Mistake The Enemy

Jim Sturgess's song "Mistake The Enemy" delves into the complexities of faith, self-reflection, and the human tendency to misidentify the true sources of our struggles. The lyrics suggest a journey through various belief systems and personal battles, urging listeners to look deeper into their own actions and beliefs rather than blaming external forces for their troubles.

The song opens with a call for something to believe in, highlighting the human need for faith and stability. Sturgess critiques the fickleness of belief, as people often change their faiths like the wind. This is evident in the lines about yapping for Jesus and scratching the eyes of Buddha, symbolizing the superficial and sometimes destructive ways people approach religion. The repeated refrain, "The devil's not my enemy," suggests that the real enemy lies within ourselves, not in external figures or deities.

Sturgess also touches on the theme of addiction, both to substances and to harmful behaviors. The line "So you tapped the smack for romance, now it is your steady job" paints a vivid picture of someone turning to drugs as a misguided solution to their problems. The song warns against mistaking these temporary fixes for true remedies, emphasizing that the real enemy is often our own choices and actions. The lyrics encourage self-awareness and caution against self-deception, urging listeners to confront their inner demons rather than projecting them onto others.

In the final verses, Sturgess questions the wisdom of those who impose rigid, angry rules, suggesting that such bitterness only leads to more harm. The song concludes with a powerful message: if there's poison in the maker, don't mistake the enemy. This line encapsulates the central theme of the song, urging listeners to look within and address their own flaws and misconceptions rather than blaming external forces for their woes.