Song meaning of Hello Mister Curtis (With Apologies) by Magazine

The lyrics of "Hello Mister Curtis (With Apologies)" by Magazine convey a dark and introspective message about pain, suffering, and the desire for escape. The song opens with an acknowledgement of past mistakes and offers apologies, suggesting a sense of guilt or regret. 

The references to Mister Curtis and Mister Cobain, likely referring to Ian Curtis of Joy Division and Kurt Cobain of Nirvana, evoke a sense of admiration for their bravery in expressing their pain through their art. The plea to "tell me where the hurt is" and "exactly where is the pain" shows a desire to understand and empathize with their struggles.

The repetition of the phrase "Your agony, your agony, your agony, remove me from this agony" further emphasizes the longing to be freed from one's own torment. The repetition of "so do it again, please do it again" seems to suggest a desire for these figures to recreate their expression of pain, as if it offers some kind of solace or understanding.

The lyrics then shift to address Mister Curtis directly, perhaps as a way to pay homage to his memory. The line "may we never forget" signifies a desire to preserve the artistic legacy impacted by their pain. However, the following lines take a morbid turn, expressing a decision "to die like a king, like Elvis, on some godforsaken toilet." This could be seen as a reference to the tragic and premature deaths of these artists and a reflection on the fleeting nature of fame and success.

Ultimately, the repetition of the phrase "I hope I die before I get really old" reflects a desire to escape the burdens and struggles of life, suggesting that the pain and agony are too overwhelming to endure until old age. The song's message appears to be a contemplation on the complexities of pain, the allure of escape, and the fragility of human existence.