As I write this, I think of the time my husband asked me: What is the appeal of Morrissey?
I had thought about it, and became overwhelmed and started crying a little. It was difficult to put into words how much of a profound effect he has had on my life. I’ve had issues coping through my life with depression and anxiety, and carry a lot of that with me, and try to move forward, as life has gotten better.
Saying that, his music has been a companion during the low times, with echoes in the night of “There Is A Light That Never Goes Out” washing over me like waves in the dark, comforting me on long drives, wondering how I will make it into the next day, to “I Am Not A Dog On A Chain”, my anthem for the last year, reminding that the bad times pass, and you can take comfort in moving past your demons(some causing you internal struggle, or those that wait for your downfall, disappointed it never came).
He has been a home for a then 16 year old kid that craved unique and profound, to the 32 year old woman that takes pride in the wounds that became earned battle scars from emotional pain and physical toll that comes from life.
His words have always struck a chord with me, in which he has always brought passion to any emotion: Anger, pain, love, detest, determination, etc. And with that passion, his message has always been the same to me: Whatever you feel in the words he sings, and the song he writes, you are allowed to share those emotions and are valid in that state. A lot of his songs are angry, and he lets you be angry if you need it in that moment. Others are melancholy, and he lets you be sad in that moment, and it is okay. His songs allow you to be valid in your passionate emotions, no matter if they are awful or amazing.
I could never choose just one song to love that he has created or brought his own rendition to, because all his songs resonate with me for their own unique reasons, and validate my feelings in the moment he sings them. His words are a sermon, and his music has been more powerful to me than standing in any church I’ve have set foot inside.
I thank him, because his music is a comfort in the ear, and soothing to the mind weary of fighting my own internal struggles. He has always been a great friend, though I have never met him beyond a handshake, I appreciate what he has given me for his great music and I hope he keeps moving forward, being as profound as ever. I will be there, listening and crying in my happiness.
Long live the Pope of Mope
Laynee Winslow
Letters to Morrissey 