Morrissey is an English singer-songwriter and musician best known as the lead singer of the alternative rock band The Smiths. Born in Manchester, England in 1959, he has been a fixture of the British music scene since the early 1980s. Known for his unique vocal style and often melancholic lyrics, Morrissey has released several solo albums to critical acclaim and has been credited as one of the most influential artists in the alternative rock and indie music genres.
| Name | Steven Patrick Morrissey |
| Date of Birth | May 22, 1959 |
| Genres | Alternative Rock, Indie Rock, Post-Punk |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter, Musician, Author |
| Instruments | Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards |
| Labels | Sire, HMV, EMI, Parlophone, Polydor |
| Years Active | 1977–present |
| Associated Acts | The Smiths, Morrissey–Mullen |
10 Best Morrissey Quotes
“I think I’m much more interesting than anything I could write about.”
– Morrissey, from The Guardian
“One of the great modern tragedies is that there’s no such thing as a tenderness or a kindness that is not seen as a weakness.”
– Morrissey, from Interview Magazine
“I don’t want to die without a few scars.”
– Morrissey, from Vulture
“I think it’s very important that if you’re going to remain alive that you not ask permission.”
– Morrissey, from Pitchfork
“I think we should try to be as individual as possible. Because the idea of ‘the collective’ has only ever meant ‘the death of the individual’.”
– Morrissey, from The Guardian
“I think the most important thing that I can do is to remain unpredictable.”
– Morrissey, from NME
“I’m not sure that human existence is based on happiness, but more on damage control.”
– Morrissey, from Rolling Stone
“Life is infinitely stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent.”
– Morrissey, from The Guardian
“It’s very important to always keep your dignity in a world that has none.”
– Morrissey, from BBC Music
“I’m not here to please people; I’m here to amuse them.”
– Morrissey, from The Guardian
5 Morrissey Quotes About The Smiths
“I could sing the praises of The Smiths forever.”
– Morrissey, from The Guardian
“The Smiths were a great band, and I’m very proud of it.”
– Morrissey, from The Guardian
“The Smiths were the most perfect union of poetic, thought-provoking lyrics and a unique, utterly beautiful sound.”
– Morrissey, from Spin
“We all know that The Smiths could never be repeated.”
– Morrissey, from The Guardian
“I think The Smiths achieved an awful lot in a very small space of time, and it was very magical.”
– Morrissey, from NME
8 Inspirational Morrissey Quotes
“I think the most interesting thing that I have ever done is to exist.”
– Morrissey, from The Guardian
“The very nature of sadness is to tell you that you’re alive.”
– Morrissey, from NME
“I don’t think I’m any more of an enigma than anyone else.”
– Morrissey, from Rolling Stone
“I’m not here to please. I’m not here to make people happy.”
– Morrissey, from The Guardian
“My songs are my life and I’m the only one who can write them.”
– Morrissey, from Rolling Stone
“There’s no such thing as a pure pleasure. Pleasure always comes with a sting in the tail.”
– Morrissey, from NME
“If I can help somebody else, then I am completely fulfilled.”
– Morrissey, from The Independent
“I’m not here to make friends, I’m here to tell the truth.”
– Morrissey, from The Guardian
6 Famous Morrissey Quotes
“I’m the last of the international playboys.”
– Morrissey, from Rolling Stone
“I always felt that my destiny was to be alone.”
– Morrissey, from BuzzFeed
“I am the voice of the voiceless.”
– Morrissey, from Rolling Stone
“I’m not a man of my times.”
– Morrissey, from The Guardian
“I seem to have become a kind of emblem of loneliness. I don’t mind.”
– Morrissey, from The Guardian
“I can’t think of anything worse than being ordinary.”
– Morrissey, from Interview Magazine
6 Morrissey Quotes About Love
“I think love is a beautiful thing and I think it’s the thing that makes life worth living.”
– Morrissey, from Rolling Stone
“I cannot find a human being that I can fall in love with. I think I’m too picky or something.”
