First of the Gang To Die

Morrissey's 'First of the Gang to Die' is a song that intertwines themes of love, rebellion, and the tragic fate of a young outlaw. The lyrics paint a picture of a character named Hector, who is romanticized as a sort of anti-hero, the first among his peers to engage in criminal activities, to be incarcerated, and ultimately, to meet a premature death. The song's opening lines set a tone of romantic disillusionment, suggesting that true love is something beyond ordinary experience, perhaps only understood by those living on the fringes of society.

The chorus glorifies Hector, the titular 'first of the gang to die,' highlighting his rebellious spirit and the impact he had on those around him. Morrissey's portrayal of Hector is both critical and sympathetic, acknowledging the senseless violence of his actions ('the bullet in his gullet') while also recognizing the social conditions that may have led to his lifestyle ('he stole from the rich and the poor'). The repetition of 'he stole our hearts away' at the end of the song suggests a deep, albeit conflicted, admiration for Hector's defiance in the face of a society that he and his 'Pretty Petty Thieves' feel alienated from.

Morrissey, known for his poetic and often melancholic lyrics, uses the character of Hector to explore the allure of the outlaw figure and the cost of living outside the law. The song's setting in Los Angeles, a city notorious for its stark contrasts between wealth and poverty, provides a backdrop for this narrative of doomed youth and the fleeting nature of infamy. The song's emotional resonance lies in its ability to evoke a sense of longing for a life lived at full tilt, despite—or perhaps because of—its inevitable end.