The song "Roy's Keen" describes a window cleaner named Roy who is extremely dedicated to his job, always showing up on time with a smile and attention to detail. The narrator admires Roy's commitment and compares him to a star while portraying themselves as a satellite in Roy's orbit.

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Meaning of "Roy's Keen" by Morrissey


In "Roy's Keen," Morrissey uses the character of Roy the window cleaner to explore themes of dedication, professionalism, and the admiration for hard work. Roy is depicted as a reliable and skilled worker, always smiling and performing his job with precision. The narrator's admiration for Roy's commitment to his work can be seen as a reflection of the importance of diligence and excellence in one's craft. The analogy of the ladder as a planet, Roy as a star, and the narrator as a satellite highlights the hierarchy and symbiotic relationship between the hardworking individual (Roy) and those who orbit around him (the narrator). The repeated mention of not being able to see something right under one's nose could be a metaphor for missing the obvious or failing to appreciate the dedication and effort of others.