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.
Great Times
Jeremy Messersmith Lyrics
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One that's built to last a while
That doesn't disappoint
But I'm so tired of myself
I'd be much happier if I was someone else
Even the good times could be so much better
I'd never be lonely
And even the great times wouldn't let me down
Would it make you proud of me?
Make me understood?
If I had a fraction of your love, would it be you and me under a smiling sun?
And even the good times could be so much better
I'd never be lonely
And even the great times wouldn't let me down
Let me down
Let me down
The lyrics in the song "Great Times" by Jeremy Messersmith convey a sense of dissatisfaction with one's life situation, and a longing for something more. The singer imagines a better life, one that is built to last and does not disappoint. He admits to being tired of himself, and wishes he could be someone else. Even in the good times, he feels there is always room for improvement. The singer wonders if having a better job, being loved more, or being understood by someone would make him happier. He believes that even in the great times, something could still feel missing.
The repeated phrase "even the great times wouldn't let me down" suggests that the singer has experienced disappointment even during moments that should be enjoyable. This may be due to his own internal struggles with insecurity and dissatisfaction. The song hints at the idea that true happiness cannot be found in external circumstances, but rather from within.
Overall, "Great Times" is a deeply introspective song that invites listeners to reflect on the often-elusive nature of happiness and fulfillment. It encourages us to examine our own lives and consider what changes we could make in order to find greater contentment.
Line by Line Meaning
If I had a slightly better life
If my life were a bit more fulfilling
One that's built to last a while
A life that is stable and long-lasting
That doesn't disappoint
A life free from disappointment and failure
But I'm so tired of myself
I'm getting tired of my own personality and situation
I'd be much happier if I was someone else
I'd be happier if I had a different identity or personality
Even the good times could be so much better
I feel that even happy moments could be even better than they are
I'd never be lonely
I would never feel alone or isolated
And even the great times wouldn't let me down
Even extremely happy moments would not disappoint me
If I had a slightly better job
If I were in a more desirable or fulfilling job
Would it make you proud of me?
Does my job impress you and make you proud of me?
Make me understood?
Do people understand what I do and appreciate it?
If I had a fraction of your love, would it be you and me under a smiling sun?
If I had just a bit of your love and affection, could we be happy together?
Let me down
Disappoint or frustrate me
Contributed by Julia N. Suggest a correction in the comments below.