Some of the lyrics refer to victims being ‘vaporised’ and the grieving as ‘morons’
Singer-songwriter Morrissey‘s new song about the Manchester Arena bombing in 2017 is causing debate online due to its graphic nature and some of its controversial lyrics.
Performing in Las Vegas at the start of the month, The Smiths‘ former frontman debuted his new track, “Bonfire of Teenagers”, to an unsuspecting US crowd, describing it as being about “England’s 9/11“.
He goes on to add that back home in “jolly old England, most people won’t talk about it – but I will”, as he is met by cheers from the crowd who likely knows little else about the tragedy beyond it taking place at an Ariana Grande concert.
As you can hear in the clip above, the chorus goes as follows: “And the silly people sing ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’, And the morons sing and sway: ‘Don’t Look Back in Anger’, I can assure you I will look back in anger ’till the day I die.”
The iconic Oasis track already has a rich history in the city but became somewhat of an emblem and almost protests song in the face of terrorism following the attack. That being said, many took umbrage with the suggestion that those mourning might unite under an anthem being labelled silly or moronic as somewhat insensitive and misguided.
Morrissey done a new song about the Manchester Arena bombing and I’ve just seen the lyrics and there seems to be – amidst the usual bad bad poetry – a tiny disavowal of Oasis, odd as in his rockist parochialism, snobbery and faint racism he’s absolutely their spiritual godfather
— ⚫Neil Kulkarni (@KaptainKulk) July 4, 2022
While some are defending his expression of anger as a fellow Mancunian as “powerful”, arguing that his underlying message is that he “will look back in anger” on the tragic event “till the day [he] dies”, others have labelled his approach and description of how other people chose to grieve as snobbish and insensitive.
Many have also noted the very evocative use of the word “vaporised” and repetition of the phrase, “Go easy on the killer”, as well.
I feel the issue here is calling the people of Manchester ‘silly’ and ‘morons’ when they were grieving. I don’t live in Manchester, but I fail to see how a natural outpouring of grief should be criticised.
— Kevin Cummins (@KCMANC) July 4, 2022
In reference to the song itself, not only did both Gallagher brothers pledge to donate the royalties to the families of the 22 victims, but Grande and Coldplay famously covered the track together at the One Love Manchester tribute show, along with the likes of U2, Morrissey’s ex-bandmate Johnny Marr, The Courteeners, Metallica and many others.
You read the full list of lyrics here:
Reason #134 for why Morrissey is a cunt. Best thing Johnny Marr ever did was cut ties. https://t.co/szGfeNxnvf
— Jonny (@mancmaestro) July 4, 2022
Related links
- Manchester Arena attack: Ariana Grande’s poignant tattoo explained five years on from bombing
- Morrissey calls The Simpsons ‘racist’ after showing him with his ‘belly hanging out’
- Teens are turning up to watch Minions in suits – and why cinemas have been forced to ban them
