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.
Scientists
Jeremy Messersmith Lyrics
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Shoulda made me a liar
Made me a preacher
With a head full of fire
You coulda made me a gambler
Coulda made me a thief
Made me a salesman
But I chose water over wine
Jars of formaldehyde
Think of all the things I missed
Why'd you make me a scientist
Is this the best you've got
I'm not impressed
Anything you can do
I'll equate and project
I chose water over wine
Jars of formaldehyde
Think of everything I missed
Why'd you make me a scientist
The lyrics of Scientists, by Jeremy Messersmith, are a reflection on the choices the singer made in his life. The song begins with a series of regrets, reflecting on the different paths his life could have taken. Jeremy wonders why he wasn't made a drunkard, a liar, a preacher, or a gambler, instead. The singer seems to believe that these paths would have led to more excitement and adventure, which he feels he missed out on.
However, the singer then reveals that he chose a different path altogether – that of a scientist. In the second verse, he expresses frustration at the limitations of science, saying that he's not impressed with what it has to offer. The singer has become disillusioned with his profession, and questions whether it was the right choice for him.
The chorus sees the singer returning to his regretful tone, regretting that he chose science over other options. He laments all the things he's missed out on, and asks the question that the title of the song answers: why did you make me a scientist?
Overall, the song seems to be a reflection on the path not taken, and the ways in which life might have turned out differently. The singer regrets his choices and feels disillusioned with his profession. However, the song also suggests that there's still a chance for change; the singer's frustration may be the first step toward a new direction in life.
Line by Line Meaning
You shoulda made me a drunkard
You could have made me someone who drinks excessively
Shoulda made me a liar
You could have made me someone who tells lies
Made me a preacher
You could have made me a religious leader
With a head full of fire
With a lot of passion and enthusiasm
You coulda made me a gambler
You could have made me someone who takes risks in games of chance
Coulda made me a thief
You could have made me someone who steals from others
Made me a salesman
You could have made me someone who sells goods or services
Pockets full of receipts
With evidence of numerous transactions proving financial success
But I chose water over wine
I chose something pure over something often associated with indulgence
Jars of formaldehyde
Chemical preservatives used to prevent decay of biological specimens
Think of all the things I missed
Regretting that my choice made me miss out on other experiences
Why'd you make me a scientist
Questioning why I was given a more analytical and less adventurous path
Is this the best you've got
Asking if this is all that the world has to offer
I'm not impressed
Feeling unimpressed with what the world has to offer
Anything you can do
Any accomplishment that others have achieved
I'll equate and project
I will understand and replicate their achievement through scientific analysis and innovation
Contributed by Scarlett B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.