Billy Budd

[The Seeker of Good Songs]

I am putting this in the off-topic section because it doesn't relate in any way to Morrissey other than in the name "Billy Budd".

I was scanning through the radio dial last night while driving home and came across a talker. He was into politics and such and he said something like "...the Crucifixion of our Billy Budds by the suits..." (or generals, I don't remember exactly." He was talking about a number of Marines that are being held in Camp Pendleton for shooting Iraqis.

Shortly thereafter I arrived home and turned it off.

That's all...just the Billy Budd mention. Never heard it before other than old Mogsy's song.

[Mada]

Connected to the Billy Budd opera perhaps?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Budd_%28opera%29

[The Seeker of Good Songs]

Connected to the Billy Budd opera perhaps?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Budd_%28opera%29

I don't believe so. The topic was all current event politics, Israel, Iran, Iraq, etc.

From reading the piece you linked about Billy Budd, I think his reference may be that the Marines are innocents are are being unjustly prosecuted, but being loyal they do not fight back.

[Puddle]

sigh...i never realized so many people do not realize Billy Budd is the title of a herman melville book..."Billy Budd". both the person above and morrissey uses billy budd the character from the Melville book...so if oyu want more of an understaanding to waht the guy above is talking about, along with morrissey in the song, then read the book.

if you want to know a little about the book, read here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Budd_%28novella%29

[El Manzo]

sigh...i never realized so many people do not realize Billy Budd is the title of a herman melville book..."Billy Budd". both the person above and morrissey uses billy budd the character from the Melville book...so if oyu want more of an understaanding to waht the guy above is talking about, along with morrissey in the song, then read the book.

if you want to know a little about the book, read here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Budd_%28novella%29

Agreed. I could not believe they didn't know that masterpiece. I thought they were joking. I was a bit afraid to post a reply, plus I am a bit drunk.
Well, after all is just a book.

[The Seeker of Good Songs]

That's all...just the Billy Budd mention. Never heard it before other than old Mogsy's song.

I must clarify.

I had heard of the book before, but have not read it, yet.

My meaning was that I have never heard a talking head or other speak of "Billy Budd" before. I don't think it is something that comes up in general conversation. "Oh him, he's just a Billy Budd."

The "talker" I referenced in my first post is Michael Savage. I find him to be a very interesting radio character. When he isn't talking straight politics he is the most interesting.

[Puddle]

I must clarify.

I had heard of the book before, but have not read it, yet.

My meaning was that I have never heard a talking head or other speak of "Billy Budd" before. I don't think it is something that comes up in general conversation. "Oh him, he's just a Billy Budd."

The "talker" I referenced in my first post is Michael Savage. I find him to be a very interesting radio character. When he isn't talking straight politics he is the most interesting.

oh that does clarify...same here, i never heard otehrs use billy Budd as a reference. Billy Budd the book ws never that popular so I guess the name never really made it to everday common use in English.

[Seasick]

Billy Budd was required reading back when I was in high school.

[Oh my god, it's Robby!]

that reminds me
i have not seen Beau Travail

in a long time

[Pervomartovtsi]

no billy budd at my school,no billy budd in my Uni, no billy budd fer me

[Kewpie]

There's a film directed by Peter Ustinov and starring Terence Stamp, of course the based on Melville's novel. Stamp is the cover star of What Difference Does It Make?, which is very obvious to me where the song comes from (Billy Budd is the first major film role of Stamp).

Judging from the context, the person on the radio is referring Melville's book.

P.S. I love Claire Dennis' Beau Travail. If you haven't watched it strongly recommended. Michel Subor is one of the coolest French actors I've ever met!

[Oh my god, it's Robby!]

P.S. I love Claire Dennis' Beau Travail. If you haven't watched it strongly recommended. Michel Subor is one of the coolest French actors I've ever met!

wow, you met him cool
he's also good in;

[Puddle]

yes but at the time the song came ut "12 years on"...going back 12 years was about the time the Smiths formed...so obviously morrissey intended for the idea the song may be about Johnny Marr. This i take is obvious?

[Kewpie]

yes but at the time the song came ut "12 years on"...going back 12 years was about the time the Smiths formed...so obviously morrissey intended for the idea the song may be about Johnny Marr. This i take is obvious?

Well, in context of Morrissey's song your interpretation is appropreate.

However, Seeker of good songs is originally asking what meant the talker on the radio using Billy Budd to describe the Iraqi war situation. Most of us suggest him to read Melville's book then he'll understand it.

P.S. Robby, I'm very much into films and try not to miss film related events in London. Luckly I managed to meet Monsieur Sabor last December. He speaks fluent English which was a great surprise!

[MrRoboto]

I love the song "Billy Budd" and am particularly fascinated by the idea that it is about Johnny Marr (although it has been argued that MANY of Moz's songs are about Johnny, and that is doubtful).

I thought the heart of this theory was because in addition to writing "Billy Budd" Melville also wrote a poem titled "John Marr" which probably, understandably, caught Moz's eye?