Manchester University Press
5 'Sing me to sleep'
Abstract
During his period as 'voice' of The Smiths, Morrissey made several statements in relation to suicide. This chapter argues philosophical conception of suicide. Edwin S. Shneidman's The Suicidal Mind theorises suicide, on the basis of this assumption, as the 'tragic' result of psychological dysfunction. The chapter explores the theme of suicide in the songs of The Smiths. 'Rubber Ring', the song that precedes and audibly merges with 'Asleep' on its original release, refers to the 'songs that saved your life', a deeply resonant concept that has had a profound effect on many listeners. Songs like 'Rubber Ring / Asleep' demonstrate that The Smiths were trying to craft songs that, like emotional rescuing equipment, have redemptive potential. S.Kierkegaard's analysis in The Sickness unto Death identifies despair as a structural modality of the human condition.
Abstract
During his period as 'voice' of The Smiths, Morrissey made several statements in relation to suicide. This chapter argues philosophical conception of suicide. Edwin S. Shneidman's The Suicidal Mind theorises suicide, on the basis of this assumption, as the 'tragic' result of psychological dysfunction. The chapter explores the theme of suicide in the songs of The Smiths. 'Rubber Ring', the song that precedes and audibly merges with 'Asleep' on its original release, refers to the 'songs that saved your life', a deeply resonant concept that has had a profound effect on many listeners. Songs like 'Rubber Ring / Asleep' demonstrate that The Smiths were trying to craft songs that, like emotional rescuing equipment, have redemptive potential. S.Kierkegaard's analysis in The Sickness unto Death identifies despair as a structural modality of the human condition.
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Notes on contributors vii
- Acknowledgements ix
- 1 'Why pamper life's complexities?' 1
- 2 'Has the world changed or have I changed?' 22
- 3 'Irish blood, English heart' 43
- 4 'Heaven knows we'll soon be dust' 65
- 5 'Sing me to sleep' 81
- 6 'A boy in the bush' 104
- 7 'This way and that way' 121
- 8 'I don't owe you anything' 135
- 9 'A double bed and a stalwart lover for sure' 156
- 10 Last night we dreamt that somebody loved us 179
- 11 'When we're in your scholarly room' 195
- 12 'So much to answer for' 205
- 13 'Take me back to dear old Blighty' 225
- 14 Guantánamo, here we come 241
- Index 256
Chapters in this book
- Front matter i
- Contents v
- Notes on contributors vii
- Acknowledgements ix
- 1 'Why pamper life's complexities?' 1
- 2 'Has the world changed or have I changed?' 22
- 3 'Irish blood, English heart' 43
- 4 'Heaven knows we'll soon be dust' 65
- 5 'Sing me to sleep' 81
- 6 'A boy in the bush' 104
- 7 'This way and that way' 121
- 8 'I don't owe you anything' 135
- 9 'A double bed and a stalwart lover for sure' 156
- 10 Last night we dreamt that somebody loved us 179
- 11 'When we're in your scholarly room' 195
- 12 'So much to answer for' 205
- 13 'Take me back to dear old Blighty' 225
- 14 Guantánamo, here we come 241
- Index 256
