Well, I guess the Random iTunes Fairy is on a Smiths kick, or at least a Morrissey kick. ‘Papa Jack’ is a cut from the mopey crooner’s 1997 solo album Maladjusted.
This song appeared on only the early releases of that album, making it a bit of a collector’s item. Perhaps I’ll sell my copy one day and retire on the proceeds, as I might have done with my childhood Star Wars toys had my mother not given them away to a neighbor’s kid. (Just checking to see if you’re reading, mom!)
Maladjusted is not considered one of Morrissey’s better solo releases, though I’ve always enjoyed it. I’d rank it in the middle tier. It works better for me than many of his late-career albums.
Wants to turn
Back the clock
And reach out
To the kids
He once had
Who have flown
Papa Jack
In decline
Feels inclined
To reach out
To the kids
He once had
Who have flown
But there was a time
When the kids reached up
And Papa Jack just
Pushed them away
Looking deep
In his heart
Papa Jack
Doesn’t like
What he sees
Or the time
On his hands
The dying day
The chilly sun
Papa Jack
All alone
Sings slow
Grieving and low
But there was a time
When the kids reached up
Now you can’t always
Have it your way
Papa Jack
Ah…
Meet Me In Montauk 
Clearly, I did something to piss off the random iTunes fairy this weekend.
Unlike yesterday’s song, this one exemplifies all that I dislike about Morrissey’s pretentious style and annoying voice. If this is what you consider middle tier stuff, I pray I never hear the lower tier stuff.
I still rue the day I gave away your Star War’s toys 😦
As well you should 🙂