The lyrics tell the story of a narrator struggling with temptation and desire towards a woman named Missy. Despite trying to resist, the narrator finds himself unable to look away or stop himself from getting involved with her. The lyrics touch on themes of longing, regret, and the inability to escape one's desires.

Meaning of "Missy" by Punch Brothers

The lyrics of "Missy" by Punch Brothers explore the internal struggle of the narrator as he tries to resist the alluring and captivating Missy. The repeated refrain of "Get thee behind me" reflects a battle against temptation inspired by religious connotations. The narrator vacillates between desire and guilt, wanting to distance himself from Missy's allure while also giving in to the seduction. Missy represents a force of temptation and desire that the narrator finds difficult to resist, leading to inner conflict and a sense of powerlessness. The imagery of "Too real, too quick, too close to home" conveys the overwhelming nature of emotions and desires that can cloud judgment and lead to regret. Despite trying to push Missy away and forget her, the narrator acknowledges that he won't be able to erase her from his memory, highlighting the enduring impact of temptation and desire.