The lyrics describe Jacky, who is only happy when performing on stage as a way to cope with the loss of someone important to her. She uses the stage to create a sense of make-believe and prove her worth, but struggles offstage, showing signs of cracking under the pressure of real life.

Meaning of "Jacky's Only Happy When She's Up on the Stage" by Morrissey

The lyrics delve into the concept of escapism and the performing arts as a coping mechanism for personal pain and loss. Jacky finds solace and happiness on the stage, using it as a way to fill the void left by the person she lost. The stage provides her with a platform to create a different reality where she can control the narrative and make sense of her emotions. However, when forced to confront the harsh realities of life offstage, she struggles to cope, showing signs of vulnerability and cracks in her facade. The repetition of the word "exit" in the latter part of the lyrics suggests a desire to escape or avoid facing her inner turmoil. Overall, the lyrics depict a complex character who uses performance as a shield from her inner struggles but ultimately finds herself unable to escape them entirely.