"Boxers" is a song by
Morrissey
Steven Patrick Morrissey (; born 22 May 1959), known professionally as Morrissey, is an English singer and songwriter. He came to prominence as the frontman and lyricist of rock band the Smiths, who were active from 1982 to 1987. Since then ...
, released in January 1995 to promote a
tour of the same name.
The single reached number 23 in the UK Singles Chart, despite not featuring on an album at the time of the release. The title track and the two B-sides would later be compiled on the ''
World of Morrissey
''World of Morrissey'' is a compilation album released in 1995 by Morrissey. It was one of three Morrissey releases EMI deleted from its catalogue on 14 December 2010 along with ''Beethoven Was Deaf'' & '' Suedehead: The Best of Morrissey''. ...
'' that was released in February that year.
Track listings
7" vinyl and cassette
# "Boxers"
# "Have-a-Go Merchant"
12" vinyl and CD
# "Boxers"
# "Have-a-Go Merchant"
# "Whatever Happens, I Love You"
Reviews
The single was given a favourable review in ''
Q'' magazine, with Ian Harrison writing that the song "is as good as anything he's done" and that the single made you "realise how few singers can leave you as despondent, elated or intrigued". ''
NME
''New Musical Express'' (''NME'') is a British music, film, gaming, and culture website and brand. Founded as a newspaper in 1952, with the publication being referred to as a 'rock inkie', the NME would become a magazine that ended up as a f ...
'' gave it a negative review, with John Mulvey declaring the single was "just another example of his tedious obsession with bits of rough who'd give him a kicking given half a chance" and that "any enjoyment of his records nowadays is tainted by the fact that a nasty taste from all those obnoxious, apologist, quasi-libertarian quotes still lingers."
In his review for AllMusic Ned Raggett found the song to be "a fine enough number, with a good overall performance and production to recommend it."
Musicians
* Morrissey: vocals
* Alain Whyte: guitar
* Boz Boorer: guitar, sax, clarinet
* Jonny Bridgwood: bass guitar
* Woodie Taylor: drums
Live performances
The song was performed live by Morrissey on his 1995 and 2000 tours.
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Boxers (Song)
Morrissey songs
1995 singles
Songs written by Morrissey
Songs written by Alain Whyte
1995 songs
Parlophone singles