Here is London, giddy of London
Is it home of the free
Or what?

Can you squeeze me
Into an empty page of your diary
And psychologically save me
I've got faith in you
I sense the power
Within the fingers
Within an hour the power
Could totally destroy me
(Or, it could save my life)

Oh, here is London
"Home of the brash, outrageous and free"
You are repressed
But you're remarkably dressed
Is it real?
And you're always busy

Really busy
Busy, busy
Oh, hairdresser on fire
All around Sloane Square
And you're just so busy
Busy, busy
Busy scissors
Oh, hairdresser on fire
(Only the other day)

Was a client, over-cautious
He made you nervous
And when he said
"I'm gonna sue you"
Oh, I really felt for you

So can you squeeze me
Into an empty page of your diary
And supernaturally change me?
Change me, change
Oh, here in London
"Home of the brash, outrageous and free"
You are repressed
But you're remarkably dressed
Is it real?
And you're always busy

Really busy
Busy clippers
Oh, hairdresser on fire
All around Sloane Square

And you're just too busy
To see me
Busy clippers
Oh, hairdresser on fire
(Only the other day)


Lyrics submitted by typo, edited by PGH91

Hairdresser on Fire Lyrics as written by Stephen Brian Street Steven Morrissey

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

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Hairdresser On Fire song meanings
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23 Comments

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  • +1
    General Comment

    This song is nothing as complex as that. It's just a song based on an experiance Moz had where he couldn't make an appointment with a hairdresser.

    Artificial Idioton April 11, 2005   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    You know, mopo, it could be argued that Morrissey's own interpretation of a song is not the only correct one. If you have your own interpretation of "Hairdresser on Fire," it seems silly to throw it out just because Morrissey says it's actually about trying to make an appointment with a hairdresser. Also, it seems redundant at this point to say that most things Morrissey says should prolly be taken with a grain or so of salt.

    owennnnnnnnnnon January 11, 2006   Link
  • +1
    General Comment

    There's also a comment on how the people of London are trapped and 'repressed' by the need to look stunning all the time. One of my favourite Morrissey lines of all time 'You are repressed but you're remarkably dressed'. It's a wonderfully camp song.

    mozza_fanon April 26, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    It's about how a hairdresser can make you feel so good when they make you look great, and the attraction that can happen between client and provider. Maybe in the same way that some women fall in love with their plastic surgeons.

    hidispenseron November 21, 2004   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I seriously think it's about him adoring a hair dresser. Just like it says.

    criminaleyeson January 05, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Its about the hairdressers in London, and he wants them to supernatural change him. And he thinks it will save him. ''And psychologically save me? ''

    Paper_Flowerson July 29, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    I'm never ever going to look up any of Morrissey's lyrics on this site again.

    Everytime I do, I always end up feeling destroyed, because the litterality of what he's saying ruins the songs for me. X3 It's GOTTA be more meaningful then not being able to make an appointment with your hairdresser!!! ...doesn't it?!

    mopo976on October 24, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    Rumoured to be based on the play "The Boy Hairdresser" by Orton/Halliwell.

    marquiceriseon December 28, 2005   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    hmm...I don't know criminaleyes...I mean...one of the lines being "too busy to kiss me"...I mean, that generally doesn't happen on more hairdresser visits. :)

    o.k...I know everyone hates making gay connections with Morrissey songs...but what popped into my head was hairdresser on fire = FLAMING hairdresser. I mean...it's a profession where there are a lot of 'flaming' gay men...I think maybe he liked a gay London hairdresser?

    enolfon January 30, 2006   Link
  • 0
    General Comment

    It's true. Mozza wrote this song after rushing around London, desperately trying to get his hair done into its trademark quiff before a show. I don't know whether he found it in time but it's making fun of himself as much as of people who rely on an image for their effect. In his self-deprocating fashion, he almost implies that the only reason he is so powerful and successful is because of his looks and image (especially the quiff). I think the title refers to the hairdressers being so busy, that they're 'on fire'. It's followed immediately by busy clippers etc so I think it means that rather than any gay connotations. Apart from that its a wonderfully upbeat song, and a crushing blow to the small minded people who see Morrissey as serious and depressing.

    mozza_fanon April 26, 2006   Link

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