Meaning of "I Wish You Lonely" by Morrissey

"I Wish You Lonely" delves into the emotions and experiences of isolation, highlighting the narrator's deep sense of being trapped in a monotonous routine. The opening lines, "I wish you lonely, if only for one day, so that you might see routine for me since the day I was born," imply a longing for others to understand the solitude and lack of fulfillment that the narrator feels. This desire for empathy is juxtaposed with the following lines, "Think of yourself only, of everything you demand or you want or you need, and to hell, to hell! with everybody else, everybody else." It showcases a sense of bitterness and frustration towards those who prioritize their own desires without considering the impact on others.

The song also touches upon themes of political power and societal indifference. The line "Tombs are full of fools who gave their life upon command of monarchy, oligarch, head of state, potentate" criticizes the blind loyalty and sacrifice made by individuals for the agendas of those in positions of power. The repetition of "never coming back" emphasizes the permanent consequences of such decisions. Similarly, the mention of "romance gone wrong" reflects on the disappointment and failed expectations in relationships, with the recurring phrase "never coming true" conveying a sense of hopelessness and disillusionment.

Using "heroin" as a metaphor, the lyrics explore self-destructive patterns and addictions. It suggests that individuals sacrifice themselves and their potential for personal growth, akin to the lives lost to drug addiction. The repeated line "never coming back" reinforces the idea that once caught in such destructive patterns, it becomes difficult to escape their grasp.

The song concludes with the narrator expressing a wish for the listener to embody the strength and resilience of the last tracked humpback whale. This metaphor symbolizes the ability to withstand and resist the pressures imposed by others, to never give in to conformity or societal demands.

Overall, "I Wish You Lonely" conveys a sense of frustration, loneliness, and a desire for understanding. It explores themes of isolation, self-centeredness, societal indifference, political power, unfulfilled romantic expectations, and the destructive patterns of addiction.