In mid-1977 the band moved to the UK, where it became apparent that they and their label had different ideas as to how they should be marketed. EMI planned to sell The Saints as a typical punk band complete with ripped clothes. The Saints insisted on wearing collared shirts and sweaters, and left their hair long. The original line-up consisted of vocalist Chris Bailey, guitarist Ed Kuepper and Ivor Hay on drums with Kym Bradshaw and later Algy Ward on bass.
Kuepper, Hay and Ward left the band in 1978, but Chris Bailey continued touring and recording as The Saints with a revolving line-up of musicians throughout the 80's including the late Janine Hall on bass. The Saints' commercial breakthrough into the US came in 1986 with the album "All Fools Day", with the video for "Just Like Fire Would" receiving airplay on MTV.
After releasing a couple of records under his own name, Bailey reformed The Saints in 1996. Once again without any of the other founding members but they have reunited occasionally to perform live. The Saints music could often be heard in the background during episodes of Neighbours in the 1990's!
The current line-up is:
Chris Bailey - Guitar and vocals
Caspar Wijnberg - Bass
Peter Wilkinson - Drums
Other bands:
2) A Reggae Band.
3) Polish klezmer band from Cracow.
4) Saints (sans The) is an experimental group from Goleta, CA.
5) '60s British band recorded by Joe Meek.
6) An American 60's uptown soul group.
Messin' With the Kid
The Saints Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
going round in circles all of the time
you've played their game now for so long can't see
what in the world are they trying to do to me
Sometimes you get that old lost feeling
Sometimes it hits you when you're feeling down
It's that old feeling that brings you down
I say it makes you crawl, right up the nearest wall
see all the girls now they are so pretty
but all their smiling faces are just going to pass you by
it don't make no difference
no matter how hard you try..
Sometimes you get that old lost feeling
Sometimes it hits you when you're feeling down
You been hanging around the alleys hanging around the bars looking for some fun but there is none & there you are...
looking for some action looking for some fun but you are down in the gfutter & you don't get none no no there is nothing left to do.....
How do you feel now that it's all over
your kid dreams all melted under the sun
just like a kid take a trip down to the sea
I am struck out in the middle
with nothing left to say
Sometimes you get that old lost feeling
Sometimes it hits you when you're feeling down
The lyrics to The Saints' song "Messin' With The Kid" talk about the struggles of being a young man and feeling lost in the world. The singer talks about feeling like he's going in circles and playing a game he can't seem to win. He also mentions the frustration of seeing pretty girls and feeling like he can't connect with them. The feeling of being lost is a common thread throughout the song, as the singer talks about hanging around alleys and bars, looking for something to do.
The lyrics are relatable to anyone who has ever felt aimless or unsure about their place in the world. The song captures the frustration and confusion that can come with being a young person trying to find their way. The singer's admission that sometimes he gets that old lost feeling is a poignant reminder of the challenges of growing up and figuring out who you are.
The use of repetition in the lyrics also reinforces the message of feeling stuck or trapped. The chorus repeats the line "Sometimes you get that old lost feeling" multiple times, giving the sense that this feeling is pervasive and hard to shake. The heavy drums and guitar in the background add to the sense of frustration and restlessness.
Line by Line Meaning
It ain't too easy being a young man
Being a young man is difficult
going round in circles all of the time
Feeling stuck and not making progress
you've played their game now for so long can't see
Following the rules for too long and losing sight of one's own desires
what in the world are they trying to do to me
Feeling confused about others' intentions or actions towards oneself
Sometimes you get that old lost feeling
Occasional feelings of being lost or directionless
Sometimes it hits you when you're feeling down
These feelings can come on when feeling sad or hopeless
It's that old feeling that brings you down
These feelings can negatively impact one's mental health
I say it makes you crawl, right up the nearest wall
These feelings can be overwhelming and make one feel powerless
You walk down the main street out in the city
Walking around in the city
see all the girls now they are so pretty
Noticing attractive women
but all their smiling faces are just going to pass you by
Knowing that these interactions are fleeting and temporary
it don't make no difference
These interactions ultimately don't matter
no matter how hard you try..
One cannot force these interactions to have more meaning
You been hanging around the alleys hanging around the bars looking for some fun but there is none & there you are...
Failing to find enjoyment in social activities
looking for some action looking for some fun but you are down in the gfutter & you don't get none no no there is nothing left to do.....
Feeling bored and unfulfilled
How do you feel now that it's all over
Reflecting on past dreams that have gone unfulfilled
your kid dreams all melted under the sun
Realizing that youthful dreams have not come to fruition
just like a kid take a trip down to the sea
Taking a metaphorical trip to escape reality
I am struck out in the middle
Feeling lost and unsure of one's place in the world
with nothing left to say
Feeling like there's nothing left to do or contribute
Sometimes you get that old lost feeling
Reiterating the theme of feeling directionless
Sometimes it hits you when you're feeling down
Acknowledging that these feelings can strike at any time
Contributed by Skyler A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.