They Were Wrong
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros Lyrics


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"Here son watch the dog eat dog"
He spoke with eyes of the stiffest blue
He peeled my fists, said "let it go"
Saying "hope like that and you'll never grow"

I'll go dancing with disease, darling please
They are wrong
I'll go swinging, singing peace, darling please
They are wrong,
I say they been here for too long they are wrong
They are wrong

So, to my child not yet born
I've just one world of which to warn
It lives in the mouths of choking dreams
Sickness like that you've never seen

I'll go dancing with disease, darling please
They are wrong
I'll go swinging, singing peace, darling please
They are wrong,




I say they been here for too long they are wrong
They are wrong

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of "They Were Wrong" by Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros, seem to be about the singer's defiance against what they perceive to be negative and cynical beliefs held by others. The first verse features an interaction between the singer and someone they look up to, possibly a father or authority figure, who tells them to "watch the dog eat dog" and "let it go". It seems like this person might be encouraging the singer to accept a cutthroat approach to life, which the singer resists.


The chorus reveals the singer's response to this idea, declaring that "they were wrong". They refuse to give in to a world that has been "here for too long", instead choosing to live according to their own values, even if that means "dancing with disease". The second verse, addressed to the singer's "child not yet born", warns of the harshness of the world and the dangers of accepting a negative mindset.


Line by Line Meaning

Here son watch the dog eat dog
A father figure warned me of the harsh reality of the world


He spoke with eyes of the stiffest blue
He conveyed his message seriously and sternly with the color of his eyes


He peeled my fists, said 'let it go'
He asked me to release my anger and not let it control me


Saying 'hope like that and you'll never grow'
He explained that hope alone is not enough to achieve growth


I'll go dancing with disease, darling please
I will face anything that comes my way with bravery and optimism


They are wrong
Those who doubt or question me are mistaken


I'll go swinging, singing peace, darling please
I will continue to spread positivity and love even in difficult situations


I say they been here for too long they are wrong
Those who have been in power too long have made mistakes and cannot be trusted


So, to my child not yet born
Thinking ahead to the future, I have an important message for my future child


I've just one world of which to warn
I have only one cautionary tale to share


It lives in the mouths of choking dreams
Danger and uncertainty is present in our subconscious thoughts


Sickness like that you've never seen
It can be an illness or a feeling of distress that one has not experienced before




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: ALEX EBERT

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Arthur Sheley

This is my favorite song off this album. It's so comforting and empowering.

Ciarra Tea

i enjoy and appreciate who these people are and every single piece of music they produce. so much love and gratitude~

Henrique Miranda

muito muito bomm

Papa Louie

great! Lirics, music and video. All matches perfectly.
I'm so happy that you are my guide in music world.

dalostvernoner23

Andrew Wilkins is one talented guy.  Amazing video!  

1 plus

love it

LORRAYNE DE BRITO

This music is awesome

Teona

Wonderful! Thanks.

Haka HQ

Still here in 2023, thanks for sharing your magic

Bugleberry Fancam

BADASS video!

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