The Aristocracy of Nostalgia: A Lament for Lost Privilege | Eton Rifles | Morrissey

"Eton Rifles" is a song by Morrissey, released in 1992 as part of his debut solo album "Kill Uncle". The track is an ode to the Eton Rifles, an elite unit of the British Army that was formed in 1809 and dissolved in 1815. On the surface, the song appears to be a nostalgic tribute to this particular regiment, but it's also a commentary on class, privilege, and social hierarchy.

The lyrics of "Eton Rifles" are replete with references to the aristocracy and the British upper class, with Morrissey wistfully reminiscing about the Rifles' storied past. He sings about their exploits in the Napoleonic Wars, their pompous ceremonies, and their haughty disregard for the common man. Throughout the song, Morrissey's lyrics are peppered with witty observations about the absurdity of the British class system.

But beneath its tongue-in-cheek humor and wit, "Eton Rifles" is also a lamentation of the decline of traditional British aristocracy. Morrissey, as was his wont, uses irony and sarcasm to critique the excesses of the upper classes, who he believed had lost touch with reality. He pokes fun at their pretensions, their affectations, and their haughty sense of entitlement.

The song's chorus, which repeats the phrase "Eton Rifles, Eton Rifles", is often interpreted as a commentary on the British education system, particularly Eton College, the elite private school that has produced many members of the aristocracy. Morrissey's lyrics seem to suggest that this system of privilege and exclusivity is fundamentally flawed, and that it perpetuates a culture of entitlement and snobbery.

Despite its satirical tone, "Eton Rifles" is also a poignant reflection on the passing of time and the fleeting nature of human achievement. Morrissey's lyrics are full of longing and nostalgia for a bygone era, when the Eton Rifles were at their peak and the British aristocracy held sway. In this sense, the song can be seen as a commentary on the fragility of human institutions and the inevitability of decline.

Overall, "Eton Rifles" is a masterclass in Morrissey's unique blend of wit, irony, and social commentary. It's a song that rewards repeated listens and offers up insights into the British class system, the nature of privilege and entitlement, and the fragility of human institutions.