Right Words Wrong Time was written by Jepsen with songwriters Alex Hope and Rogét Chahayed during the development of Dedicated. Jepsen and Hope first met in 2016, and worked on the song together sometime between then and 2019. The song was written and recorded in Hope's home studio and later co-produced by Chahayed. Jepsen described the song as one of the more intimate tracks on Dedicated.
Right Words Wrong Time
Carly Rae Jepsen Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
California wasn't made for you
Hate the traffic in LA
I drove through it, all to get to you
Took a million miles to feel the final separation
Don't you tell me now you know what you need (know what you need, know what you need)
I need to find a love to love me with no hesitation
My baby, my baby
You've always got the right words at the wrong time
This time, it's heartbreaking
You've always got the right words at the wrong time
For me, for me
You've always got the right words at the wrong time
For me, for me
You've always got the right words at the wrong
I don't wanna see your face
I'm afraid I couldn't wait for you
I'm afraid that I would break
Only want me when I'm leaving you
Took a million miles to feel the final separation
Don't you tell me now you know what you need (know what you need, know what you need)
I need to find a love to love me with no hesitation
Don't you tell me now you're ready for me (ready for me, ready for me)
My baby, my baby
You've always got the right words at the wrong time
This time, it's heartbreaking
You've always got the right words at the wrong time
For me, for me
You've always got the right words at the wrong time
For me, for me
You've always got the right words at the wrong time
(Baby boy, you've always got the right words)
(But you always say them at the wrong time)
It's getting late, ain't much to say now (baby boy, you always got the right words)
And you should go, yeah, you should go home (but you always say 'em at the wrong time)
It's getting late
My baby, my baby (it's getting late, and you should go)
You've always got the right words at the wrong time (and you should go)
This time, it's heartbreaking (it's getting late, it's getting now)
You've always got the right words at the wrong time (and you should go, and you should go)
For me, for me (and you should go, you should go)
You've always got the right words at the wrong time (and you should go, you should go)
For me, for me (and you should go, you should go 'cause)
You've always got the right words at the wrong time
"Right Words Wrong Time" by Carly Rae Jepsen conveys a complex narrative of a relationship that is marked by miscommunication, missed opportunities, and ultimately heartbreak. The opening lines of the song paint a picture of distance and obstacles, with the singer lamenting the challenges of navigating through California, a place that feels foreign and unwelcoming. The motif of driving through the traffic in LA to reach someone signifies the lengths they are willing to go for love, despite the struggles that come with it.
The lyrics delve into the internal turmoil of the singer, who is grappling with the aftermath of a breakup or separation. There is a sense of longing and confusion as they question whether their partner truly understands their needs and desires. The repeated refrain "Don't you tell me now you know what you need" highlights the frustration of feeling misunderstood and unfulfilled in the relationship. The search for a love without hesitation indicates a deep yearning for a connection that is genuine and unwavering.
The chorus of the song captures the essence of the title "Right Words Wrong Time," where the partner is depicted as always knowing the right things to say, but at the wrong moments. This juxtaposition of having the right words but not at the opportune time adds another layer of complexity to the emotional landscape of the song. The repetition of "for me, for me" underscores a sense of personal struggle and vulnerability, as the singer grapples with their own feelings of inadequacy and longing for reciprocation.
As the song progresses, the tension in the relationship escalates, with the singer expressing a desire to distance themselves from their partner out of fear of being hurt. The uncertainty and indecision pervade the lyrics, as the singer vacillates between wanting to stay and wanting to leave. The bittersweet realization that their partner only seems to appreciate them when they are on the brink of walking away underscores the emotional turmoil and complexity of the relationship. The evocative imagery of the night falling and the urgency to part ways encapsulate the inevitability of the end, despite the lingering feelings of attachment and longing. Ultimately, "Right Words Wrong Time" poignantly captures the tumultuous journey of love and loss, where words spoken and unspoken weave a web of emotional complexity and longing.
Line by Line Meaning
We put everything away
We moved on and let go of the past
California wasn't made for you
You don't belong in California
Hate the traffic in LA
I dislike the busy roads in Los Angeles
I drove through it, all to get to you
I went through a lot of trouble just to be with you
Took a million miles to feel the final separation
It took a long journey to accept the end of our relationship
Don't you tell me now you know what you need
Don't claim to know what you want now
I need to find a love to love me with no hesitation
I want to find someone who loves me unconditionally
My baby, my baby
Addressing the person she cares for
You've always got the right words at the wrong time
You express yourself well, but always at the wrong moment
This time, it's heartbreaking
This time, it's especially painful
For me, for me
In relation to her own feelings
I don't wanna see your face
I don't want to face the truth of our relationship
I'm afraid I couldn't wait for you
I couldn't wait any longer for you
I'm afraid that I would break
I fear that staying would cause me to fall apart
Only want me when I'm leaving you
You only seem to want me when I'm ready to leave
(Baby boy, you've always got the right words)
Calling out to the person with affection
(But you always say them at the wrong time)
Acknowledging their tendency to express themselves at inappropriate moments
It's getting late, ain't much to say now
Time is running out, there isn't much left to discuss
And you should go, yeah, you should go home
You should leave now, it's time to go
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Alex Hope, Carly Rae Jepsen, Roget Chahayed
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Miguel Sarmiento, Jr.
We put everything away
California wasn't made for you
Hate the traffic in LA
I drove through it all to get to you
Took a million miles to feel the final separation
Don't you tell me now you know what you need
Need to find a love to love me with no hesitation
Don't you tell me now you're ready for me
My baby, my baby
You always got the right words at the wrong time
This time, it's heartbreaking
You always got the right words at the wrong time
For me, for me
You always got the right words at the wrong time
For me, for me
You always got the right words at the wrong
I don't wanna see your face
I'm afraid I couldn't wait for you
I'm afraid that I would break
Only want me when I'm leaving you
Took a million miles to feel the final separation
Don't you tell me now you know what you need
Need to find a love to love me with no hesitation
Don't you tell me now you're ready for me
My baby, my baby
You always got the right words at the wrong time
This time, it's heartbreaking
You always got the right words at the wrong time
For me, for me
You always got the right words at the wrong time
For me, for me
You always got the right words at the wrong time
Baby boy, you've always got the right words
But you always say them at the wrong time
(It's getting late, I'm wide awake)
Baby boy, you always got the right words
(And you should go, yeah, you should go home)
But you always say 'em at the wrong time
(It's getting late)
My baby, my baby
You always got the right words at the wrong time
This time, it's heartbreaking
You always got the right words at the wrong time
For me, for me
You always got the right words at the wrong time
For me, for me
You always got the right words at the wrong time
FlawlessKevin
Production on this album is FLAWLESS 😍
The National Real Estate Post
on everytthing
Dibil Idiot
+++
hashtagpopculture
You’re unlike any other pop star in the game right now. The sounds you choose for your music are both retro yet incredibly futuristic. I love this track but the album overall is immaculate. Welcome back, Ms. Jepsen! 😻
merlinfan
@cathwon not really. A lot of them have the exact same sound
cathwon
every pop star is unlike every pop star
The National Real Estate Post
shes unlike anyone
ObservantOtaku 1543
It's heartwarming to see that ppl have different favorites from the album. Just shows how well-rounded the album really is. Good job as always Carly!
The National Real Estate Post
so hard to pick, just glad that everyone loves carly <3
Andres Alvear
Now this is my favorite track of the album. I’m so full of emotions with all the songs Carly! Thank you so much!!! 😭😭😭♥️