Morrissey is indeed an odd man with views that range from the puzzling to the distinctly unpleasant. But Zoe Williams’ article (A Morrissey tribute band separates the art from the artist – but I still end up feeling queasy, 30 July), which took issue with the song Irish Blood, English Heart, betrays a misunderstanding of the lyrics.
Like Morrissey, my parents were Irish immigrants to England, although it only served as a way station before they emigrated to the US. This song, disparaged by Williams as some type of nascent anthem of the Reform party, articulates the complex feelings regarding country of citizenship and country of heritage that many first-generation residents of England, the US, Canada etc feel, regardless of where they are from.
Never would I parse out the line “I’ve been dreaming of a time when / To be English is not to be baneful / To be standing by the flag not feeling shameful / Racist or partial” to be some type of rightwing call to arms. Indeed, the lyrics seem to take issue with the racism and classism historically promulgated under the cover of the union flag, and long for a day when all English people (including those of other heritages) can stand under their flag proudly, knowing the banner represents their better natures.
John Mathews
Riverside, Illinois, US
• I concur with Zoe Williams’ description of the discomfort erstwhile fans of The Smiths and Morrissey’s music experience in their efforts separating art from artist. However, it’s possible to reconcile the lyrics of Irish Blood, English Heart with a worldview that isn’t prejudicial or sectarian. For many years, I’ve bemoaned the hijacking of the union flag by the far right. It should be possible to be proud of one’s country without being part of that minority of racists and bigots who are lying when they claim to be patriots. The nation’s flag doesn’t belong to them, and these lyrics do not belong to the Tommy Robinsons of this world.
Patrick Smith
Bury, Greater Manchester
• Does Zoe Williams really think that the Lee Andersons and Nigel Farages of Reform would sing along with: “And spit upon the name Oliver Cromwell / And denounce this royal line / That still salute him and will salute him forever”?
Stephanie Smith
Glasgow
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