That's How People Grow Up

Morrissey's song 'That's How People Grow Up' delves into the often painful journey of personal growth and the disillusionment that accompanies the search for love. The lyrics reflect a sense of wasted time and effort in the pursuit of romantic relationships that ultimately lead to disappointment. Morrissey poignantly captures the bruises and hurt that come with these experiences, suggesting that such hardships are integral to the process of growing up. The repetition of the line 'That's how people grow up' underscores the inevitability of these painful lessons in the maturation process.

The song also touches on the futility of seeking love from an idealized, non-existent partner. Morrissey laments the time spent praying for a love that never materializes, highlighting the unrealistic expectations that can plague one's romantic endeavors. This realization is a crucial part of growing up, as it forces individuals to confront the reality that perfect love is often a fantasy. The lyrics 'Someone must look at me and see their sunlit dream' reflect a yearning for validation and connection, yet the repeated disappointments serve as a harsh reminder of the gap between dreams and reality.

In the latter part of the song, Morrissey shifts focus to a broader perspective on life and suffering. The mention of a deathbed revelation that 'there are other sorrows too' and the personal anecdote of a car crash that resulted in a broken spine illustrate the myriad ways in which life can be painful. These experiences serve to contextualize romantic disappointments, suggesting that there are far worse things in life than unrequited love. The closing lines, 'As for me I'm OK, for now anyway,' convey a sense of resilience and acceptance, acknowledging the ongoing nature of personal growth and the inevitability of future challenges.