Happened upon "That's How People Grow Up" via an article in a local daily. Never would've seen him writing something like this.

Credit where credit's due: I am impressed.

Ace said:

Cool- I love how it's all about accepting that shit happens as this is what makes us stronger, wiser, putting happenings into perspective or just being able to move on (even if it's on to more shit)...that IS how people grow up!

I currently doing a "musical thesis" on Morrissey and he's a great lyricist.

MikeMatronik said:

I did my degree thesis on music and it's relationship to race and sexuality called "Face The Music". The Moz featured heavily! I'll send you a copy if you're bored!

stevenpottle said:

Thou must.

MikeMatronik said:

I think he's a clever lyricist, but - until this single - his songs romanticized depression and wouldn't you agree that that is not a good thing?

Ace said:

I think if you are real depressed and then the only outlet you have is music, then I think it's healthy...
I know of so many people that have stopped from doing something stupid because they heard The Smiths or Morrissey-
someone knew what they were going through or at least understood.
I think because their is nearly always humour present then those feelings almost seem to be less important or that dreadful things can be laughed at-
in doing so I think it lightens the mood, helps to destroy the impact...Sorry, I'm rambling now!
Do we ever loose that teenager inside us that needs attention, confirmation etc.

But I do agree that it's good to hear him say, well you actually grow and nourish through bad situations and that it can help you to cope- lessons learned etc.

stevenpottle said:

But wouldn't you say that it would be much healthier to seek treatment for your depression?


Were they listening to this one?:




But wouldn't you say that there are ample works of art, journalism, etc. that talk about depression? And that the ones that do so without romanticizing it would be better choices?


While there are certainly humorous songs in the Smiths' and Morrissey's catalogues, to say that there is nearly always humour present in their songs is a bit of an exaggeration, wouldn't you say? And don't his "humorous" songs still traffic in the romantic loner myth?


If we put in the work, yes.

Believe me when I say that most doctors, professionals treat patients etc as an illness rather than seeing an individual who has a mind that may work differently from what was diagnosed...I've been 'treated' by many a 'professional' who just couldn't understand that I wasn't suffering from the same symptoms as patient X that they had just successfully dosed pills to. I have also been left for a dangerous amount of time on certain pills that prompted suicide in many of the people taken them as the tablets were supposed to be taken only for a certain amount of time- 6 months in my case, but my doctor kept me on them for 4 years- is it a wonder that someone turns to music etc for comfort- when reports, experts, articles refuse to agree, disagree or confirm...in the meantime there is an actual human being (not a number or illness) that suffers- if I hadn't had someone saying "I know how you feel, BUT I'm still alive" then I would probably be dead now- I truly believe that.

It's a very British humour that pulls you through that also softens the blow of a very direct and confrontational subject matter.
I'd say their were more dangerous artists out there that completely disregard human emotions, respect for oneself and for depicting life as throw away- those slasher teens get decapitated freely films AND dreadfully handled soap opera story lines.

As for "Asleep" it's talking about a very specific subject matter and I do believe that if you were in a situation that you were going to take your life then a song is not going to help you or stop you, but if your depression is extreme then it may make you think about life and that others care.
I lost a good friend recently to suicide and nothing anyone could say or do could have influenced him- he didn't want to be him anymore, so he finished that pain. The songs that he listened to were very happy, positive, up beat dance music- they really didn't figure in his mind when he made that choice.

It's the same with saying that Marilyn Manson was responsible for teenage shootings- when gun laws are overlooked.

Morrissey will be basking in the limelight this Friday evening when he performs on BBC2’s Later... with Jools Holland.

As always, the influential music show presents the cream of the crop, and naturally Morrissey is headlining. Performing current single That’s How People Grow Up and firm favourites Something Is Squeezing My Skull(fantastic new song!), All You Need Is Me and The Last Of The Famous International Playboys.

The show, which also boasts performances from British Sea Power and Nate James, will be on BBC2 at 11.35pm this Friday.
[Edited 2/7/08 3:38am]

Sorry- not obsessed or anything, but if you are a UK type human then there is a repeat of The Russell Brand Show on E4+ (channel 29?) at 11:30pm tonight where Morrissey performs and Courtney Love acts strange!