It's Not Your Birthday Anymore
Morrissey Lyrics

The first verse of Morrissey's song "You Were Good in Your Time" explores the ongoing battle between the voice and heart. Although the voice might say "no" to a certain situation or feeling, the heart has a mind of its own and can often overpower the voice. The lyrics "It's not your birthday anymore, there's no need to be kind to you" suggest that this internal conflict may relate to a past relationship, in which the singer no longer feels obligated to keep up pretenses or be kind to the other individual. The line "Did you really think we meant all those syrupy, sentimental things that we said?" underscores the idea that the singer no longer feels the same way towards their former partner and may have only been saying things in the moment to please them.

The chorus of the song highlights the idea that love cannot be given, it must be taken. The gifts that were given in the past cannot compare to the love the singer is now giving to their partner. The line "All of the gifts they gave can't compare in any way to the love I am now giving to you, right here, right now on the floor" suggests the singer is fully invested in the relationship in the present moment.

The final verse mirrors the first, once again mentioning that "It's not your birthday anymore," emphasizing the idea that the relationship is over and in the past. The line "And the will to see you smile and belong has now gone" suggests that the singer no longer feels the urge to make their partner happy and feel a part of something. Morrissey's "You Were Good in Your Time" is reflective of the complexity of relationships and the internal conflict that often arises within them.