This Time Dad You're Wrong
Arthur Russell Lyrics


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Well, I'm not just a fool; I sat alone for an hour and thought. I know I broke the rules, I knew it there on the spot; but what I did was alright, and I knew all along, in spite of the warning I got, 'cause this time, Dad you're wrong. I'll prove it to you, no, I'm not just a fool. I'm not just a fool, no, I'll prove it to you. Well, I can't tell you why, might not know why until after it's through, but at least I've got to try, and then you might understand too. But love is why I go back, like I knew all along, the fact is I even love you, 'cause this time, Dad you're wrong. I'll prove it to you, no, I'm not just a fool. I'm not just a fool, no, I'll prove it to you




Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Arthur Russell's "This Time Dad You're Wrong" speak to the rebellious nature of youth and the universal desire to prove oneself right in spite of the warnings and advice of those who have come before. The singer asserts that they are not a fool, that they have thought things through, and that they understand the risks involved in the actions they've taken. They acknowledge breaking the rules, but still believe that what they did was right. The singer's motivation stems from love - not just for the object of their actions, but also for their father, who they assure will come to understand in time.


The song's repeated refrain, "I'll prove it to you, no, I'm not just a fool. I'm not just a fool, no, I'll prove it to you," captures the determination of youth to prove their worth and independence. The singer acknowledges that they might not understand why they acted as they did until it's all over, but they know they have to try.


Overall, the song seems to be a celebration of youthful defiance and the complicated nature of love and family relationships. It acknowledges the generational divide, but also suggests that there may be more common ground than expected.


Line by Line Meaning

Well, I'm not just a fool; I sat alone for an hour and thought.
I am not acting foolishly. I have taken some time to reflect on what I did.


I know I broke the rules, I knew it there on the spot;
I am aware that I broke the rules in the moment.


but what I did was alright, and I knew all along, in spite of the warning I got,
Despite the warning I received, I knew that what I did was justified.


'cause this time, Dad you're wrong.
I respectfully disagree with your opinion, Father.


I'll prove it to you, no, I'm not just a fool.
I am determined to show you that I am not acting foolishly.


I'm not just a fool, no, I'll prove it to you.
I am not someone who acts without thinking, and I intend to demonstrate this to you.


Well, I can't tell you why, might not know why until after it's through,
I may not have a clear reason behind my actions until they have come to fruition.


but at least I've got to try, and then you might understand too.
I must try to carry out my plan, so that you may also understand my perspective.


But love is why I go back, like I knew all along,
My motivation behind my actions is love, and I have known this all along.


the fact is I even love you, 'cause this time, Dad you're wrong.
Despite the disagreement, my love for you remains, but I still believe that you are wrong in this instance.


I'll prove it to you, no, I'm not just a fool.
Once again, I am determined to show you that I am not a foolish person.


I'm not just a fool, no, I'll prove it to you
I want to emphasize that my actions are not just the result of folly, and I plan to demonstrate this to you.




Contributed by William P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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Comments from YouTube:

Andres Estrada

Underrated artist

Liam Kiernan

You're a good sport son!

Sleuthy Sloth

;-;

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