Is 'Crash' the inspiration for 'There Is A Light That Never Goes Out'?

[VivaHollandia]

I have just read the novel 'Crash' by J.G. Ballard, a novel about car-crash fetishism (which should be read as a metaphor for the technolisation of society, or in whichever other fashion you want to read it). It made me think about the song TIALTNGO, giving it a deeper meaning. Is anyone here familiar with the link between the novel and the song, and/or does anyone know whether Morrissey knows the book?

 

[Stanley the 2nd]

I like a bit of JG Ballard and I've never heard Morrissey name check him in an interview. Don't think it was an influence for the song but I could be wrong.

 

[Old Mathew]

No, there is no relation whatsoever between the book and the song.

If the song has an influence, it's the 60s "deaths discs" scenario as typified by the Shangri-Las (see Mozipedia) or the plot in Rebel Without a Cause.

 

[Uncleskinny]

Or these lyrics from the New York Dolls' Lonely Planet Boy...

"Oh, you pick me up
Your outta drivin in your car
When I tell you where I'm goin
You're always tellin me it's to far

But how could you be drivin
Down by my home
When ya know, I aint got one
And I'm, I'm so all alone"

P.

 

[Orson Swells]

Nice thought, but no. I doubt Morrissey is the Ballardian type.

 

[Old Mathew]

Or these lyrics from the New York Dolls' Lonely Planet Boy...

"Oh, you pick me up
Your outta drivin in your car
When I tell you where I'm goin
You're always tellin me it's to far

But how could you be drivin
Down by my home
When ya know, I aint got one
And I'm, I'm so all alone"

P.

Nice to learn something new. Thanks Uncle Skinny!

 

[Amy]

I always thought Johnny was the inspiration for There Is a Light... but musically, the "Lonely Planet Boy" stuff is really interesting, the lyrics are very similar.