He Knows I'd Love To See Him

Morrissey's song 'He Knows I'd Love To See Him' delves into themes of longing, alienation, and the desire for connection. The lyrics reflect a deep yearning to see someone happy, despite the singer's own feelings of isolation and disillusionment. The repetition of 'He knows, he knows' suggests a sense of uncertainty and hope that the other person understands the singer's intentions and emotions. This repetition also emphasizes the importance of the relationship to the singer, even if it is fraught with ambiguity.

The phrase 'In the arse of the world' paints a vivid picture of the singer's sense of being in a desolate or marginalized place, both physically and emotionally. This imagery underscores the singer's feelings of being an outsider, someone who is not fully integrated into society. The desire to see the other person happy 'as close as is allowed' hints at limitations and barriers, possibly self-imposed or societal, that prevent full emotional expression and connection.

The latter part of the song shifts to a more personal reflection on the singer's reputation and societal perception. Morrissey references 'deadly deeds' and a 'bad taste in the mouth,' suggesting a past marked by controversy or misunderstood actions. The police's dismissive attitude towards the singer's 'radical views' and the notion of 'turning it on its head by staying in bed' highlight a sense of rebellion and nonconformity. This part of the song reveals the singer's struggle with societal norms and the desire to challenge them, even if it leads to further alienation. The final line, 'He doesn't know,' brings the song full circle, leaving the listener with a sense of unresolved tension and the ongoing quest for understanding and connection.