Messersmith is not only a musician is half-truth, but also a storyteller. His first full-length release The Alcatraz Kid is a moving collection of acoustic-driven lullabies with titles like “Novocain” and “Beautiful Children” that innocently question the purpose of things to come. The integrity of these delicate songs immediately struck a chord with critics and fans alike, and captured the attention of Semisonic’s Dan Wilson, who offered to produce Messersmith’s follow-up album, The Silver City.
The Silver City was a natural progression in sound and reflection: the compositions grew fuller and more dynamic with a classic-pop feel inspired by the Beach Boys and Beatles: While the topics focused on midlife struggles with tracks like “Dead End Job” and “Miracles.” Local and national attention soon followed with NPR and college stations around the country, followed by U.S. tours and sold-out shows in New York, Chicago and Minneapolis.
The Reluctant Graveyard bookends this trilogy of lifelong (ahem, literary) observations with songs like “Lazy Bones” and “Organ Donor,” and sonically continues on the ’60s chamber pop path Messersmith set out with his sophomore release. He continues to share stages with notables such as Sondre Lechre and The Watson Twins, and has been featured on MTV and Ugly Betty.
7:02
Jeremy Messersmith Lyrics
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than just what we paint it
I've heard that life is more
than asphalt and pavement
But it's hard to see,
through the traffic and the fumes
I can't be everywhere,
I've heard that love
Is a game for the fools who play it
I've heard that war
Is a shame for the fools who wage it
But I'm getting tired
Throwing flowers at a tomb
I've got to run along
So I'll be home by 7:02
I can't carry the world on my own
And you can't help me,
But you can hold my hand if you wanted to
Just kiss me once or twice
When I get home at 7:02
The song "7:02" by Jeremy Messersmith starts with a reflection on the nature of life - how it's more than the tangible things that we see around us, but rather something bigger and subjective. However, it's hard to see beyond the "traffic and fumes" of day-to-day life. The lyrics then move on to talk about love and war, both of which are associated with being foolish pursuits. The singer expresses his tiredness of constantly carrying flowers to a tomb, implying that he wants to move away from the senselessness of war and focus on his personal life. In spite of all this, he still wants to get back home on time - by 7:02 - show that he hasn't lost his sense of responsibility.
Line by Line Meaning
I've heard that life is more than just what we paint it
Life is multi-faceted and can't be reduced to only what we experience or perceive.
I've heard that life is more than asphalt and pavement
Life isn't limited to just the daily routines or physical environments we find ourselves in.
But it's hard to see, through the traffic and the fumes
It's difficult to maintain perspective on the bigger picture when we're inundated with distractions and obstacles.
I can't be everywhere, but I'll be home by 7:02
While I can't control everything that happens in life, I can make an effort to be present for those who matter to me.
I've heard that love is a game for the fools who play it
Some people view love as a trivial pursuit or one that doesn't end well.
I've heard that war is a shame for the fools who wage it
Conflict is often the result of irrational decisions or inability to empathize with others.
But I'm getting tired, Throwing flowers at a tomb
Paying respect to something that's already gone or failed can be draining and demotivating.
I've got to run along, So I'll be home by 7:02
I can't stay stagnant and need to keep moving towards my own goals and aspirations.
I can't carry the world on my own
I'm not able to shoulder all of the burdens and struggles of life alone.
And you can't help me, But you can hold my hand if you wanted to
While you may not be able to lessen my burden directly, your mere presence and support can go a long way.
Just kiss me once or twice, When I get home at 7:02
Small gestures of affection and appreciation can have a big impact on one's well-being and mood.
Contributed by Elijah N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.