Morrissey A-Z: "Angel, Angel, Down We Go Together"

[Deleted member 29417]

Associated with Irish folk tradition, isn't it - that's how I think of it anyway. She meets him on the road to Athy* no less.
*which is where the Mahers are from, coincidentally

It is.

 

[Mayfly]

I love the tone and sincerity of his voice here and it is a wonderful song that has held up well. Some people have said that it seems a surprising theme (the idea of Johnny being suicidal or pushed around in the music industry after the split) - but I think it aligns well with Morrissey's general attitude to Marr's sessioning and his vision of other artists using/exploiting Johnny for his abilities in Autobio.

In addition, Johnny wasn't feeling well back in 1987 / 88. He was a heavy drinker these days and getting close to a burnout.

 

[Anonymous]

If we are to take Morrissey at his word, that this song was the only one written about Johnny, does this mean that 'I Don't Mind If You Forget Me' is about a completely different relationship? Someone else he broke up with?

 

[The.Truth.]

Can a song be both a throwaway and a masterpiece? Yes. This sits perfectly on the record setting up "Late Night, Maudlin Street." One of his shortest songs followed by one of his longest. It's perfect.

 

[ZOOM FROM GLOOM]

If we are to take Morrissey at his word, that this song was the only one written about Johnny, does this mean that 'I Don't Mind If You Forget Me' is about a completely different relationship? Someone else he broke up with?

yep.

 

[SuedeMoz]

Not much to add... it's a beautiful song and the lyrics are quintessential Morrissey from this early post-Smiths era. A friend of mine once remarked that Viva Hate is the only Morrissey album you would listen to just for the music.

 

[Amy]

If we are to take Morrissey at his word, that this song was the only one written about Johnny, does this mean that 'I Don't Mind If You Forget Me' is about a completely different relationship? Someone else he broke up with?

If you believe he was telling the truth, yeah. Which I don't, at all, but I can understand why he wanted to deflect speculation at that time.

The pressure to change, to move on
Was strange and very strong
So this is why I tell you... I really do understand, BYE BYE

 

[Harsh Truth]

What do folks think of the 1991 rock live arrangement?









I like it, especially the (here mislabelled) Dallas one.

The only way I listen to this song.

 

[khealey237]

Here's a re-imagined version of Angel Angel, in a more glam/psychedelic style - as if it were a track on Years of Refusal:

 

[Janice]

Here's a re-imagined version of Angel Angel, in a more glam/psychedelic style - as if it were a track on Years of Refusal:

Good grief. I can’t ever go back in time.

 

[The.Truth.]

If we are to take Morrissey at his word, that this song was the only one written about Johnny, does this mean that 'I Don't Mind If You Forget Me' is about a completely different relationship? Someone else he broke up with?

I always thought that was one of his songs to his former fans.

 

[MrShoes]

I always thought that was one of his songs to his former fans.

It is common knowledge that this song is about Vic Tayback. Moz always loved his diners...

MrShoes

 

[crotty32]

To me this song lacks any snap if that's the right word,I just never got it.

 

[That's Enough For Me]

A beautiful and desperate song. Capable of evoking the sort of emotion that he can't now.