Lyrics
There was a wicked messenger
Introduction of a sinister messenger figure
From Eli he did come
Identifies the messenger's origin as Eli
With a mind that multiplied
Describes the messenger's intelligent and influential mind
The smallest matter
Emphasizes the messenger's ability to magnify small issues
When questioned who had sent for him
The messenger is questioned about his sender
He answered with his thumb
He responds with a non-verbal gesture, using his thumb
For his tongue it could not speak
Highlights the messenger's inability to speak truthfully
But only flatter
His speech is limited to flattery
He stayed behind the assembly hall
He stays in a hidden place, possibly scheming
It was there that he made his bed
Specifies the location where the messenger stays
Often times he could be seen returning
Implies secretive and furtive actions by the messenger
Until one day he just appeared
The messenger reappears suddenly with a written message
With a note in his hand which read
Describes the content of the note, hinting at distress
"The soles of my feet, I swear they're burning"
Expresses a sense of urgency or discomfort experienced by the messenger
The leaves began to fallin'
Nature reacts to the messenger's presence – symbolic of disruption
And the seas began to part
Continues the theme of natural disturbance
And the people that confronted him were many
Confrontation with many people, indicating the messenger's impact
The leaves began to fallin'
Repetition of natural disturbance as a consequence of the messenger
And the seas began to part
Reiteration of disrupted seas, symbolizing chaos
And the people that confronted him were many
Repeats the theme of confrontation with numerous individuals
And he was told these last few words
The messenger receives impactful advice or revelation
Which opened up his heart
The advice leads to a change in the messenger's perspective
"If ye cannot bring good news, then don't bring any"
A profound statement advising against sharing negative information
"If ye cannot bring good news, then don't bring any"
Repetition of the advice for emphasis
And opened up his heart
The messenger internalizes the advice, opening up emotionally
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