I was first introduced to The Smiths by my brother in law, I think I would have been about 14/15. I’m 52 now.
My most significant album whilst growing up was Meat Is Murder. The haunting sounds on the album still have an impact on me these days. I’ve still got my original.
I’m a bit of a misfit in life. As a young girl I suffered abuse and was taken into care at the age off 4. My childhood experience has had a significant impact on my mental health. And, although I was adopted into the most amazing family, the rejection from your birth mother never leaves your soul. When my mood dips, my go to is Morrissey.
But I don’t get why nobody understands that Morrissey lyrics simply get me through to the next day. He keeps me alive. To be honest, friends say Morrissey is depressing – why do they not get it? Why do they not connect as I do? Morrissey just knows.
I probably owe my life to Morrissey. I’ve made several attempts to take my life over the years. I never wanted to die, I have kids. I wanted to be listened to. I wanted people to understand me.
Thankfully I’ve not done this for some years. These days, I get pissed, dance like a loon in my lounge to Morrissey, record it, plaster it all over Facebook, then have to delete the next day when I’ve sobered up as it’s so bad. Morrissey is there when I’m in happy times and sad times, and I’m so thankful.
My brother in law passed away 2 years ago and his funeral song was This Charming Man. Thank you Morrissey for helping so many xx
Louise Stott
Letters to Morrissey 