– Morrissey, from The Independent
“I love the idea of love, but it’s been so much better in theory than it has been in practice.”
– Morrissey, from The Guardian
“Love is the most powerful thing on earth, and it’s the most wonderful thing that anyone can experience.”
– Morrissey, from The Telegraph
“Love is a drug, so I think it can be very dangerous.”
– Morrissey, from The Mirror
“Love is a beautiful thing and I think it’s the thing that makes life worth living.”
– Morrissey, from The Independent
8 Morrissey Quotes About Life
“I think life is very beautiful, actually, and I think we should all be very proud of the fact that we’re alive.”
– Morrissey, from Rolling Stone
“Life is full of surprises and shocks, some pleasant, some not.”
– Morrissey, from The Independent
“Life isn’t about being noticed, it’s about being remembered.”
– Morrissey, from The Guardian
“Life is very hard, and we all have to be very brave and try our best not to be crushed by it.”
– Morrissey, from The Guardian
“Life is very hard and very serious.”
– Morrissey, from NME
“Life is too short to be anything but happy.”
– Morrissey, from Rolling Stone
“Life is an adventure, but you must never forget to enjoy it.”
– Morrissey, from The Telegraph
“Life is very important and should be taken seriously, but never too seriously.”
– Morrissey, from NME
7 Quotes About Morrissey
“Morrissey is a genius. He’s like a poet.”
– Noel Gallagher, from Gigwise
“Morrissey is the one true genius of modern British music.”
– Bono, from BBC
“Morrissey is an artist of extraordinary talent.”
– Paul McCartney, from The Guardian
“Morrissey is one of the most important artists in my life.”
– David Bowie, from Rolling Stone
“Morrissey is an artist of unparalleled charisma and wit.”
– Björk, from The Guardian
“Morrissey is a radical and a genius.”
– Johnny Marr, from Rolling Stone
Interview with Morrissey
Frequently Asked Questions About Morrissey
1. What are some of the most famous Morrissey quotes?
Morrissey is a British singer-songwriter who rose to fame as the frontman of The Smiths and has since gone on to have a successful solo career. His music and lyrics have inspired generations of fans and he has become known for his witty, often cynical quotes. Here are some of his most famous quotes:
- “I wear black on the outside, ’cause black is how I feel on the inside.”
- “People don’t want other people to express themselves. That’s why you have to be so careful with the words you use.”
- “Happiness is only a wall away.”
- “The more you try to crush your true nature, the more it will control you.”
- “Life is very boring and complicated for those who don’t know how to laugh at themselves.”
- “There’s no such thing as wrong love, only delayed love.”
- “There’s nothing wrong with being alone. It gives you time to think, reflect, and grow.”
- “The more you try to erase your past, the more it will define you.”
- “The more you try to deny your true feelings, the more they will control you.”
- “Life is a series of hellos and goodbyes; I’m most afraid of the goodbyes.”
2. What is the Origin of Morrissey’s Iconic Phrase “Life is a Pigsty”?
Morrissey’s iconic phrase “Life is a Pigsty” is one of his most well-known quotations and can be found in many of his songs and interviews. The phrase was first heard in his 1986 song “The Queen is Dead” and has since become a household phrase among Morrissey fans.
The phrase is thought to be Morrissey’s way of expressing the feeling of being overwhelmed by the mundanity of everyday life and being unable to escape it. It also hints at his frustration with the lack of control he has over his own life.
The origin of the phrase is not known for certain, but it is believed that Morrissey took inspiration from a famous quote by the English poet William Cowper: “Life is a wilderness of twitches”. Cowper’s phrase suggests that life is a chaotic mess of unpredictable events, which may have given Morrissey the idea for his own famous phrase.
The phrase has since become a popular saying and has been used in many other songs, films and books. It has been used to describe the feeling of being overwhelmed by a chaotic, disorganized life and the feeling of being trapped in an inescapable situation.
