The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get

Morrissey's 'The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get' is a song that delves into the complexities of unrequited love and obsession. The lyrics convey a sense of persistence and determination in the face of indifference. The repeated lines 'The more you ignore me, The closer I get' suggest a paradoxical relationship between the singer and the object of his affection, where neglect only fuels his desire to get closer. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of desire and how sometimes, the less attention we receive, the more we crave it.

The song also touches on themes of intrusion and the inability to let go. Morrissey sings about becoming a 'central part' of someone's 'mind's landscape,' indicating an almost invasive presence in the person's thoughts. The comparison to 'a bad debt that you can't pay' reinforces the idea of an unwanted yet inescapable attachment. The tone of the song is both menacing and pleading, as the singer warns the listener to 'beware' and simultaneously begs to be let in. This duality captures the tension between wanting to be close to someone who may not feel the same way and the darker, more obsessive side of love.

Musically, Morrissey is known for his distinctive voice and melancholic, introspective lyrics, often exploring themes of alienation and longing. 'The More You Ignore Me, The Closer I Get' is no exception, with its haunting melody and Morrissey's emotive delivery amplifying the song's themes. The song's title itself encapsulates the essence of the lyrics, presenting a stark look at the lengths one might go to in pursuit of a connection, even when it's not reciprocated.