Missionary Man

Eurythmics' song 'Missionary Man' delves into themes of sin, redemption, and the complex interplay between personal freedom and religious dogma. The opening lines, 'Well I was born an original sinner / I was borne from original sin,' set the stage for a narrative steeped in the concept of inherent human imperfection. This idea is further emphasized by the mention of a 'mountain of money' representing the protagonist's accumulated sins, suggesting a life filled with moral transgressions and the weight of guilt that comes with them.

The advice from the protagonist's mother, 'be true to yourself / And you can't go wrong,' introduces a counterpoint to the religious overtones. It speaks to the importance of personal integrity and authenticity. However, the warning 'don't mess with a missionary man' serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of challenging religious authority. The 'missionary man' symbolizes a figure of moral and spiritual authority, someone who is unwavering in their beliefs and backed by divine support, as indicated by 'He's got God on his side / He's got the saints and apostles / Backin' up from behind.' This character is portrayed as both intimidating and relentless, a person on a divine mission who demands submission and obedience.

The imagery of the 'woman in the jungle' and the 'monkey on a tree' adds a layer of exoticism and perhaps a critique of colonial missionary work. The missionary man's insistence that the protagonist 'get down upon your knees' and heed his message underscores the tension between individual freedom and the imposition of religious beliefs. This dynamic can be seen as a broader commentary on the often coercive nature of religious evangelism and the struggle for personal autonomy in the face of such pressures.