Margaret On The Guillotine

Morrissey's song 'Margaret On The Guillotine' is a provocative and politically charged piece that reflects the artist's disdain for the policies and persona of Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The song's title and lyrics suggest a violent fantasy of liberation from Thatcher's rule, symbolized by the guillotine, a historical instrument of execution associated with the French Revolution. This imagery evokes a sense of radical change and the overthrow of oppressive power.

The repetition of the question 'When will you die?' and the plea 'Please die' underscore the depth of Morrissey's frustration and exhaustion with Thatcher's leadership. The lyrics convey a sense of weariness and disillusionment, as the artist feels 'so tired' and 'so old inside' due to the impact of her policies. This emotional fatigue is shared by 'kind people,' who dream of a world without Thatcher's influence. The song captures a collective yearning for a new beginning, free from the perceived injustices and hardships imposed by her government.

Morrissey's call to 'make the dream real' is a rallying cry for action, urging listeners to transform their discontent into tangible change. The repetition of this phrase emphasizes the urgency and importance of this message. By expressing such a controversial and extreme sentiment, Morrissey challenges his audience to confront their own feelings about political leadership and the power dynamics in society. The song serves as a stark reminder of the intense emotions and divisions that can arise in times of political turmoil, and the lengths to which people might go to envision a different future.