Meaning of Missionary Man [live] by Eurythmics

In the iconic Eurythmics song "Missionary Man," Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart craft a powerful and thought-provoking narrative that explores the complexities of sin, redemption, and the clash between individuality and conformity. The song tackles these weighty themes through the lens of a missionary man, cleverly using religious imagery to convey a deeper message about personal identity and the consequences of straying from societal norms.One of the standout lyrics in the song is, "Well, I was born an original sinner, I was borne from original sin." This line not only sets the tone for the entire song but also introduces the central theme of embracing one's own innate imperfections. By acknowledging their sinful nature from birth, the singer challenges the traditional notion of striving for unattainable perfection and instead emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance. This theme resonates with listeners who often struggle with feelings of inadequacy or the pressure to conform to societal expectations.Another lyric that supports this overarching theme is, "He's a man with a mission, got a serious mind." Here, the "missionary man" represents the forces that seek to impose their beliefs and ideologies onto others. In this context, the song explores the dangers of blind faith and the importance of critical thinking. By emphasizing that the "missionary man" has God, saints, and apostles on his side, Lennox and Stewart comment on the power structures that often accompany religious dogma. This interpretation prompts listeners to question authority and recognize the potential dangers of unquestioning loyalty to any cause.The line, "There was a woman in the jungle and a monkey on a tree, Missionary man, he was followin' me," further develops the song's themes by introducing the idea of societal pressure and the struggle to break free from conformity. Here, the woman in the jungle symbolizes freedom and the pursuit of personal desires, while the monkey on the tree represents conformity and rigidity. The imagery suggests that the missionary man, emblematic of societal expectations, relentlessly follows the protagonist, attempting to suppress their individuality. This evocative metaphor encourages listeners to resist societal pressures and embrace their true selves, even when faced with judgment or disapproval.Another intriguing lyric, "But there's just one thing that you must understand, you can fool with your brother but don't mess with a missionary man," delves into the theme of boundaries and the consequences of challenging established norms. While the line initially appears straightforward, it also speaks to the delicate balance between personal freedom and social responsibility. It suggests that while one should respect and cooperate with others, there are limits to compromising one's individuality. By cleverly replacing the word "play" with "fool," the song insinuates that individuals have the power to challenge societal expectations and redefine the status quo without causing harm.Overall, "Missionary Man" is a profound exploration of sin, redemption, personal identity, and societal conformity. Through clever lyrics and imaginative storytelling, the song encourages listeners to embrace their imperfections, question authority, seek personal freedom, and create a more inclusive and accepting society. By cleverly threading these unexpected themes throughout the song, Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart provide listeners with a powerful and introspective musical experience that resonates long after the song ends. So, the next time you find yourself questioning the world around you, take a moment to listen to "Missionary Man" and let its thought-provoking themes inspire you on your journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance.