienced/older person knows this and is making fun of him as they perform their sexual acts at the "Conjugal bed". This idea of power and dominance from the more experienced/older person, links to the theme of sex in school or college. This plays off the idea that the teacher is in control and is ordering her 'Student' around the "Conjugal bed" This type of role-play is a direct link to the context of the song. "A boy in the bush, is worth two in the hands". This line carries many metaphorical meanings and innuendos. To begin with, using the term "boy" gives the statement a derogatory tone because the dominant person refers to their underling as a boy, not a man, which undermines him in terms of sexual experience. The "bush" refers to a woman's vagina (most probably our dominant woman's vagina). This "boy in the bush" line is clearly giving the image of the two people having penetrative or oral sex together. "A boy in the bush, is worth two in the hands". So this line states that penetrative and oral sex is worth "Two in the hands". This can mean many things, and this is my take on it. The "Two" could be referring to the breasts of the woman, or it could mean just general 'touching up' of the person in question. This line could also portray that she/he believes that the sex and lust, ("boy in the bush") is more important than being together ("Two in the hands") This line therefore is on the same wavelength with the songs intention due to it being a story about instinctual lust rather than romantic love. "I think I can help you get through your exams". This line is the definitive reason that the allegation of statutory boy rape was made. This implies that the boy in question is still in education and in school. Although, using the word "exams" shows that he is probably in higher education, and is just barely legal. This reinforces the lusty and instinctual feelings portrayed by the sex crazed character and how they are bordering the boundaries of societies perception of what is morally correct. "And when your in your scholarly room, who will swallow whom?" A "scholarly room" is a room full of books, e.g. a study room or library. This line again reinforces the idea of the 'relationship' or incident occurring in school or collage. This line plays vividly off the idea of oral sex "swallow whom?" This line portrays the clear role-reversal that has happened between the two people, The dominating, sex crazed experienced (most likely woman)and the naive, mainly innocent young student. Due to the woman being in power, she has control over his actions, so she contemplates "Who will swallow whom?" to go against the traditional sense of the girls performing oral sex on the boy. She is essentially, (forgive the expression) making him her bitch. "There's more to life than books, you know, But not much more, Not much more". This line, to me, seems to be very mocking to the young boy who has just been unknowingly used (abused?). It's the end, she's done and used her victim for mindless sex and is through with him. She tells him that the world of sex is there, ("There's more to life than books you know") but its overrated. ("But not much more") The time they shared fucking each other was without emotional closeness and so she used him as a sex toy and now he's paying for it. Yet again, another line that reinforces the theme of forbidden sex in school, with the talk of books. Being an avid Morrissey fan, I happen to know quite a bit about his past, and I am aware that he found solace in his teen years of celibacy and manic depression by reading dogmatically. He was always aware (and cripplingly jealous) of the world of sex and love, but always held it in poor regards in terms of his personal experiences. This song has become one of my favourite "The Smiths" songs due to its scandalously shady themes and risky context in which it is told. The vocals are filled with all the meanings and metaphors that the lyrics provide. A less traditional, yet flawlessly fantastic song of lust, sexual encounters and the corruption of innocence. |
|
| Morrissey – My Love Life Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
To be in love with someone who is taken. To love someone who loves another, yeah. The way in which he sings it sounds desprete. We all know that its not pracital just begging someone to "Do something new". You cant change the way people feel about eachother. And if Morrissey is as gay as i think he is then its probs about a straight lad who cant/wont love him back. As most Moz enthusiasts, i relate it alot to my own situation, that being the case, i bloody love this song, never fails to make me cry. xxx |
|
| The Smiths – Paint a Vulgar Picture Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
Just the way he portrayes the corruption of the superstar buissness, its fantastic. I cant help but thinking of James dean in this song. If the boy who was "Faceless, fawning and boring" was Morrissey at the begining of his Career. Because james dean is certainly a "dead star". And we all know Moz had more than a little thing for him. I spose Morrissey didnt want his memory of Jimmy dean tainted by the whoring out of the media. |
|
| The Smiths – Handsome Devil Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
If you want a full run down of this song and its meanings and connotations then u should go to my myspace. Its sick. I love the ambiguity of gender made in this song. sicksicksick |
|
| Morrissey – You're The One For Me, Fatty Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
Haha, oh dear. Im going to sound so stupid compared to you lot. I love this song cuz im in love with a chubby lad. He's never had a gay admirer before and i told him a few nights ago whilst pissed on the phone. HE ALREADY KNEW! Haha, not so sly lol. Bt yeah i just love this song to peices cuz of my taste in guys XD |
|
| The Smiths – I Want the One I Can't Have Lyrics | 15 years ago |
| Haha, i fell for "A tough kid" for 4 years. It wasnt very plesant, and even tho this song isnt particulary instrumentally miserable, i never fail to burst into tears | |
| The Smiths – Well I Wonder Lyrics | 15 years ago |
|
Haha well... I've been unfortunate in my 'Not too many years' to have fallen in love with two straight lads, for me, this song just sings what I cannot. I was even unlucky enough to "see him whilst we passed" on the street, and my reception wasnt warm and i broke down or "half died". I also found myself wondering whether he had forgotton about me in the time we didnt see eachother. I watched him change until he couldnt recognise me. I kept hoping he'd "keep me in mind" This song, to me, mainly sings about the uncertainty and paranoia (cant spell) that you tend to get when ur in love with someone who doesnt know. Your always left wondering what he/she thinks of you and it tends to put you through plenty of greif. I think that really comes through in this song. I love it to peices as I do The Smiths and Moz |
|
* This information can be up to 15 minutes delayed.