Swords cover

Swords

Morrissey · 2009

100 min · 26 tracks · alternative rock

A collection of sharp, introspective tracks wrapped in Morrissey's distinctively sardonic and melodic style.

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Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ganglord — This track stands out with its dark narrative about violence and societal decay, showcasing Morrissey's ability to blend poignant commentary with catchy melodies.
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    I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris — A fan-favorite, this song captures a sense of longing and nostalgia with its lush instrumentation and evocative lyrics reflecting on love and place.
  • →
    Life Is a Pigsty — With its lengthy runtime, this track allows for deep emotional exploration, featuring rich imagery and a haunting melody that encapsulates the album's darker themes.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • wave-like emotional fluctuations
  • acerbic reflections on life
  • dynamic journey with peaks
  • thought-provoking lyrical introspection
  • suitable for reflective afternoons

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer immediate gratification
  • seek upbeat party vibes

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Deep Cut — A compilation of B-sides, not a major entry point for new listeners.
Themes
societal decay· Parisian longing· dark nostalgia
Career context
Released in 2009, Swords is a compilation album that features B-sides from Morrissey’s previous records, including the critically acclaimed Years of Refusal. At this point in his career, Morrissey was navigating a resurgence in popularity while also facing scrutiny for his controversial public statements and personal life. This album further solidified his status as a provocative figure in the music industry.
Stylistic neighbors
The Smiths· Pulp· Echo & the Bunnymen
New to Morrissey? Find your way in →

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

Disc 1

  • 1 Good Looking Man About Town 2:52
  • 2 Don’t Make Fun of Daddy’s Voice 2:51
  • 3 If You Don’t Like Me, Don’t Look at Me 3:38
  • 4 Ganglord 5:14
  • 5 My Dearest Love 3:54
  • 6 The Never‐Played Symphonies 3:01
  • 7 Sweetie‐Pie 4:19
  • 8 Christian Dior 3:56
  • 9 Shame Is the Name 3:49
  • 10 Munich Air Disaster 1958 2:28
  • 11 I Knew I Was Next 3:45
  • 12 It’s Hard to Walk Tall When You’re Small 3:29
  • 13 Teenage Dad on His Estate 4:04
  • 14 Children in Pieces 4:01
  • 15 Friday Mourning 4:05
  • 16 My Life Is a Succession of People Saying Goodbye 2:50
  • 17 Drive‐In Saturday 5:01
  • 18 Because of My Poor Education 3:23

Disc 2

  • 1 Black Cloud 3:08
  • 2 I’m Throwing My Arms Around Paris 2:36
  • 3 I Just Want to See the Boy Happy 2:49
  • 4 Why Don’t You Find Out for Yourself 3:37
  • 5 One Day Goodbye Will Be Farewell 3:03
  • 6 You Just Haven’t Earned it Yet, Baby 3:13
  • 7 Life Is a Pigsty 8:55
  • 8 I’m OK by Myself 6:03

What to play next

Years of Refusal
Listen next

Years of Refusal

2009

Continues the introspective themes with a more energetic sound.
Ringleader of the Tormentors
Go back to

Ringleader of the Tormentors

2006

Sets the stage with similar lyrical depth and melodic style.
Full Morrissey discography Where to start with Morrissey Artists like Morrissey
alternative rock indie pop indie rock

If this landed

Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.

Strangeways, Here We Come

Strangeways, Here We Come

The Smiths

Shares a similar sardonic lyricism and introspective melody with themes of societal decay.

Different Class

Different Class

Pulp

Explores dark nostalgia and societal themes with a sharp wit and melodic pop sensibility.

If You're Feeling Sinister

If You're Feeling Sinister

Belle and Sebastian

Features introspective lyrics and melodic jangle pop that evoke a sense of longing and nostalgia.

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata