Meaning of “Messenger” by Sevendust
The wording of “Messenger” is relatively confusing, even for a Sevendust song. Luckily one of its co-writers, Clint Lowery, has explained that this piece is intended to speak to the concept of personal arrogance.
That sentiment does sorta come through in the chorus, whereas the vocalist puts forth that “we’re just passengers living our arrogant lives”. But shortly thereafter he follows that up with the titular observation, that “for all we know (we’re) selfish and cynical, killing the messenger”, which is not as easy to understand.
As far as the actual verses go, they apparently serve the purpose of delineating some of the negative effects of adopting such a modus operandi, i.e. being arrogant and self-centered. But what terminology such as “wash(ing) all the blood away” and “drown(ing) in blood today” has to do with the main subject matter at hand is far from being clear.
But as for the pre-chorus, it is obviously advising such individuals, in a roundabout way, not to get too caught up in believing their own press, as such a mentality is not easy to break away from. And relatedly, the bridge seems to argue that being too self-centered results in a life of loneliness.
But ultimately, let us conclude by saying that being very cognizant of the aforenoted backdrop behind “Messenger” is essential to understanding its intended message. Otherwise, this piece could be easily misinterpreted or misunderstood in other ways.
“All we know
We’re just the passengers living our arrogant lives
For all we know
Selfish and cynical, killing the messenger, it’s all that we know”
Credits for “Messenger”
Beside the aforementioned Clint Lowery, the other writers of “Messenger” are a couple of his bandmates, John Connolly and Morgan Rose. The producer of the song is Michael “Elvis” Baskette.
Release Date
This track hit the marketplace on 28 July 2023 as part of “Truth Killer”, Sevendust’s 14th studio LP. The entire album is a product of Napalm Records.
