Morrissey – "Everyday Is Like Sunday"
Overview
"Everyday Is Like Sunday" is the second single from Morrissey's debut solo album, Viva Hate (1988). Co-written with producer Stephen Street, the song is widely regarded as one of Morrissey's most iconic solo works, peaking at No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart and remaining a staple of his catalog12.
Inspiration and Background
The lyrics were inspired by Nevil Shute’s post-apocalyptic novel On the Beach, which depicts a group of people awaiting nuclear devastation in a desolate Melbourne, Australia312. Morrissey channels this sense of bleakness into a portrait of a dreary British seaside town in the off-season—a metaphor for monotony, isolation, and existential ennui. He described the British holiday resort as "a symbol of Britain's absurdity," questioning the naturalness of such places32.
Themes and Meaning
The song paints a vivid picture of desolation, loneliness, and the mundane repetition of days that feel indistinguishable—"every day is like Sunday, every day is silent and gray"456. The seaside town, described as "the coastal town that they forgot to close down," becomes a symbol for neglect, decay, and the longing for escape45. The lyrics blend melancholy with Morrissey's signature wit, as in the line about buying a postcard that reads, "How I dearly wish I was not here"32.
Musical Style and Production
- The track features a simple yet memorable bassline (inspired by Echo & the Bunnymen), lush strings, and Morrissey’s expressive vocals32.
- Stephen Street played bass and recruited Vini Reilly (guitar) and Andrew Parisi (drums) for the session, with a six-piece string section led by Fenella Barton32.
- The song’s arrangement and production enhance its sense of grandeur and melancholy.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
"Everyday Is Like Sunday" is considered a classic of alternative rock and remains one of Morrissey's best-known and most critically acclaimed songs12. It has inspired covers by artists such as 10,000 Maniacs and Pretenders, and its evocative imagery continues to resonate with listeners.
Key Facts Table
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Artist | Morrissey |
| Album | Viva Hate (1988) |
| Release Date | 30 May 1988 |
| UK Chart Peak | No. 9 |
| Songwriters | Morrissey, Stephen Street |
| Producer | Stephen Street |
| Notable Inspiration | Nevil Shute’s On the Beach |
| Notable Lyric | "How I dearly wish I was not here" |
| Themes | Monotony, isolation, seaside desolation |
Summary
"Everyday Is Like Sunday" uses the imagery of a forlorn seaside town to explore themes of monotony, alienation, and longing for escape. Its haunting melody, poetic lyrics, and rich production have secured its place as a landmark in Morrissey's solo career and in alternative music3412.
