Oh Well, I'll Never Learn

Morrissey's Diamond In The Rough

Cover of the UK CD release of the ‘Suedehead’ single

This song was very likely written in the interim between the end of the Smiths and the beginning of Morrissey's solo career. It was likely recorded during the Viva Hate sessions which took place between October and December 1987 at Wool Hall Studios in Bath, with producer Stephen Street¹ as the song’s co-writer. The musicians on the recording are Vini Reilly (guitar), Stephen Street (bass) and Andrew Paresi (drums).

‘Oh Well, I’ll Never Learn’ saw limited release, appearing only on the UK CD and cassette maxi-single (as well as the Israel cassette single) of the ‘Suedehead’ single.

Israel cassette release of the ‘Suedehead’ single

The song was later released in 2000 on EMI’s box collection compilation album, The CD Singles '88-91'.

EMI’s The CD Singles '88-91'

2009 saw another compilation album release of the song on HMV/Parlophone Singles ‘88-’95. The song was included on 2015’s The Parlophone Singles '88-'95, which is essentially a reissue of the 2009 compilation album with an identical cover.

The 2009 HMV/Parlophone Singles ‘88-’95 compilation album

France’s Les Inrockuptibles magazine also included ‘Oh Well, I’ll Never Learn’ on a compilation promotional giveaway called Un Automne 88, which was included in its October/November 1988 issue. This promotional giveaway came in vinyl, cassette, and CD formats.

Les Inrockuptibles magazine No. 13, October/November 1988. This issue contained the giveaway CD containing ‘Oh Well, I’ll Never Learn’

Cover of Un Automne 88

6th track consisting of Morrissey’s ‘Oh Well, I’ll Never Learn’ (vinyl format of Un Automne 88)

A largely overlooked diamond in the rough with a Velvet Underground flavored sound and style, 'Oh Well, I'll Never Learn' is an all too short, sweet, introspective song that speaks² of a guileless individual who cannot help but live his life his own way, guided by his own principles, however naive or (perhaps) misguided, in a world that is largely indifferent. The song is profound not despite its delicate simplicity, but because of it.

The UK maxi-single ‘Suedehead’ CD

Interestingly, the passage of time underscores the raw honestly of Morrissey's lyrics given his recurring problems with scores of record companies over the last 3+ decades - indeed, Morrissey doesn't learn - nor does he wish to learn to compromise his principles and fall in line as all too many artists do (the 'go along to get ahead' approach, which Morrissey eschews with considerable venom).

The author believes that the song could have been greatly expanded upon, and with a bit of musical daring (think of building upon the retro-sound with robust guitar and enhanced strings) and a dash of deft production, it had the makings of a coup de maître. Those unfortunates who fall victim to dreaming can easily envision 'Oh Well, I'll Never Learn' being a masterful Smiths track at the hands of Johnny Marr. One can only wonder at what could have been.

Listen to 'Oh Well, I'll Never Learn' here:

1. Stephen Brian Street (born March 29, 1960 in Hackney, London) is an English record producer best known for his work with the Smiths, the Cranberries and Blur. Street collaborated with Morrissey on his debut album, Viva Hate following the dissolution of the Smiths.

Stephen Street in the studio

2. Looking up at the sign

It said "Please Keep Away"

And so in I ran

You see, I'll never learn

Oh, I'll never learn

I'll never learn

Chapter one again

Here I go again

I found the Fountain of Youth

And I fell in

How could I ever win?

I'll never learn

I'll never learn

I'll never learn

Why should I mind?

Why should I care?

I'll never learn

I'll never learn