Meaning of “Our Frank” by Morrissey

The song Our Frank is from Morrissey’s 1991 second solo studio album titled Kill Uncle. Contrary to a number of stories out there, Our Frank isn’t a song about a person named Frank, and neither is it a song about Morrissey’s hero singer Frank Sinatra. The lyrics of Our Frank simply talk about “deep conversations” which are “frank and open”.

Throughout the song, the narrator (Morrissey) talks to his conversation partner of how despairing and frustrating those “frank and open” conversations they have been having can be and how they get him nowhere. It is not until the final verse of the song that it is revealed to the listener that Morrissey is actually talking to himself.

Facts about “Our Frank”

• Our Frank‘s lyrics and music were written by Morrissey and Mark E. C. Nevin respectively. The latter also played guitar on the track.
• The song’s production was handled by Alan Winstanley and Clive Langer.
• The song was officially released on February 11th, 1991 and was the first track on Kill Uncle.
• A number of prominent musicians played on this track, including Mark Bedford (best known for his membership of Madness) and actor, comedian and drummer Andrew McGibbon who played bass guitar and drums respectively.
• Our Frank peaked at the 26th position on the UK Singles Chart.
• Morrissey rarely performs the song live. Since performing it during his 1991 Kill Uncle tour he hasn’t performed the song live again.
• Morrissey strongly disliked the song’s music video, which was directed by John Maybury. According to Morrissey, the video was so bad that he and his team tried hiding it from the public.