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.
Ghost
Jeremy Messersmith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Bus stop just before the dawn
Cold wind followed me somehow
Through parking lots and shopping malls
Rinse my thoughts in alcohol
Black clouds rolling over me
Even if I'm standing on it, no bridge that I won't burn
Coming back to where we started, I'm only passing through
I've become a ghost in your garden, fading into view
You broke my heart with sticks and stones
Swore I'm never coming home
Last words never written down
If there is a line I'll cross it, no lesson will I learn
Even if I'm standing on it, no bridge that I won't burn
Coming back to where we started, I'm only passing through
I've become a ghost in your garden, fading into view
Been so long since I've been gone
Doubt if you'll know me at all
Downpour, did I make you proud?
If there is a line I'll cross it, no lesson will I learn
Even if I'm standing on it, no bridge that I won't burn
Coming back to where we started, I'm only passing through
I've become a ghost in your garden, fading into view
Day is short, my shadow's long
One more hour 'till Wichita
Sunlight never felt so kind
If there is a line I'll cross it, no lesson will I learn
Even if I'm standing on it, no bridge that I won't burn
Coming back to where we started, I'm only passing through
I've become a ghost in your garden, fading into view
The Jeremy Messersmith song "Ghost" is a melancholic reflection on a painful past relationship. The singer, who is traveling through Omaha in the early morning hours, is haunted by the memories of a lost love. He is portrayed as a restless and damaged soul who can't seem to escape the painful past. The lines "If there is a line I'll cross it, no lesson will I learn, even if I'm standing on it, no bridge that I won't burn" suggest he is willing to go to any lengths to avoid confrontation or reconciliation. He feels like a ghost in the garden of his former lover, barely visible and fading by the day. The recurring symbolism of clouds and rain also highlights the singer’s emotional distress and overwhelming feelings.
The lyrics of the song depict a range of poignant and deep emotional states, such as heartbreak, longing, and regret. Even though the song is open to interpretation, it is clear from the singer's words that he has lost a great deal and can't seem to move forward. He is stuck in the cycle of wanting to move forward in life but can't seem to shake off the pain of the past. The song does not give a clear indication of who or why the singer is feeling this way, but the words are powerful enough to create a sense of shared experience with the listener.
Line by Line Meaning
One more night in Omaha
I have spent one more night in Omaha and I am about to leave the city.
Bus stop just before the dawn
I am at the bus stop and it's early dawn.
Cold wind followed me somehow
I feel the cold wind and it seems to be following me.
Through parking lots and shopping malls
I am walking through parking lots and shopping malls, on my way out of town.
Rinse my thoughts in alcohol
I am trying to forget the memories by drinking alcohol.
Black clouds rolling over me
Dark times are approaching me.
If there is a line I'll cross it, no lesson will I learn
I am willing to take risks and push boundaries even if I know I might not learn anything from it.
Even if I'm standing on it, no bridge that I won't burn
I am willing to burn bridges even if I am currently standing on them.
Coming back to where we started, I'm only passing through
I am coming back to where we started but only to pass through and not to stay.
I've become a ghost in your garden, fading into view
I am like a ghost in your garden, I am there but barely visible and slowly fading away.
You broke my heart with sticks and stones
You have hurt me with your words and actions.
Swore I'm never coming home
I have sworn that I will not come back home.
Last words never written down
We didn't get a chance to say our final goodbye or express our last feelings.
Been so long since I've been gone
It has been a long time since I left.
Doubt if you'll know me at all
I am not sure if you will recognize me anymore.
Downpour, did I make you proud?
I am wondering if I have made you proud despite the hardships I have faced.
Day is short, my shadow's long
The day feels short while my problems and worries feel endless.
One more hour 'till Wichita
Only an hour left until I reach Wichita.
Sunlight never felt so kind
After going through the rough times, the sunlight feels comforting and kind.
Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: JEREMY MATTHEW MESSERSMITH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Buzzygirl63
Jeremy doesn't know how to make a bad song. More people need to know about him!
@davidjung4775
Jackie LaVaque now people know
@RandomPlayIist
I've been entranced by his music ever since I heard a song of his played on a radio in another room. Even though I could barely hear it something struck a chord in me. I pushed pause on what I was watching, ran in and just stood and listened, making sure to write the name down when it was over. Hearing an artist for a first time and having them grab my attention like that...it's been ages since that's happened. So glad he's coming back to Pittsburgh in June since I missed the January gig.
@noamlik
Exactly what I felt yesterday when I first heard this song. You don't get much of that good stuff very often.
@CrispyCustardCreams
Makes me feel old to realise this came out 7 years ago when I first listened to it.
Still an absolute favourite of mine
@TheEpicNeonSmile
I love this. This is one of those songs that have so much emotion and power. It's one of those feel good songs
@caraliiina8453
This is such a mountains and forest in late fall kind of song
@waldoalor6544
I always appreciate when the video have the lyrics.
@ghostlyinsomniac7342
This reminds me a little bit of Of Monsters And Men's music style, its really fitting for his voice. I love this song.
@shaurab
Captain fantastic brought me here :D