I have listened to The Smiths and Morrissey lyrics most of my adult life. I have enjoyed Morrissey’s insights, views of certain aspects of society, as have many others. When you draw out any of those observations into the scrutiny of media, they choose to respond depending on what they need at the time. If there is a lull in sales, readership, they may choose sensationalism, if things are going well, they may use those ideas to reflect on modern life.
The problem is commercial pressures will change their nature over night. Once they have gone down a road once, they tend to repeat their actions over and over again, or face having to retract previous attacks.
People with little knowledge or imagination tend to join in the abuse, if it suits their needs.
It’s very sad that visionaries, social commentators are being gagged these days; leaving the commercial hogs to devour all of life’s goodness.
The Joneses will always be behind Morrissey, as will his fans.
Best wishes,
Aidan Sheridan
Letters to Morrissey 