For more than twenty years he has been releasing, to only marginal commercial and critical success, playful and transgressive albums on labels in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Japan. In his lyrics and his other writing he makes seemingly random use of decontextualized pieces of continental (mostly French) philosophy, and has built up a personal world he says is "dominated by values like diversity, orientalism, and a respect for otherness." He is also known in certain circles outside the U.S. as a producer. He is fascinated by identity, Japan, the avant-garde, time travel and sex. Live Momus shows are rare but when he does perform he often sings the crowd favourite 'maf' from the Stars Forever LP.
He wears a patch over his right eye because he lost the use of it after contracting acanthamoeba keratitis from a contact lens case washed with Greek tap water.
Nick Currie currently resides in Osaka, Japan.
How to Spot an Invert
Momus Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Amongst the vertebrates:
Good grooming
A tidy bedroom
Never married
And working in the arts
A bitchy sense of humour
Loose gestures
A wardrobe full of Helmut Lang
A dangling limp wrist
A talent for interior design
He has a taste for Latin poetry of the Silver Age
Indulges privately on the heath with unknown youths
In Spartan sports
And 'the unspeakable vice of the Greeks'
Likes show tunes
Counts hairdressers amongst his closest friends
Is umbilically attached to his mother
He is careful to conceal at all times his real age
Is always florid, flamboyant, pale and interesting
Too good to be true
But this could be you
The invert, our hero, is the male sex, Release 2.0
Upgrade today!
You too may be gay
The song "How to Spot an Invert" by Momus is a quirky and satirical take on how to identify a gay man or "invert" in today's society. The lyrics provide a list of stereotypical characteristics and habits often associated with gay men. According to the song, an invert can be identified amongst the vertebrates by his impeccable grooming and tidy bedroom, as well as his occupation in the arts and the use of colorful scarves.
The song also highlights other stereotypes such as the limp wrist, talent for interior design, love for Latin poetry, indulging in Spartan sports and "unspeakable vice of the Greeks". In addition, the invert is portrayed as being closely attached to his mother, concealing his real age and always being flamboyant and interesting.
Although the song is lighthearted and intended to poke fun at stereotypes, it also carries a deeper message about the struggles that gay men in society face, especially the pressure to conform to heteronormative expectations. The song can also be seen as a call to accept and celebrate diversity.
Line by Line Meaning
How to spot an invert
This song provides guide on how to identify a homosexual.
Amongst the vertebrates:
When looking for a homosexual, focus on human beings only.
Good grooming
Homosexual people tend to be well-groomed and take good care of their appearance.
A tidy bedroom
One should expect homosexuals to have a clean and tidy room.
Never married
Homosexual people usually do not get married to the opposite sex.
And working in the arts
A lot of gay people can be found working in the arts industry.
A bitchy sense of humour
Gay people tend to have a sarcastic or catty sense of humor.
Inordinately colourful scarves
Vividly colored scarves could be a sign that someone is gay.
Loose gestures
The way someone carries himself could be a revealing sign of homosexuality.
A wardrobe full of Helmut Lang
Owning a lot of clothing items made by the fashion designer Helmut Lang could be seen as effeminate.
A dangling limp wrist
A limp, flapping wrist is perceived as a trait of gay men.
A talent for interior design
Having an eye for decorating can be seen as a stereotypically gay quality.
He has a taste for Latin poetry of the Silver Age
Enjoying a certain literary era could reveal someone's sexual orientation.
Indulges privately on the heath with unknown youths
Having sexual encounters with young men in secret is another sign of homosexuality.
In Spartan sports
Intense athletic activities might attract gay individuals.
And 'the unspeakable vice of the Greeks'
Referring to a common euphemism for homosexuality.
Likes show tunes
An appreciation of Broadway music is often linked to homosexuality.
Counts hairdressers amongst his closest friends
Being friends with hairdressers is a common stereotype of gay men.
Is umbilically attached to his mother
Having a strong attachment with one's mother could be a sign of homosexuality, according to this song.
He is careful to conceal at all times his real age
Gay individuals can be more self-conscious about their age and try to look younger than they are.
Is always florid, flamboyant, pale and interesting
Homosexual people are expected to be colorful and lively.
Too good to be true
All the aforementioned traits may not be present on every gay individual.
But this could be you
Anyone could be gay, regardless of these traits.
The invert, our hero, is the male sex, Release 2.0
The outdated terminology of referring to a homosexual person as an 'invert' is being mocked.
Upgrade today!
Embrace the change and accept homosexuality.
You too may be gay
The song ends with the message that everyone could be gay and it is perfectly fine.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: NICHOLAS CURRIE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Aldo Charles
on Morality Is Vanity
I’ve been listening to this song last two weeks.