Morrissey

[Franciscan]

Some Smith Lyrics Consistent with Christian Truth

The devil will find work for idle hands to do
I stole and I lied, and why ?
Because you asked me to !
But now you make me feel so ashamed

I am Human and I need to be loved
Just like everybody else does

There Is A Light And It Never Goes Out

These were hard to find and they are somewhat of a stretch. Looking at all those songs brings back memories of high school and college!

One thing we can see is that without a firm faith one is led into hopelessness and meaninglessness. This postmodern angst that Morissey finds himself in is a refelection of life withoout God. He is in search of love but he’s looking to the wrong place -fellow postmodern heathens.

So in listening to the music we can consider it a warning. If you want true love go to the Source which is God. Personally I enjoy the lyrics. They are loaded with subtle humor.

 

[Em_in_FL]

I personally LOVE his voice and the tone of the songs. I enjoy the irony of the songs and find them rather amusing.

I had no idea he was gay/asexual/whatever… I don’t care.
I don’t have to idiolize every aspect of an artist… I just enjoy the art.

 

[Julianna]

So as a catholic is it alright to listen to Morrissey or The Smiths. I’m really not sure if I should be.

No,

I still listen to Led Zepplein, The Doors, The Who, Elton John, Chicago, Aerosmith, Bon Jovi, U2,

I like REM, Howie Day, Keith Urban.

I used to bring U2 albums to teach my CCD classes back in the late 80’s.

 

[dulcissima]

…and I need to be loved.

Yeah, that’s been the wakeup track in my cd alarm clock for the past month or so.

 

[Milliardo]

I personally LOVE his voice and the tone of the songs. I enjoy the irony of the songs and find them rather amusing.

Yes, that’s the thing with The Smiths–the irony in their songs. I like the contrast between the melancholy words and the up-beat tunes.

 

[cynic]

By buying and listening to his music, aren’t you actively advocating and supporting the creativity of non-christians? Should you be doing this?

 

[Milliardo]

By buying and listening to his music, aren’t you actively advocating and supporting the creativity of non-christians? Should you be doing this?

I like Socrates, Plato, and other classical, non-Christian philosophers; does it necessarily mean I totally advocate their beliefs, including religious ones? Same principle applies here.

 

[cynic]

I like Socrates, Plato, and other classical, non-Christian philosopher…

they lived in pre-christian times, and it could be said their philosophy represents elements of moral truth…how does this compare with pop music? You’re letting non-christians entertain you.

 

[Milliardo]

they lived in pre-christian times, and it could be said their philosophy represents elements of moral truth…how does this compare with pop music? You’re letting non-christians entertain you.

Doesn’t matter if they lived in pre-Christian times, or Christian times; the issue is, the principle is still the same. We listen to many types of music in our lives; some are ethnic, tribal music made by non-Christians. I like them also. Do I subscribe to their beliefs? I’m entertained by them. The same way with the ancient philosophers, and the same way with Morrissey and other singers: we enjoy them, but we do not necessarily subscribe to their beliefs or lifestyle. There are some things that meant to me, for instance, back then that don’t mean much to me now, lyrically. There are some things that still hold true today. That beside, I do not agree nor even care about what Morrissey did or still does; it’s his life, and I have mine. I am Catholic, he is not. Where we don’t agree, we diverge, and leave it at that.

 

[godfreyjones]

thanks for helping to clear this up.At anyrate if you are really looking for some superb christian music (which I know is sometimes hard to find) you should definately get Sufjan Stevens’ “Ilinois.” Its probably the best album of 2005 and if Calmir Pulaski Day doesn’t bring you to tears then maybe Catholicism isn’t for you because you obviously have no heart. Just kidding about that one I dont think I could sleep at night if someone listened to that song didn’t cry and then abandoned their religion. Also Fox News don’t take that out of context and put it in a story about how the far left is trying to drive people away from Christianity its obviously a joke.

 

[ValiantDomain]

I think it really depends on how the music affects you personally on a spiritual, mental, and emotional level. For instance, if any music - whether that be Coltrane, “Weird Al,” or The Smiths - causes you to stray from core principles then you should consider other forms of music to listen to. This doesn’t necessarily mean to burn or trash all your popular music CDs and rush out to buy Gregorian Monk chants, but be wise in your selection.

As others have said, be able to discern between the right and the wrong. If you’re worried about supporting the culture which produces non-Christian music or films or whatever, then buy it second-hand. It not only keeps your buying behavior out of sight of top execs who look for “trends” in consumer behavior, but it helps out the entrepreneur, as well.

 

[cynic]

What you really need to ask is whether music designed to illicit an emotional response is actually healthy. God is not its central motivation, so the emotions inherent in the music are going appeal to the flesh, not the spirit.

 

[Milliardo]

What you really need to ask is whether music designed to illicit an emotional response is actually healthy. God is not its central motivation, so the emotions inherent in the music are going appeal to the flesh, not the spirit.

