The Meaning Behind The Song: Missionary Man by Eurythmics
“Missionary Man” is one of the most famous songs by the Eurythmics, a British pop music duo consisting of Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart. It was released in 1986 as part of their album “Revenge” and quickly became a hit.
The song’s lyrics are quite cryptic, but they seem to be about a man who is on a mission. Some people think that he is a religious figure, while others interpret him as a political or social activist. In any case, the song is known for its powerful beat, catchy melody, and enigmatic lyrics.
The Lyrics
Before we delve deeper into the meaning behind “Missionary Man,” let’s take a closer look at its lyrics. Here they are in full:
“Well I was born an original sinner
I was born from original sin
And if I had a dollar bill for all the things I’ve done
There’d be a mountain of money piled up to my chin…
My mother told me good
My mother told me strong
She said ‘be true to yourself
And you can’t go wrong’
But there’s just one thing that you must understand
You can fool with your brother
But don’t mess with a missionary man
Don’t mess with a missionary man
Don’t mess with a missionary man
Well the missionary man
He’s got God on his side
He’s got the saints and apostles
Backin’ up from behind
Black eyed looks from those Bible books
He’s a man with a mission
Got a serious mind
There was a woman in the jungle
And a monkey on a tree
The missionary man he was followin’ me
He said ‘stop what you’re doing
Get down upon your knees
I’ve got a message for you
That you better believe'”
Interpretations
As you can see, these lyrics are quite open to interpretation. However, here are some of the most common theories about what “Missionary Man” means:
– The man in the song is a religious missionary or preacher who is trying to convert people to Christianity. The main clue for this theory is the line “Don’t mess with a missionary man,” which suggests that this person is quite powerful and respected.
– The man could also be a political or social activist who is trying to change the world in some way. Some people think that the line “He’s got God on his side” could refer to a belief in justice or righteousness rather than a literal reference to religion.
– Another interpretation could be that the song is about power dynamics between men and women. The line “There was a woman in the jungle / And a monkey on a tree / The missionary man he was followin’ me” could be seen as a metaphor for a man obsessing over a woman and trying to control her.
– Finally, it’s worth noting that the song’s lyrics could simply be a collection of random phrases and ideas that sound good together. Annie Lennox has said in interviews that she often writes lyrics that don’t have a specific meaning and that she enjoys playing with words and metaphors.
The Music Video
The music video for “Missionary Man” is also worth discussing, as it adds another layer of meaning to the song. Directed by Willy Smax, the video features Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart performing the song in front of a large projection of various images, including footage of natural disasters, war, and political protests.
The video is quite chaotic and frenzied, with quick cuts and flashes of light that make it hard to focus on any particular image. This frenetic energy matches the intensity of the song’s lyrics and adds a sense of urgency to the whole composition.
FAQs
What genre is the song “Missionary Man” by Eurythmics?
“Missionary Man” is generally classified as a pop/rock song, with some elements of electronic music. The Eurythmics were known for blending different styles and genres, and “Missionary Man” is no exception. The song has a powerful beat, catchy melody, and a driving energy that make it a staple of ’80s pop music.
Is “Missionary Man” a religious song?
While the lyrics of “Missionary Man” do mention God and saints, the song is not necessarily religious in nature. Some people interpret the man in the song as a religious missionary or preacher, but others see him as a political or social activist. Ultimately, the song’s meaning is open to interpretation, and it’s up to the listener to decide whether there is any religious overtones to the song.
What is the story behind the music video for “Missionary Man?”
The music video for “Missionary Man” was directed by Willy Smax and features Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart performing the song in front of a large projection of various images, including footage of natural disasters, war, and political protests. The video is quite frenzied and chaotic, with quick cuts and flashes of light that match the intensity of the song’s lyrics. Some people see the images in the video as a commentary on global issues such as war and poverty.
What inspired Annie Lennox to write the lyrics for “Missionary Man?”
Annie Lennox has said in interviews that she often writes lyrics that don’t have a specific meaning and that she enjoys playing with words and metaphors. While she hasn’t revealed what specifically inspired her to write the lyrics for “Missionary Man,” it’s likely that she was drawn to the powerful beat and driving energy of the song, and simply wanted to create words that matched that intensity.
Is there any religious meaning to the song title “Missionary Man?”
The term “missionary” typically refers to a religious figure who is on a mission to convert people to Christianity. While the man in the song could be interpreted as a religious missionary, the song’s lyrics are open to other interpretations as well. It’s also worth noting that the term “missionary” can have other connotations, such as a person who is on a mission or quest to achieve a particular goal.
What other songs are on the Eurythmics’ album “Revenge?”
“Revenge” is the sixth studio album by the Eurythmics and was released in 1986. In addition to “Missionary Man,” it features the following tracks: “Thorn in My Side,” “When Tomorrow Comes,” “The Last Time,” “Miracle of Love,” “Let’s Go,” “Take Your Pain Away,” “A Little of You,” “In This Town,” and “I Remember You.”
What other Eurythmics songs are popular?
The Eurythmics were one of the most popular pop music duos of the 1980s and released many hit songs. Some of their other famous tracks include “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” “Here Comes the Rain Again,” “Would I Lie to You?,” “Love Is a Stranger,” and “Sisters Are Doing It for Themselves” (a collaboration with Aretha Franklin).
What is the Eurythmics’ legacy in music?
The Eurythmics are widely regarded as one of the most important pop music duos of all time. They were highly influential in the 1980s and helped define the sound of New Wave, electronic, and synthpop music. Their songs are still played on the radio today and their influence can be heard in the work of many contemporary musicians.
What other musical projects have Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart been involved in?
Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart both have successful solo careers in addition to their work with the Eurythmics. Lennox has released several acclaimed albums, including “Diva” and “Medusa,” and is known for her powerful voice and socially conscious lyrics. Stewart has worked as a producer and collaborated with many other musicians, including Mick Jagger, Tom Petty, and No Doubt.
Has “Missionary Man” been used in any movies or TV shows?
Yes, “Missionary Man” has been featured in several movies and TV shows over the years. It appeared in the 1987 film “Some Kind of Wonderful” and the 2010 film “The Other Guys,” as well as in various TV shows such as “Breaking Bad” and “Halt and Catch Fire.”
What awards or accolades has “Missionary Man” received?
While “Missionary Man” was a hit at the time of its release, it didn’t win any major music awards or accolades. However, the song is still well-regarded today and is often cited as one of the best examples of the Eurythmics’ work.
What other ’80s pop music is similar to “Missionary Man?”
“Missionary Man” is similar in style and sound to many other pop music hits of the 1980s. Some other songs from this era that share a similar vibe include “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” by Simple Minds, and “What’s Love Got to Do with It” by Tina Turner.
What does the line “I was born an original sinner” mean?
The line “I was born an original sinner” is a reference to the Christian belief that all humans are born with a sinful nature due to the original sin committed by Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. However, it’s worth noting that the line could also be interpreted more broadly as a statement about human nature in general, and not necessarily as a religious reference.
