Big Mess
Devo Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Cowboy kim I am
I am a lucky cowboy
Let me tell you why
I'm a man with a mission
A boy with a gun
I got a picture in my pocket of the lucky one
I'll announce the winner
On the radio
With my microphone
I do a super show
I wear a cowboy hat
It is my business hat
I'm on till 1:00 a.m.
I must tell you that
I'm a man with a mission
A boy with a gun
I got a picture in my pocket of the lucky one
Who doesn't know I'm a big mess
I mean a really big mess
A big big mess he was all mixed up and a
Big mess he was a
Big mess he was a
He was really mixed up
Cowboy Kim I am
Mr. reality
The most important thing
I put away my toys
With my microphone
I do a super show
I'll announce the winner
On the radio
The lyrics of Devo's song "Big Mess" are a blend of absurdity and social commentary. The song seems to be about a radio host named "Cowboy Kim" who presents himself as a "man with a mission" and "a boy with a gun." He wears a cowboy hat as his "business hat" and hosts a radio show where he announces the winner of a contest. However, he confesses that he is a "big mess" and "all mixed up."
It is possible to interpret the lyrics in several ways. One interpretation is that "Cowboy Kim" represents the exaggerated American masculinity and gun culture. His cowboy hat and gun evoke the traditional image of a cowboy, but his confession of being a "big mess" subverts this image. The line "I put away my toys" suggests that Kim is playing a role and hiding his vulnerabilities. The lyrics can be read as a criticism of the toxic masculinity that glorifies gun use and represses emotions.
Another interpretation is that the song is a critique of the media culture that promotes shallow entertainment over substance. Cowboy Kim's radio show, with his bombastic voice and superlatives, is a parody of the sensationalist media. The line "Mr. reality, the most important thing" highlights the irony of presenting fake reality as the most important thing. The chorus "Big mess he was a, big mess he was a, he was really mixed up" can be interpreted as a comment on the confusion and superficiality of the media landscape.
Overall, Devo's "Big Mess" is a sardonic commentary on American culture and media. The song uses irony, absurdity, and exaggeration to criticize the toxic masculinity and shallow entertainment of the time.
Line by Line Meaning
I am cowboy kim
The singer introduces himself as Cowboy Kim, implying that he identifies with the cowboy lifestyle or persona.
Cowboy kim I am
The singer reiterates his identity as Cowboy Kim for emphasis.
I am a lucky cowboy
Cowboy Kim considers himself lucky or fortunate to be a cowboy, and believes that this identity brings him success or good fortune.
Let me tell you why
Cowboy Kim offers to explain why he feels so lucky as a cowboy.
I'm a man with a mission
Cowboy Kim has a purpose or goal that he is actively working toward or pursuing.
A boy with a gun
Cowboy Kim may be young or inexperienced, but he wields power and influence through the use of a metaphorical gun or other instrument of force.
I got a picture in my pocket of the lucky one
Cowboy Kim has a physical representation of his good fortune, either in the form of an image or a tangible object that he keeps with him at all times.
I'll announce the winner
Cowboy Kim is responsible for revealing the outcome or results of a contest or competition to others.
On the radio
Cowboy Kim's work or duty involves broadcasting over the radio.
With my microphone
Cowboy Kim uses a specific tool or device, a microphone, as part of his job or role.
I do a super show
Cowboy Kim puts on an impressive or entertaining display, likely as part of his radio broadcast.
I wear a cowboy hat
Cowboy Kim physically identifies with the cowboy persona by wearing a hat associated with that culture.
It is my business hat
The cowboy hat is an important part of Cowboy Kim's professional wardrobe, and is more than just a fashion accessory.
I'm on till 1:00 a.m.
Cowboy Kim works late hours, possibly indicating his dedication or commitment to his job or mission.
I must tell you that
Cowboy Kim wants to emphasize the importance or urgency of what he is about to say or do.
Who doesn't know I'm a big mess
Despite his public persona and professional identity, Cowboy Kim is internally struggling or facing turmoil in his personal life.
I mean a really big mess
Cowboy Kim's problems or issues are significant and impactful to his well-being, possibly affecting his ability to perform his duties or complete his mission.
A big big mess he was all mixed up and a
Cowboy Kim's situation is heavily disordered or chaotic, suggesting that he is struggling to keep his life together or remain composed and focused.
Big mess he was a
The singer further emphasizes that Cowboy Kim is facing significant problems or challenges in his personal life.
He was really mixed up
Cowboy Kim is struggling to make sense of his problems or circumstances, and may be experiencing confusion or disorientation as a result.
Mr. reality
The artist reiterates his identity as Cowboy Kim, using a different moniker or epithet to describe himself.
The most important thing
Cowboy Kim considers one specific aspect or concept to be of utmost importance, and may be emphasizing this idea to others.
I put away my toys
Cowboy Kim is prioritizing his responsibilities or work over leisure activities or pastimes represented metaphorically as 'toys.'
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: MOTHERSBAUGH CASALE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@guyboost7311
@cosmicVox13 thank You sir
If only WB pushed
The Puppet Boy
Song or it's longer version
Remix it could been a bigger
hit then Whip it
Plus Did Jerry Casale
Said that The Shout Album
Was the most difficult
Record Album to make
Because The Fair light comupter keyboard
Gave DEVO
A Twilight Zone
Roller coaster ride
,?
@hellonavii
Big Mess
Devo
I am cowboy kim
Cowboy kim I am
I am a lucky cowboy
Let me tell you why
I'm a man with a mission
A boy with a gun
I got a picture in my pocket of the lucky one
I'll announce the winner
On the radio
With my microphone
I do a super show
I wear a cowboy hat
It is my business hat
I'm on till 1:00 a.m.
I must tell you that
I'm a man with a mission
A boy with a gun
I got a picture in my pocket of the lucky one
Who doesn't know I'm a big mess
I mean a really big mess
A big big mess he was all mixed up and a
Big mess he was a
Big mess he was a
He was really mixed up
Cowboy Kim I am
Mr. reality
The most important thing
I put away my toys
With my microphone
I do a super show
I'll announce the winner
On the radio
@kevaninthe4135
"We kept getting told we sounded like fascists or clowns so we decided to make an album that sounded like it was made by fascist clowns." Gerald Casale
@guyboost7311
Excuse Sir
Was KROQ the station
That played
Puppet Boy DEVO
1984 from The Shout Album
@guyboost7311
@cosmicVox13 thank You sir
If only WB pushed
The Puppet Boy
Song or it's longer version
Remix it could been a bigger
hit then Whip it
Plus Did Jerry Casale
Said that The Shout Album
Was the most difficult
Record Album to make
Because The Fair light comupter keyboard
Gave DEVO
A Twilight Zone
Roller coaster ride
,?
@guyboost7311
@cosmicVox13 is the station from San Francisco ?
@verapamil07
LEGENDS
@1d10tcannotmakeusername
>>fascist clowns
Hey, DEVO predicted the (satirical) Honker/Clown Pepe movement!
@rickeyb8812
I remember slam dancing to this in early high school. This was and still is a high energy song. I was called the weirdest black dude in high school!
I cut grass, washed cars, and did whatever I could to make an honest dollar to buy a boom box so I could CRANK THIS SONG! Loved the pirate song too! And all of the rest. 👍
@afauxican_american
I'm a man with a mission.
A boy with a gun.
@MiamiSpartan1
My internal organs are still vibrating from sitting in the front row at their 83 concert at Michigan State. Those synths and drums.
It was great.
@grantbusse9073
I go to MSU, what I would give to experience what you did 😱