Michael
Prefab Sprout Lyrics


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All the jobs I've ever held, positions I have known
The one I was a fool to leave was
Right hand to the throne
Ambition took me speed of light
To God's exclusion zone

Michael if you're listening,
Michael who stayed true
One of us got out of line when Paradise was new
One of us was exiled and the one who wasn't you

Michael help me write a letter to you know who
I will sign it "Lucifer regrets "

Can't forget his final words were
"Ain't no comeback gonna come your way"

What if I pray?
Michael the archangel listen.
Michael don't you see?

We've come to stand for principles that
Prove free will is free
If you are on the side of good
Now where does that leave me?

Michael - help me write a letter to you know who
I will sign it "Lucifer regrets"

Can't forget his final words were
"Ain't no comeback gonna come your way"





He never could resist a sinner
Or ignore a distress call but such a fall

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of “Michael” by Prefab Sprout are complex and open to interpretation. The song is a conversation between two individuals, one of whom is Lucifer, who reflects on his past actions and regrets. The song begins with Lucifer acknowledging the many positions he has held, but also recognizing that he made a mistake when he left his right-hand position. He is now in God’s exclusion zone, feeling alone and regretful. He addresses Michael, who stayed true to his principles and is now feeling superior as he was not exiled.


Lucifer asks Michael to help him write a letter to “you know who” (presumably referring to God) and suggests signing it “Lucifer regrets”. The lyrics suggest that Lucifer is willing to make amends and that he now understands the principles that he has come to stand for. However, despite his willingness to change, he acknowledges that he cannot forget God’s final words to him, “Ain’t no comeback gonna come your way”. The song ends on a powerful note as Lucifer questions his fate and asks Michael whether he can truly be on the side of good.


Overall, the song is a reflection on the nature of sin, redemption, and free will. It suggests that even Lucifer, who is often portrayed as evil and irredeemable, has the capacity to acknowledge his mistakes and strive for change. The lyrics are open to interpretation and may resonate differently with different listeners.


Line by Line Meaning

All the jobs I've ever held, positions I have known
I've had various jobs and positions throughout my life.


The one I was a fool to leave was, right hand to the throne
Out of all the jobs I had, the one job I regret leaving was being the right-hand person to someone powerful and important.


Ambition took me speed of light, to God's exclusion zone
My ambition caused me to speed towards a place where God would not be present or accept me.


Michael if you're listening, Michael who stayed true
I'm addressing Michael, an archangel, who has stayed true to his beliefs and values.


One of us got out of line when Paradise was new
One of us, likely me, made a mistake or broke the rules when Paradise was new.


One of us was exiled and the one who wasn't you
The one who was exiled was me, and it wasn't Michael.


Michael help me write a letter to you know who
I'm asking for Michael's help to write a letter to someone whom we both know.


I will sign it "Lucifer regrets "
I will sign the letter with "Lucifer regrets," indicating my regret for my past actions.


Can't forget his final words were, "Ain't no comeback gonna come your way"
I can't forget that the last thing he said was that there would be no second chances for me.


What if I pray?
I'm wondering what will happen if I pray to be forgiven or to make things right.


Michael the archangel listen.
I'm asking Michael, as an archangel, to listen to me.


Michael don't you see?
I'm asking Michael if he understands or sees my situation.


We've come to stand for principles that prove free will is free
We believe in certain principles that demonstrate that free will is truly free.


If you are on the side of good, now where does that leave me?
If you are on the side of good, what does that mean for me? Am I no longer capable of being good?


He never could resist a sinner, or ignore a distress call but such a fall
I'm implying that God, like Michael, has a tendency to help those who have sinned or call for help, but I have still fallen.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PADDY MCALOON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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