'America Is Not The World'

Morrissey's Biting Critique of his New Home

The first track on You Are The Quarry (Morrissey’s seventh studio album), 'America Is Not The World' was co-written with guitarist Alain Whyte and recorded in Los Angeles in 2004¹ according to the album credits. Along with the other material on the album, the song was produced by Jerry Finn with musicians Boz Boorer (guitar), Alain Whyte (guitar), Gary Day (bass), Dean Butterworth (drums) and Roger Manning (keyboards) performing on the song.

.

According to Morrissey's Autobiography, he relocated to Los Angeles in the mid to late 1990s. In the book, he describes purchasing a house at 1498 North Sweetzer Avenue in West Hollywood section of Los Angeles, a city he refers to as "the city of promises." He mentions waking up surrounded by palm trees and enjoying a sense of relaxation in his new environment. Clearly, his adopted country was fodder for 'America Is Not The World', a rueful meditation on the state of American culture.

Morrissey’s American abode at 1498 North Sweetzer Avenue in Los Angeles, California

The song blends love and disappointment for his new country of residence. While Morrissey expresses deep affection for America, he is also disillusioned by its casual arrogance, residual inequality, and of course its hypocrisy. And no critique of America would be complete without mention of its obsessive consumerism, lack of representation in its leadership (keep in mind that the song was written prior to Barack Obama’s ascent to the oval office), and generally negative global image. Despite all of this, Morrissey’s love for America remains genuine, which highlights a decidedly complex relationship that is paradoxically marked by both devotion and disapproval.

Morrissey’s singing is marked by a distinct clarity — it is expressively tinged with a slightly mournful sound that belies the direction of the lyrics. The guitars provide a