Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself

Morrissey's song 'Why Don't You Find Out For Yourself' delves into the harsh realities of life, trust, and betrayal. The opening line, 'The sanest days are mad,' sets the tone for a world where even the most stable moments are tinged with chaos. Morrissey invites the listener to discover these truths for themselves, suggesting that personal experience is the only way to truly understand the complexities and costs of life. The repeated refrain, 'Why don't you find out for yourself?' emphasizes the importance of firsthand experience over secondhand advice or warnings.

The song also explores the theme of exploitation, particularly in the context of career and personal growth. Morrissey warns of men who appear to have a 'special interest' in one's career, only to 'syphon all your dough.' This metaphor of hidden dangers, like 'the glass hidden in the grass,' illustrates the deceptive nature of people who seem helpful but have ulterior motives. The imagery of glass in the grass suggests something sharp and harmful that is not immediately visible, reinforcing the idea that dangers often lurk beneath the surface.

Morrissey also touches on the inevitability of bad experiences and the emotional toll they take. Lines like 'Sick down to my heart' and 'I've been stabbed in the back so many, many times' convey a deep sense of weariness and betrayal. Despite this, the song maintains a resigned acceptance of these hardships, encapsulated in the phrase 'That's just the way it goes.' This resignation is not defeatist but rather a realistic acknowledgment of life's inherent difficulties. Morrissey's candid reflection on his own mistakes and the futility of dwelling on them adds a layer of introspection, making the song a poignant commentary on the human condition.