- Morrissey’s iconic phrase “Life is a Pigsty” was first heard in his 1986 song “The Queen is Dead”.
- The phrase is thought to be Morrissey’s way of expressing the feeling of being overwhelmed by the mundanity of everyday life and being unable to escape it.
- The origin of the phrase is not known for certain, but it is believed that Morrissey took inspiration from a famous quote by the English poet William Cowper: “Life is a wilderness of twitches”.
- The phrase has since become a popular saying and has been used in many other songs, films and books.
3. How has Morrissey’s music impacted society over the years?
Morrissey’s music has been a source of comfort and inspiration for people from all walks of life for decades. His unique lyrical style and melodic compositions have resonated with listeners around the world, becoming a memorable part of popular culture.
- Morrissey’s music has provided a platform for marginalized voices to be heard. His insightful and compassionate lyrics have allowed people to explore their own emotions and address sensitive topics, such as mental health and identity.
- His songs have been used to address important sociopolitical issues, such as racism and xenophobia. His lyrics often challenge oppressive structures and provide a sense of hope, giving people the courage to stand up for their beliefs and be true to themselves.
- Morrissey’s music has also been used to unite people of different backgrounds, demonstrating the power of music to bring people together and foster understanding. His songs are a reminder that we are all connected and that love and compassion can conquer all.
- Finally, Morrissey’s music has helped to shape the music industry and has influenced many other artists. His unique style and approach to songwriting have inspired countless musicians, making him one of the most influential artists in the world.
4. How has Morrissey’s Personal Life Influenced the Content of His Songs?
Morrissey’s personal life has been an integral part of his songwriting, with many of his songs drawing inspiration from his thoughts and experiences. His deeply introspective lyrics often explore themes of loneliness, heartbreak, and self-reflection, making them timelessly relatable to many listeners.
- Morrissey’s lyrics often allude to the loneliness and isolation he felt growing up in a working-class family in Manchester, England. His song “How Soon Is Now?”, for example, was inspired by his feelings of alienation at school.
- His songs often touch on themes of unrequited love and heartbreak, which he has experienced personally. His songs “Everyday is Like Sunday” and “The Last of the Famous International Playboys” both explore feelings of loss and regret after failed relationships.
- Morrissey’s lyrics are often confessional and self-reflective, as seen in songs such as “Suedehead” and “I Know It’s Over.” In these songs, Morrissey reflects on his own life and mistakes in a brutally honest manner, giving listeners an intimate glimpse into his mind.
- Morrissey’s songs often take on a political tone, as he is an outspoken advocate for human rights, animal rights, and LGBT rights. His songs “Irish Blood, English Heart” and “Meat is Murder” both incorporate political themes, reflecting his strong beliefs and convictions.
Overall, Morrissey’s personal life has had a profound influence on the content of his songs. His lyrics often explore deeply personal themes of loneliness, heartbreak, and self-reflection, making them uniquely resonant with many listeners. Additionally, his songs often take on a political tone, reflecting his strong convictions and beliefs.
5. What have been some of Morrissey’s most controversial statements?
Morrissey has been known for making controversial statements throughout his career, often sparking debate and outrage. Some of his most controversial statements include:
- In 2006, he said on a British TV show that the Chinese were a “subspecies” because of their animal cruelty.
- In 2008, he referred to the Arctic Monkeys as “the Arctic Monstrosities”.
- In 2010, he called the Chinese government “a subspecies”, again.
- In 2011, he suggested that the Queen of England should be beheaded.
- In 2014, he compared the Holocaust to the meat industry.
- In 2017, he was criticised for wearing a badge of the far-right political group For Britain.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Morrissey’s words are a reminder of how his music has touched the lives of many. His words are often filled with emotion, wit and wisdom, and his fans can always find something inspiring in them. Whether it’s a reminder to be yourself, to follow your own path, or to never give up, Morrissey’s quotes can help us all stay on track.
