About the song
“Mess It Up” by The Rolling Stones is a standout track from the band’s 1983 album Undercover. Released on November 7, 1983, this song exemplifies the band’s ability to blend rock with contemporary influences, reflecting the evolving musical landscape of the early 1980s.
The song “Mess It Up” is characterized by its energetic rhythm and the gritty guitar riffs that are synonymous with The Rolling Stones’ sound. The track features a blend of rock and funk elements, showcasing the band’s versatility and their willingness to experiment with new sounds. Lyrically, “Mess It Up” deals with themes of chaos and unpredictability. The lyrics convey a sense of reckless abandon and the inevitability of mistakes, aligning with the song’s upbeat and rebellious tone.
“Mess It Up” was part of Undercover, an album that marked a significant moment in The Rolling Stones’ career. The album is noted for its incorporation of various contemporary influences, including new wave and electronic music, which was a departure from the band’s traditional rock sound. This experimentation was reflective of the broader musical trends of the early 1980s, a period characterized by a fusion of rock with other emerging genres. The inclusion of “Mess It Up” on this album highlights The Rolling Stones’ adaptability and their effort to remain relevant in a rapidly changing musical environment.
The societal impact of “Mess It Up” and the Undercover album illustrates the band’s ability to navigate and influence the musical trends of the time. The early 1980s saw a shift towards more synthetic and electronically influenced sounds, and The Rolling Stones’ engagement with these trends in Undercover reflects their ongoing relevance and ability to resonate with a contemporary audience. “Mess It Up” contributed to the album’s success, which further cemented the band’s status as rock icons who could evolve with the times.
Moreover, “Mess It Up” continues to be appreciated by fans for its raw energy and the quintessential Stones’ swagger that it embodies. It captures the essence of The Rolling Stones’ ability to blend traditional rock elements with the innovative sounds of the early 1980s, making it a notable track in their extensive catalog.
In summary, “Mess It Up” by The Rolling Stones, released on November 7, 1983, from the album Undercover, is a dynamic example of the band’s engagement with early 1980s musical trends. Its vibrant sound and thematic focus on chaos and mistakes reflect the band’s adaptability and influence during a period of significant change in the music industry. The song remains a testament to The Rolling Stones’ enduring legacy and their ability to merge their classic rock roots with contemporary innovations.
Video
Lyrics
There she goes, yeahCome onYou stole my numbers, you stole my codesYou took my keys and then you nicked my phone Seduced my landlord, broke in my home Don’t get excited, why don’t you leave me alone?You think I’ll mess it up, mess it up, mess it up all for youYou think I’ll mess it up, mess it up, mess it up all for you You think I’m really, really, really gonna really make your dreams come true Yeah, you say you really, really, really, really wanna hear the truth, ohYou shared my photos with all your friendsYeah, you put them out there, well, it don’t make no sense Oh, I said I’m sorry, mm, I know it ended bad You came to the right place, baby, at the wrong time, it’s kinda sadYou think I’ll mess it up, mess it up, mess it up all for you (all for you, yeah)You think I’ll mess it up, mess it up, mess it up all for you You think I’ll dress it up, dress it up, dress it up all for you (all for you) You say you really, really, really, really wanna hear the truth, yeah, yeah You say you really, really, really, really wanna hear the truth, yeah, come onReally wanna hear it (really wanna hear it)Really wanna hear it, baby Really wanna hear it Really wanna hear it Really wanna hear it, babe, yeah You asked the question And I won’t lieAin’t gonna mess it up, mess it up, mess it up all for youAin’t gonna mess it up, mess it up, really make your dreams come true Ain’t gonna wreck it up, wreck it up, wreck it up all for you, oh, Lord You say you really, really, really, really wanna hear the truth, oh, oh, ohReally wanna hear it, really wanna hear it (yeah, yeah)Really wanna hear it, baby, yeah Really wanna hear it, really wanna hear it Really wanna hear the truth now, really wanna hear the truth now (Wanna be honest) really wanna hear it, really wanna hear it Wanna be, wanna be honest Honest with you, baby Really wanna hear it, really wanna hear it (yeah, don’t get too excited) Baby, no, no, no, no Really wanna hear it, really wanna hear it (yeah, tell) (I wanna tell the truth, tell the truth, yeah, woo, yeah) Really wanna hear it, really wanna hear it