The song lyrics were written by the band Van Halen, as they were asked to write a song for the 1979 movie "Over the Edge" starring Matt Dillon. The movie (and the lyrics, although more obliquely) are about bored, rebellious youth with nothing better to do than get into trouble. If you see the movie, these lyrics will make more sense. It's a great movie if you grew up in the 70s/80s you'll definitely remember some of these characters from your own life. Fun fact, after writing the song, Van Halen decided not to let the movie use it.
""I saddle my horse as fast as I can \""The message is urgent find the man!\"" The camp soon vanishes out of my sight As I rush my black steed into the night I am the messenger of fate I spur on my horse the hour is late I am the herald I am the sign My only enemy is time Hooves hit the rocky ground The clatter echoes all around Alone I ride come what may The stars in the nightsky guide my way today On my arrival will you welcome me? The sign is given can't you see? All hail the Messenger Strong by heart wind or rain Won't stop the Messenger The news are on the way The faith of man lies in my hands At last I fly through the gate Men woman children... \""Out of my way!\"" Up the winding alley with fury I ride I jump off my horseback and push the doors aside All hail the Messenger Strong by heart wind or rain Won't stop the Messenger The news are on their way You are the Messenger Strong by heart wind or rain Won't stop the Messenger The news are on their way Fate now lies in your own hands""
Add your thoughts
Log in now to tell us what you think this song means.
Don’t have an account? Create an account with SongMeanings to post comments, submit lyrics, and more. It’s super easy, we promise!
More Featured Meanings
Light Up The Sky
Van Halen
Van Halen
Bron-Y-Aur Stomp
Led Zeppelin
Led Zeppelin
This is about bronies. They communicate by stomping.
Magical
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
How would you describe the feeling of being in love? For Ed Sheeran, the word is “Magical.” in HIS three-minute album opener, he makes an attempt to capture the beauty and delicacy of true love with words. He describes the magic of it all over a bright Pop song produced by Aaron Dessner.
Amazing
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran tells a story of unsuccessfully trying to feel “Amazing.” This track is about the being weighed down by emotional stress despite valiant attempts to find some positivity in the situation. This track was written by Ed Sheeran from the perspective of his friend. From the track, we see this person fall deeper into the negative thoughts and slide further down the path of mental torment with every lyric.
American Town
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran
Ed Sheeran shares a short story of reconnecting with an old flame on “American Town.” The track is about a holiday Ed Sheeran spends with his countrywoman who resides in America. The two are back together after a long period apart, and get around to enjoying a bunch of fun activities while rekindling the flames of their romance.
"One of our oldest songs. The lyrical content about "The Messenger" is somewhat deeper than on first sight, based on thoughts on things like "fate", religion and so on. A catchy song that makes you ride along the messenger. Atmospheric and big."