Missionary Man
Eurythmics · Live 1983 - 1989 (Disc 2)
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
Missionary Man stands as a defining track from the Eurythmics' 1985 album Touch, showcasing the duo's signature blend of new wave and synth-pop. Annie Lennox and Dave Stewart crafted a driving rhythm that captures the urgency of their mid-eighties sound, moving away from the stark minimalism of their earlier work toward a more expansive, rock-inflected production. The song explores themes of devotion and spiritual searching, delivered with Lennox's commanding vocal presence. As a staple of their live performances during this era, it remains a testament to the band's ability to merge electronic textures with emotional depth. The recording highlights their evolution into one of the most innovative acts of the 1980s, securing their place in the canon of modern pop music.