By William M. Dowd
The Brit pop singer Morrissey is suing the magazine New Musical Express (NME) for purportedly mischaracterizing his comments about immigration.
Morrissey, 48, who has lived abroad for a decade, was asked about his views on British immigration. He allegedly told an NME reporter:
Although I dont have anything against people from other countries, the higher the influx into England the more the British identity disappears. So the price is enormous. If you travel to Germany, its still absolutely Germany. If you travel to Sweden, it still has a Swedish identity. But travel to England and you have no idea where you are.
Morrisseys lawyers claim the comments were misconstrued to mean he wouldnt return to England to live because of high immigration.
Hmmm. Interesting stance, that his comments would have caused any confusion as to meaning.
By the way, here are some lyrics from some of Morrisseys songs:
“Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
“England for the English!
“England for the English!
(“The National Front Disco”>
“Brakes slammed, and
“His gun jammed, and
“As far as I could tell
“Brave Asian boy
“Was dealt a blow and fell
“I’m just passing through here
“On my way to somewhere civilised
“And maybe I’ll even arrive”
(“Asian Rut”)
“Oh, wo, wo
“Ah, ah, ah, ah
“Oh, wo, wo
“Ah, ah, ah, ah
“Oh, wo, wo
“Ah, ah, ah, ah”
(Certain People I Know)
How could anyone be confused by what he says? If there are further questions, here’s a sample from a little Morrissey ditty called “Life Is a Pigsty”:
“Life is a pigsty
“Life is a pigsty
“Life is a pigsty
“Life is a pigsty
“Life, life is a pigsty
“Life, life is a pigsty
“Life, life is a pigsty
“Life is a pigsty
(Posted 11/29/07)
William M. Dowd is a Capital Region writer and photographer specializing in food, drink and destinations at Dowd’s Guides.