The lyrics revolve around the singer feeling like they have been through too much and have ended up messed up. They express a sense of abandonment as their parents are gone, and they feel like they are dealing with their struggles alone.

Meaning of "Got Messed Up" by R.L. Burnside

The lyrics of "Got Messed Up" by R.L. Burnside reflect themes of struggle, resilience, and loneliness. The repetition of the phrase "I got messed up" emphasizes the speaker's feeling of being overwhelmed by life's challenges. The references to the absence of the speaker's parents suggest a sense of abandonment and the need to rely on oneself for strength. Despite trying to stay strong, the speaker ultimately feels defeated as they acknowledge that everything they had is now gone. The repeated refrain of "Yeah, Yeah, Yeah" could be seen as a cry of frustration or a way to release pent-up emotions. Overall, the song captures a deep sense of sorrow and isolation, while also hinting at the speaker's determination to persevere despite their hardships.