Morrissey Considered Suicide

Iconic British pop lyricist and bard of the melancholic Morrissey has revealed that he has considered taking his own life.

Emerging from Manchester's post punk milieu, The Smiths were at once serious and light. Lead singer Morrissey treated the darkest of topics with a vulnerable wit that never undermined the point he was attempting to make.

Going solo in 1987 the singer has continued in this vein. One of the recurring topics of Morrissey's work is death, with songs such as 'Asleep' widely interpreted to be discussing the subject of suicide.

Taking part in Radio 4's 'Desert Island Discs' program yesterday (November 29th) presenter Kirsty Young asked Morrissey is he had ever considered suicide.

"Have you thought about being in control of your death?" asked the presenter. "Have you thought about shuffling off this mortal coil at a time of your choosing?"

The singer replied: "Yes I have. Yes I have, and I think self destruction is honourable. I always thought was. It's an act of great control and I understand people who do it."

Earlier in the show Morrissey brought up the subject of death, and revealed part of the reason why he is so fascinated by it. "I'm fascinated by the brevity of life and how people use their time, because we all know the actual fall. It's as inevitable as you and I sitting here now, that the Tuesday will arrive when you, Kirsty, are not here," Morrissey explained.

"So we all know this fact, and with that in the forefront of our mind in everything we do, I find it fascinating how people spend their time."

Morrissey's luxury item was a bed, with his favourite work of literature named as 'The Complete Works Of Oscar Wilde'. The singer chose the following songs:

New York Dolls — '(There’s Gonna Be A) Showdown'
Marianne Faithfull — 'Come And Stay With Me'
Ramones — 'Loudmouth'
The Velvet Underground — 'The Black Angel’s Death Song'
Klaus Nomi — 'Der Nussbaum – The Walnut Tree'
Nico — 'I’m Not Saying'
Iggy & The Stooges — 'Your Pretty Face Is Going To Hell'
Mott The Hoople — 'Sea Diver'