One day you might hear someone knocking
Loudly at your door
And you know it must be bad news
Absolutely sure

You must realize before you
Strike the very first blow
He's the one who only tells you
What you already know
Lay not a finger on him
Beat not oh bruise not
His skinny skin skin

No don't ever harm the messenger

Understand he came a long way
Only on a lonely road
Multiplying were his trials
Heavy was his load
Understand his heart was breaking
Never once did he sleep
And no hollow log kept him warm
No council did he keep
Give him food, give him a bed
Touch not one single hair on his head

No don't ever harm the messenger
Don't ever harm the messenger
It could be you

Copyright: Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Writer(s): PAUL MAURICE KELLY