T. H. Auden
Well-Known Member
Or just entertainment in general
In my country the top flat/penthouse is usually the most expensive one. It's interesting with these cultural differences
TheSmiths_1985
I know, right?
TheSmiths_1985
I know, right?
smiler
Junior Member
Veronica Franco - Wikipedia
TheSmiths_1985
I know, right?
They are. She definitely is.
A
Anonymous
Guest
I think like a lot of Morrissey's lyrics, it can be about mutliple things at once. The surface 'prostitute named Veronica' reading is certainly present, and there has already been some great analysis on this thread (I must admit thinking about the connection between 'bell ringing' and clitoris tickling, but was too shy to put it, so glad I'm not the only one). I think the verse about animals may well be encouraging someone (possibly a younger Morrissey with all his hangups) to get with it and join in with nature and their natural urges (birds do it, beeds do it - even educated dolphins, fish and owls do it). An acceptance of physical sexuality has certainly been a recurring theme since 'Ringleader' and 'At Last I A Born'.
At the same time I can certainly see elements of Morrissey casting himself in the role of 'musical prostitute' ( as I believe Freddie Mercury once referred to himself). Here are my musical wares, he entices the listener/record companies: this could be your last chance, so download my songs into your pocket device and love me, love me, as you'll miss me when Im gone. Again, a recurring Morrissey theme. Heck, he'll even play harmonica.
There's also a touch of just persuading people to more generally let go of the routine and follow their dreams, with the stuff about make their mark and become the spark. It reminds me of one of the few decent lines in 'List of the Lost': Look at the blue of the sky and tell me why you held back. Did you think there would one day be a bluer sky and a better hour?
At the same time I can certainly see elements of Morrissey casting himself in the role of 'musical prostitute' ( as I believe Freddie Mercury once referred to himself). Here are my musical wares, he entices the listener/record companies: this could be your last chance, so download my songs into your pocket device and love me, love me, as you'll miss me when Im gone. Again, a recurring Morrissey theme. Heck, he'll even play harmonica.
There's also a touch of just persuading people to more generally let go of the routine and follow their dreams, with the stuff about make their mark and become the spark. It reminds me of one of the few decent lines in 'List of the Lost': Look at the blue of the sky and tell me why you held back. Did you think there would one day be a bluer sky and a better hour?
Raked Up Mistakes
I'm jealous, that's all
The song is extremely catchy — it’s certainly imbedded itself in my brain and won’t let loose. I feel like it’s surprisingly uplifting? My first thought regarding the subject matter was Veronica Lake, before actually hearing it. Agree about the prostitution theme… perhaps some thinly veiled reference to LA Confidential? 
Regardless, I’m so thankful it’s out in the ether! Finally.
Regardless, I’m so thankful it’s out in the ether! Finally.
A
Anonymous
Guest
She's fairly in vogue - I heard a radio documentary about her only a couple of months ago, and given Morrissey's previous interest in both poetry and feminism there may well be an influence here. Not sure if residences had 'top bells' in 16th century Venice though?Veronica Franco - Wikipedia
en.wikipedia.org
nicky wire's legs
Christ is king!
and the thing about pressing your finger hard on the top bell is totally morrissey style innuendo
nicky wire's legs
Christ is king!
actually the oldest profession in the world is midwifery
Redacted
Perfectly Satisfied
It is and sometimes he uses nature/animals as euphemism for sex, not sure if euphemism is the right word and I am totally ok with being corrected.
The top bell could be literal too, there is a UK site where johns, I guess also known as punters because it's punternet or something review prostitutes (rad fems directed me to this site and started reading and could not believe the men who cannot believe these women are really just in it for the money and don't really like them, so the negative reviews range from comical to disturbing and I got a little too interested). I've read it a few times and a they describe the premises as part of the review and say which bell you ring or talk about ringing the bell to be let in, so I was wondering of M reads there when's he's bored too lol
Redacted
Perfectly Satisfied
Right? Because how would the prostitutes be born.
J
j*e*t
Guest
I wish Central would publish the lyrics.
Raphael Lambach
Well-Known Member
What does mean the line "press your finger hard/ on the top bell"? What's "top bell"?
A
Anonymous
Guest
Probably referring to a Soho walk-up style establishment that 'Veronica' works at. London used to be full of these places when I was a kid, but I think they've mostly been closed down now.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soho_walk-up
ZOOM FROM GLOOM
LASCIATE OGNI SPERANZA!
Singing is also a profession older than America, and it is what Morrissey does.
And she is one of his favorites….
Veronica Yvette Greenfield (née Bennett; August 10, 1943 – January 12, 2022), known professionally ...
en.m.wikipedia.org
And she is one of his favorites….
Veronica Yvette Greenfield (née Bennett; August 10, 1943 – January 12, 2022), known professionally ...
Ronnie Spector - Wikipedia
A
Anonymous
Guest
Singers and midwifes? Yeah, yeah - very nice - but we all know what this phrase really means
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldest_profession_(phrase)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oldest_profession_(phrase)
