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Used To Be A Sweet Boy
Morrissey Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

Used to be a sweet boy
Holding so tightly
To Daddy's hand
But that was all
In some distant land
Blazer and tie
And a big bright healthy smile
Used to make all
Of our trials worthwhile

Used to be a sweet boy
And I'm not to blame
But something went wrong
Something went wrong
And I know
I'm not to blame
Something went wrong
Can't be to blame
Ah

Overall Meaning

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Morrissey's song "Used to be a Sweet Boy" is a poignant reflection on his childhood and how the passage of time and life experiences have changed him. The opening lines reference his childhood innocence and how he used to hold his father's hand in a distant land. He describes himself as a sweet boy, perfectly dressed in a blazer and tie, with a healthy smile that made all of their trials worthwhile. However, as the song progresses, Morrissey acknowledges that something has happened to him that has robbed him of that sweetness. He is no longer the innocent boy he once was, and he is grappling with the reality of that loss. The song is both a lament for a time long gone and a meditation on the nature of change and the loss of childhood innocence.


Many interpretations of the song suggest that Morrissey may be referring to his sexuality and the struggles he faced coming to terms with it. The line "something went wrong" could be read as a reference to the societal pressures and constraints that may have led him to repress his true self. However, the overall tone of the song is one of mournful reflection rather than anger, and Morrissey seems to acknowledge that change, while difficult, is an inevitable part of life.


Line by Line Meaning

Used to be a sweet boy
I used to be an innocent and kind-hearted child


Holding so tightly To Daddy's hand
I used to rely on the comfort and protection of my father


But that was all In some distant land
Those memories of my happy childhood now seem far away and unattainable


Blazer and tie And a big bright healthy smile
I used to dress nicely and show off my joyful demeanor


Used to make all Of our trials worthwhile
My happiness was infectious and helped to alleviate the hardships of those around me


Used to be a sweet boy And I'm not to blame
I didn't choose to become bitter and disillusioned


But something went wrong Something went wrong
I can't pinpoint exactly when or how, but something in my life drastically changed


And I know I'm not to blame Something went wrong Can't be to blame Ah
I'm searching for answers and trying to make sense of my current state, but I know deep down that I'm not at fault for everything that's happened to me




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: MORRISSEY, WHYTE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@donnj2172

Used to be a sweet boy
Holding so tightly
To Daddy's hand
But that was all
In some distant land
Blazer and tie
And a big bright healthy smile
Used to make all
Of our trials worthwhile
Used to be a sweet boy
And I'm not to blame
But something went wrong
Something went wrong
And I know
I'm not to blame
Something went wrong
Can't be to blame



All comments from YouTube:

@KAFKUBA

This song still makes me cry 20 years later

@KAFKUBA

One of the most overlooked songs amongst depressed people everywhere

@SisterSanMiguel

This song is like a hug to me when I’m done crying

@donnj2172

Used to be a sweet boy
Holding so tightly
To Daddy's hand
But that was all
In some distant land
Blazer and tie
And a big bright healthy smile
Used to make all
Of our trials worthwhile
Used to be a sweet boy
And I'm not to blame
But something went wrong
Something went wrong
And I know
I'm not to blame
Something went wrong
Can't be to blame

@davidmcdonald6804

This song hits hard to home. !!!!😢

@robbie007

Autobiographical about his strained relationship with his Father. The song reflects short and simply the trials of being a parent. The early pride in your son. Then something went wrong. Sad, beautiful and haunting. Short but one of his best.

@zacthompson784

my life

@KAFKUBA

Right?

@jesuslovesyou5384

Who dislikes great songs like this one

@Paul-gk1zy

I love this song, I play it loud and sing along. Too short but brilliant

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