Morrissey Releases New Single ‘Notre-Dame’ After Dropping Controversial Terrorism Lyric

Explore Morrissey’s heartfelt tribute with his new single ‘Notre-Dame,’ now free from its disputed lyric about terrorism.

A Fresh Take on a Powerful Tribute

When Morrissey puts out new music, it’s bound to stir the pot—and his latest single, ‘Notre-Dame’, is no exception. What makes this release particularly noteworthy isn’t just the song itself but the fact that Morrissey has chosen to alter a controversial lyric he performed live in the past, sidestepping the terrorism reference that raised eyebrows.

The track is a mid-tempo indie-rock jam, layered with that signature wobbling synth line that gently pulls you in. Morrissey’s muse here? The catastrophic fire that ravaged the historic Parisian cathedral Notre-Dame on April 15, 2019. The heartache and awe of that moment bleed through the lyrics:
"Notre-Dame, we know who tried to kill you," he sings with conviction, followed by the defiant, "Notre-Dame, we will not be silent."

The Tragedy Behind the Song

The fire at Notre-Dame shook the world. The cathedral, a towering symbol of history and culture, was closed for five long years, undergoing renovations that cost north of $700 million. Yet, five years on, the mystery lingers. Investigations into the fire’s cause hit a wall, with no clear culprit emerging.

Paris’ chief prosecutor, Laure Beccuau, summed it up in April 2024, saying,

“Every avenue, including the hypothesis of a human role in the origin of this fire (has been) explored since the beginning of the investigation. But the truth is that the closer we have got to the spot the fire started, and the more results of analyses come back, the more weight is lent to the theory of an accident.”

This ambiguity is reflected in Morrissey’s lyric revision. While he originally sang during live shows in 2023,
"Before investigations/They said, ‘It’s not terrorism’,"
the studio version now opts for the less charged line:
"Before investigations/They said, ‘There’s nothing to see here.’"

Listen to ‘Notre-Dame’ Here

You can listen to Morrissey’s evocative new single below:

‘Notre-Dame’ and the Road to ‘Make-Up Is A Lie’

This single is the second taste from Morrissey’s upcoming album Make-Up Is A Lie, marking his first full studio release in six years. Announced last month, the album’s title track was unveiled alongside this poignant follow-up.

Scheduled for release on March 6 via Sire Records, Morrissey’s new partnership comes after a public split from Capitol Records, which he described as a voluntary withdrawal from any association. This album stands apart from the long-delayed Bonfire Of Teenagers, an album that remains shrouded in controversy and uncertainty.

Behind the Scenes: Album Drama and Political Shadows

The troubles surrounding Bonfire Of Teenagers have been well documented over the years. Morrissey’s accusations that Capitol Records signed the album solely to sabotage it, and claims that the label’s CEO sought to derail his career, paint a picture of artist-label tension at its peak.

Adding to the saga, Miley Cyrus was originally featured on the album, lending vocals to the song I Am Veronica. Recorded in 2020, Cyrus later requested her backing vocals be removed—speculation suggests that Morrissey’s political views and his support for the controversial far-right party For Britain played a part in this decision.

Despite the political turmoil, Morrissey maintains that he is not far right. Even Johnny Marr, his former bandmate from The Smiths, has publicly expressed concerns, noting how these controversies have cast a long shadow over their legacy.

Recently, Morrissey revealed he’s bought back the rights to Bonfire Of Teenagers, but whether it will ever see the light of day remains a mystery.

Morrissey’s 2026 Tour: Hits and Hiccups

Fans can catch Morrissey on his European tour this February, kicking off in Denmark on the 13th. A major headline date at London’s O2 Arena promises to be the tour’s highlight and Morrissey’s only UK show for the year.

Unfortunately, the tour has faced setbacks. Health issues have caused Morrissey to cancel five shows, including stops in Florida, San Diego, St. Louis, and Atlanta. Reports cite “artist illness” and an adverse reaction to prescription medication as reasons for the cancellations—reminding us all that even rock legends need a break now and then.

Wrapping Up

Morrissey’s Notre-Dame is more than just a single; it’s a reflection of an artist grappling with history, controversy, and reinvention. His decision to revise the lyrics shows a sensitivity to complex issues while still maintaining his signature poetic flair.

What do you think of Morrissey’s new direction? Does Notre-Dame strike the right balance between tribute and controversy? Drop your thoughts!

FAQ

• Which event inspired Morrissey’s song ‘Notre-Dame’?
  The song was inspired by the tragic fire that damaged the Notre-Dame cathedral in Paris on April 15, 2019.
• How has Morrissey altered the controversial lyric in ‘Notre-Dame’?
  The original live lyric referencing terrorism was replaced in the studio version with a line suggesting nothing suspicious: “Before investigations/They said, ‘There’s nothing to see here.’”
• When is Morrissey’s album ‘Make-Up Is A Lie’ releasing?
  The album is set to drop on March 6 via Sire Records.
• What’s the story behind Morrissey’s split from Capitol Records?
  Morrissey voluntarily severed ties with Capitol, claiming the label sabotaged his work, particularly regarding the delayed Bonfire Of Teenagers album.
• Will Bonfire Of Teenagers ever be released?
  Morrissey has regained the album’s rights, but there’s no clear timeline for its release.

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