mexico

in Mexico
I went for a walk
to inhale
the tranquil, cool, lover's air
I could taste
a trace
of American chemical waste
and the small voice said,
"What can we do?"

in Mexico
I went for a walk
to inhale
the tranquil, cool, lover's air
I could sense the hate
from the Lonestar State
and a small voice said,
"What can we do?"
"Oh...what can we do?"

It seems if you're rich and you're white
you'll be alright
I just don't see why
this should be so...
If you're rich and you're white
You'll be alright
I just don't see why this should be so

In Mexico
I lay on the grass
And I cried my heart out
For want of my love
Oh, for want of my love
Oh, for want of my love

It seems if you're rich and you're white
You'll be alright
just don't see why this should be so
If you're rich and you're white
You'll be alright
It seems if you're rich and you're white
You'll be alright
just don't see why this should be so
If you're rich and you're white
You'll be alright
I just don't see why this should be so

If you're rich and you're white
Then you'll be OK
I just don't see why
This should be so

in Mexico,
I lay on the grass,
and I cried my heart out,
for want of my love...
for want of my love...
for want of my love...
for want of my love

"Mexico" is a You Are the Quarry" B-side found on the single to the infectious "First of the Gang to Die." It also can be found on the CD/DVD of You Are the Quarry. Interesting on how songs can grow on you in terms of meaning. But if you consider the song in the context of Morrissey's canceling of his Fort Worth show - I think this was the show, because I remember several members of the Maladjusted mailing list being disappointed - and the purported hatred that the conservative types in Texas have for a outspoken, homosexual guy like Moz. It is, however, clear through "America is Not the World" and this song that Morrissey himself wants to be vocal against George W. Bush. Shown through "First of the Gang to Die," Morrissey has been a sympathizer to the Hispanic/Latino community in Los Angeles, so it's not such a stretch that he might be sympathetic to the people beyond the Rio Grande, the people on the other side of the fence beyond Texas.

It's notable that despite Moz is Irish by birth and was a Mancunian for most of his life, he has a large Latino following, and at the same time, seems to understand the Latino community in his adopted Los Angeles. While "Mexico" is not specific in what groups he's speaking of, the immigrants are being championed here, because they are not "white" and don't belong here, because it's the whites who are running the show. It can be argued rather easily that the current U.S. "regime" (if you will) waves the flags of patriotism but makes most minorities uncomfortable because of the power of the Christian Coalition and other traditionally white, conservative organizations gaining increasing power in the government. Otherwise, we wouldn't have these arguments about having the Ten Commandments in various building of law in the South, and whether or not prayer should be compulsory in public schools. "Mexico" is a short, sweet, yet acerbic take on the people time (and the Bush-led government) forgot.


lyrics by Morrissey, copyrighted 2004 Attack Records, Sanctuary Group

sing your life

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