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.
Love You to Pieces
Jeremy Messersmith Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Holding you and holding back.
But I held too tight and it broke and it shattered,
I was watching while you cracked.
The day at the lake when I made funny faces
And then we laughed so hard it hurt.
Now I'm a ghost floating and shapeless
And I'll come back down.
I'll come back down.
I'll come back down.
Eventually.
I've made mistakes and I've blown second chances
and there's some things I can't reverse.
I don't want more minute romances
I want to love you til you burst.
So ready or not I'm gonna love you to pieces
The only way that I know how.
I've gotta hunch that you're just what I needed
and I'm gonna love you til you burst
In "Love You to Pieces," singer-songwriter Jeremy Messersmith reflects on the fragility of love and the consequences of trying to hold on too tight. The first verse sets the tone, as Messersmith admits that he was unable to keep his grasp on something he valued deeply, causing it to break and shatter before his eyes. The image of watching while something cracks is haunting and poignant, a powerful metaphor for the pain of losing a loved one. The second verse then contrasts this memory with a happier one, as Messersmith reminisces about a moment when he and his partner shared a joyful experience, laughing so hard that it hurt. The song then returns to the present, where Messersmith confesses his mistakes and the things he can't change, but declares his willingness to persevere and commit to the relationship fully. The chorus emphasizes this determination, as Messersmith promises to love his partner until she bursts. It's an intense expression of devotion, but one that recognizes the challenges and risks inherent in loving someone deeply.
What makes "Love You to Pieces" such a powerful song is the way that it captures the complexity of human relationships. On one hand, it acknowledges how difficult it can be to maintain a connection with someone you care about deeply, especially as time passes and priorities shift. On the other hand, it celebrates the power and beauty of love, even in the face of uncertainty and loss. By balancing these emotions and experiences, Messersmith creates a song that feels authentic and relatable, one that speaks to the universal themes of love, loss, and the need for human connection.
Line by Line Meaning
I had a thought I never could capture
There was a thought that kept eluding me
Holding you and holding back.
I was restraining myself while holding you tight
But I held too tight and it broke and it shattered,
Unfortunately, my love was too intense and it ended in destruction
I was watching while you cracked.
I witnessed the damage that I caused in you
The day at the lake when I made funny faces
There was a moment of joy we shared by a lake
And then we laughed so hard it hurt.
We were laughing uncontrollably, to the point of pain
Now I'm a ghost floating and shapeless
I feel like I am just a ghost, without a recognizable shape or form
Trying to come back down to earth.
I am trying to ground myself and get back to reality
And I'll come back down.
I will eventually find stability and presence
I'll come back down.
I will keep striving for a grounded state
I'll come back down.
I will not stop until I achieve a sense of peace
Eventually.
It will take time, but I am patient
I've made mistakes and I've blown second chances
I have made errors and missed opportunities to make amends
and there's some things I can't reverse.
Some things are beyond my control and cannot be undone
I don't want more minute romances
I am not interested in fleeting and shallow connections
I want to love you til you burst.
I want to give my all and love you completely
So ready or not I'm gonna love you to pieces
Whether you are ready or not, I am going to pour out my love for you completely
The only way that I know how.
Loving you entirely is the only way that makes sense to me
I've gotta hunch that you're just what I needed
I have a strong intuition that you are the missing piece in my life
and I'm gonna love you til you burst
I will love you unconditionally and without reservation
Contributed by Natalie E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Allison Duckworth
ok..... im a songwriter and i wish wish WISH i could write songs this simply touching. the lyrics dont even have to try to wrench your heart and move you, they just do
kahhhrahhh
Probably my all time favorite Messersmith song. Probably one of my favorite songs in general.
Janellaboo
truly a thoughtful singer songwriter and a lovely person.. all his album are full of colorful thoughts and feelings that translate well out of his beautiful voice!
Ali Daniels
Couldn't agree more. The last part when the music really kicks in just gives me chills every single time.
Brielle Brennan
Everything Jeremy Messersmith does is magical and (bitter)sweet to me. I hope Jeremy never stops—his live shows are the best!! He’s the nicest artist I know. I can’t wait to see you again Jeremy and Dan!!
JE_Warrior14
This one is pretty god, but i personally like "A girl, a boy, and a graveyard." But then again he's good as it is.
KelliConan
If you want sad enjoyable, then his stuff is perfect. With these kind of lyrics, I'd normally skip those songs 'cause they're more sad than enjoyable for me. He's great👍.
valedeer
Has this ever been used in a tv soundtrack? it's weirdly familiar
Callie Jacobs
My teacher plays with him and he shows us his songs and such. He's the one who got me hooked on his songs!! Best. Teacher. Ever.
Emerald Kjerstad
his music honestly, is the glue that holds me together lately.