That would invalidate any form of music, then, since music is specifically designed to elicit an emotional response.

 

[Godisthebest3]

Morrissey never came out and so is not openly gay. Even if he was, our church has never said you couldn’t pray for the person, appreciate good things in their art, and enjoy the gift they offer. The only thing that would cause an effect like that would be a song that specifically states that a wrong is right, just like with movies…pornography being the obvious worst. But just because an artist or director makes some bad art, you don’t shun his whole work. You praise what’s good and express honesty about and avoid what’s bad. His songs often reflect love, deep thinking, appreciation, pain, wonder, etc. He has Catholicism in his roots and very likely may grow closer to God. As of about 2005 onward, I find him more distasteful than ever…I’ve heard quite a lot of things…maybe they’re not all true. His idea that one can forgive Jesus, no matter how he meant it or it is interpreted, is stupid (it is impossible to forgive complete perfection) and offensive (Jesus is God!) Politically, we are quite the opposite and morally, sadly it’s pretty close to that too. Still he is human, God made him and loves him. His music can be very beneficial, and so I have nothing that would make me believe the majority of his songs should be kept from benefiting many. He needs our prayers and love too, maybe he’ll change for the best…wouldn’t that be wonderful.

 

[carinapir]

So as a catholic is it alright to listen to Morrissey or The Smiths. I’m really not sure if I should be.

If is not, I’m going to Hell.

 

[John_of_Woking]

thanks for helping to clear this up.At anyrate if you are really looking for some superb christian music (which I know is sometimes hard to find) you should definately get Sufjan Stevens’ “Ilinois.” Its probably the best album of 2005 and if Calmir Pulaski Day doesn’t bring you to tears then maybe Catholicism isn’t for you because you obviously have no heart. Just kidding about that one I dont think I could sleep at night if someone listened to that song didn’t cry and then abandoned their religion. Also Fox News don’t take that out of context and put it in a story about how the far left is trying to drive people away from Christianity its obviously a joke.

Sufjan Stevens…totally agreed. Great album

With respect to Mozza…he is now living in Rome and has recently been supportive of the celibate clergy. I think the Smiths have/had excellent music but some songs are profoundly disturbing, others less so, and still others draw me to God by reminding me to reject the world and her lies.

 

[John_of_Woking]

What you really need to ask is whether music designed to illicit an emotional response is actually healthy. God is not its central motivation, so the emotions inherent in the music are going appeal to the flesh, not the spirit.

Classical and religious music also elicts emotional response. Emotional response is neutral. It’s how you channel the emotions that matters. That said if anything is a temptation to sin (including listening to music) it is better to avoid it.

Paradoxically and from a personal stance Listening to Radiohead, the Smiths etc can draw me to God…

Newman says there are 2 choices in life “Nihilism or Catholicism”. Yes their (Smiths, R-head) music is depressive and borders on nihilism but life is depressing and meaningless (until and unless we understand that the Crucified Christ is integral to its meaning).

If the songs can lead to the revelation that man is broken (and they often do) then for me that can be dangerous but can also clarify the two distinct choices in life. One with meaning and one bereft of it.

I find listening to Radiohead’s “How to Disappear Completely” an excellent aid/motive to heartfelt prayer of my utter reliance on the Suffering Christ!

 

[Et_Cetera]

Morrissey and The Smiths are both great.

 

[Mattjolley]

I’ve seen Morrissey live four times, have all his albums, I love his lyrics and his wit. His humour is great, and his songs convey lots of human emotions. Though I may be biased since I’m originally from the North of England, too.

He’s my favourite artist and I love the Smiths, too. I also happen to like to listen to Gregorian Chant, Plainsong, etc.

Oh, and I’m a Catholic Seminarian.

Of course there’s nothing wrong with his music!

Oh, and for the record, he’s never actually said that he is gay, straight or for that matter, anything!

Plus, we’re talking about a guy who sold Rosaries as part of his 2004 tour merch, appeared in clericals in a 2004 video, wears aftershave which has been described as smelling very much like Incense, has written about a beautiful church in his hometown in one song, has a large latino fanbase, openly practised celibacy for a number of years and can frequently be seen making the sign of the cross during performances.

Like it or not, he’s steeped in the Faith he was raised in! One fan forum was debating a while back whether or not they thought he was practicing his Faith because he seemed so keen to reference it. Perhaps his time in Rome revitalised him

So don’t worry, OP. You’re in good company as a Morrissey/Smiths fan! There’s far worse stuff you could listen to.

 

[Mattjolley]

By buying and listening to his music, aren’t you actively advocating and supporting the creativity of non-christians? Should you be doing this?

See my previous reply. He’s more christian (and conscious of this fact, too) than many artists out there today. To know where you’re going, you’ve got to know where you came from. Morrissey seems to like identifying with his Catholic roots.

And to the person who said they used U2 for CCD classes, genius! October, especially, is loaded with Biblical overtones. Its my favourite album by them by a mile.