About the song
“Rescue Mission” by Kris Kristofferson is a poignant and introspective song that explores themes of love, longing, and the desire to save someone from their struggles. Featured on his 1979 album *Spooky Lady’s Sideshow*, the song combines Kristofferson’s signature storytelling style with a deeply emotional narrative.
The lyrics depict a sense of urgency and devotion, as the narrator expresses a heartfelt determination to reach out to a loved one in distress. The concept of a “rescue mission” serves as a metaphor for the narrator’s desire to offer support and protection to someone they care about, highlighting the lengths one might go to in order to help a loved one overcome their challenges. This theme resonates with anyone who has experienced the pain of seeing someone they love suffer and feeling compelled to intervene.
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Musically, “Rescue Mission” features a gentle, acoustic arrangement that underscores the emotional weight of the lyrics. The simplicity of the instrumentation allows Kristofferson’s gravelly yet warm voice to shine, conveying both vulnerability and strength. His delivery is heartfelt, making the listener feel the urgency and sincerity behind the words.
Throughout the song, Kristofferson uses vivid imagery and relatable emotions to paint a picture of both struggle and hope. The lyrics evoke a sense of intimacy and connection, reflecting the complexities of relationships and the desire to protect those we love from harm. The chorus reinforces the central theme of the song, emphasizing the commitment to being there for someone in need.
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“Rescue Mission” also touches on the themes of sacrifice and personal struggle, acknowledging that the act of rescuing someone can come with its own challenges and vulnerabilities. Kristofferson’s candid portrayal of these dynamics adds depth to the song, making it not just a plea for help but also an exploration of the emotional toll that comes with caring for others.
“Rescue Mission” is a heartfelt and evocative song that captures the essence of love and the desire to support those we care about. Through its poignant lyrics and gentle melody, Kris Kristofferson conveys a powerful message about the importance of connection and the lengths we go to for the people we love. The song resonates with anyone who has felt the weight of responsibility and the deep compassion that comes from wanting to help someone in need, making it a timeless reflection on the human experience.
Video
Lyrics
“Rescue Mission”
Up to his golden eye
And boogied through the vestibule
While bidding us goodbye
The enemy surrounds us
And our spirits almost gone
The Devil take the cavalry
That sold us for a song
There’s Chi-Chi’s on the starboard, lads
And Chi-Chi’s in the stern
And hashish in the hookah pipes
And bonny grass to burn
Our mission is a secret
But we’re fool enough to try
We’ll sail the bloody ocean, boys
Or drink the bastard dry
“If I’d’ve been a carpenter,” the swarthy
sergeant said
“I’d never seen this ugly thing
That hangs above my head
The hell with all your heros
And the wounds they hope to show
I’m just a simple soldier, son
With one more year to go”
The Albatross was tiring
And the cook was in a stew
The filthy little cabin boy
Was whizzing in my shoe
The Captain’s wife was aging
And the first mate heard her scream
When Tommy slipped tabasco in the
Captain’s vaseline
“Our time will soon be gone,” he said
“It’s all we’ve left to lose
We’ve shot our ammunition
And we’re all but out of booze
So here’s to Irma Donegal
Here’s to Nellie Blye
And here’s to my old friend,” he said
And kissed his ass goodbye
“Give off! give off! You sorry lot.
Give off!,” the Captain cried
“we’ve lost our bloody anchor
And we’re driftin’ with the tide
The swollen surf is pounding
Like a thousand cannons roar
And I shake the hand of any man
Who guides us into shore.”
“We’re saved! We’re saved!”
The soldiers said
“We’re saved!,” the sailors cried
And soldiers climbed aboard
While sailors left from either side
Some swabbies hit the minefield and
The rifles got the rest
And somewhere there’s a schooner
Sinkin’ slowly in the west