The Messenger
Johnny Marr Lyrics
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Life you want it takes long
To see him so happy, you find you talking if you want.
Don't wanna be a messenger.
To see it in something,
Your eyes are opened and you're on
I'm here and I'm ready,
Who wants to be a messenger?
Who wants to be a messenger?
We could get going.
Who wants to be a messenger?
Who wants to be the messenger?
We could get going.
Who wants to be a messenger?
We could get on
Johnny Marr's The Messenger is a song that reflects on the pursuit of happiness and the lengths we go to in order to find it. The first verse presents a sense of longing and impatience for a happy life, while the second verse speaks to the idea that one's perception of life can change the way they view their situation. The repeated refrain of "who wants to be a messenger?" feels like a call to reject the idea of being an intermediary or middleman - someone who is bringing news instead of experiencing it for themselves, which creates a sense of urgency to live life to the fullest.
The Messenger has a frenetic, driving rhythm that makes it perfect for dancing, and the lyrics feel like Marr's rallying cry to live in the moment and seize the day. The chorus feels like it's encouraging the listener to take control of their life and make it what they want it to be, rather than waiting for something good to happen to them.
The song is heavily guitar-driven, with bright, jangly guitars and a driving rhythm section that gives the song a sense of urgency and intensity. Overall, The Messenger is an upbeat and empowering track that encourages listeners to take control and live their best lives.
Line by Line Meaning
To see it in something,
When you are finally able to see and understand something clearly,
Life you want it takes long
Achieving the life you desire takes a lot of time and effort
To see him so happy, you find you talking if you want.
When you witness someone's happiness, you may become inclined to speak your mind
Don't wanna be a messenger.
The artist does not want to convey messages or serve as a middleman
Your eyes are opened and you're on
You have become aware of something and are ready to take action
I'm here and I'm ready,
The singer is present and prepared
My time's for taking if you want.
If someone desires to take advantage of the singer's time, it is available
Who wants to be a messenger?
The artist questions who would want to be a messenger or intermediary
We could get going.
The artist suggests taking action or making progress
Who wants to be the messenger?
The artist repeats their previous question, emphasizing the undesirability of being a messenger
We could get going.
The singer repeats their suggestion to take action
Who wants to be a messenger?
The artist asks the same question again, as a rhetorical device
We could get on
The singer urges others to begin making progress towards a goal
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAMES DOVIAK, JOHNNY MARR
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@HuntersMoon73
No one plays guitar like Johnny. I love his singing too.
@jessereamer5804
Today is my day off, so cheers to a cup of coffee and listening to Johnny Marr!
@rafaelguerrero4162
I´m a postman, this is the first tune
when I start my route.
@camilamiranda3559
XD
@jnicholson00
Rafael Guerrero so fitting
@powturn77
Lol sick.. so you don’t really walk u just kind of transport..👊🏻
@flyonawndshield
Johnny was amazingly nice when I met him years ago. I'll never forget that. I have absolute respect for the man.
@thunder3ish
Special pop music has a lightness that makes it seem throwaway, but which,at the end of the day, is a contributing ingredient to its specialness, its greatness.
@fbarrie
This video is a prime example of how important music video still is today. It flows so well and really illustrates the sound of the track. Piece of art - love it, well done.
@Fullbatteri
Love how he has evolved his sound!
Johnny kept the Smiths sound.
Morrissey the lyrics.
And I love both so much.