Missionary Man
Eurythmics · Revenge
Well I was born an original sinner.
I was borne from original sin.
And if I had a dollar bill
For all the things I've done
There'd be a mountain of money
Piled up to my chin...
My mother told me good
My mother told me strong.
She said "be true to yourself
And you can't go wrong."
"But there's just one thing
That you must understand."
"You can fool with your brother -
But don't mess with a missionary man."
Don't mess with a missionary man.
Don't mess with a missionary man.
Well the missionary man
He's got God in his side.
He's got the saints and apostles
Backin' up from behind.
Black eyed looks from those Bible books.
He's a man with a mission
Got a serious mind.
There was a woman in the jungle
And a monkey on a tree.
The missionary man he was followin' me.
He said "stop what you're doing."
"Get down upon your knees."
"I've a message for you that you better believe."
(Chorus repeats...)
I was borne from original sin.
And if I had a dollar bill
For all the things I've done
There'd be a mountain of money
Piled up to my chin...
My mother told me good
My mother told me strong.
She said "be true to yourself
And you can't go wrong."
"But there's just one thing
That you must understand."
"You can fool with your brother -
But don't mess with a missionary man."
Don't mess with a missionary man.
Don't mess with a missionary man.
Well the missionary man
He's got God in his side.
He's got the saints and apostles
Backin' up from behind.
Black eyed looks from those Bible books.
He's a man with a mission
Got a serious mind.
There was a woman in the jungle
And a monkey on a tree.
The missionary man he was followin' me.
He said "stop what you're doing."
"Get down upon your knees."
"I've a message for you that you better believe."
(Chorus repeats...)
Missionary Man
Released on the 1981 album Revenge, Missionary Man stands as a defining track in the new wave and synth-pop landscape. Co-written and performed by Annie Lennox alongside Dave Stewart, the song exemplifies the duo's signature blend of ethereal vocals and driving electronic rhythms. Its haunting melody and introspective lyrics captured the mood of early eighties pop, influencing countless artists who followed. The recording remains a staple of Eurythmics' discography, showcasing their ability to merge atmospheric production with emotionally resonant songwriting. As a key component of their early catalog, it solidified their reputation as pioneers of the genre.