... Throughout the 1950s, Laine enjoyed a second career singing the title songs of Hollywood films and television shows, including: Gunfight At OK Corral, 3:10 To Yuma, Bullwhip, and Rawhide. His rendition of the title song for Mel Brooks' 1974 movie Blazing Saddles won an Oscar nomination for Best Song, and his recording of "Rawhide" for the television series of the same name has become a classic of the genre.
I May Be Wrong
Frankie Laine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I may be wrong but I think you're swell
I like your style say, I think it's marvelous
I'm always wrong so how can I tell
Deuces to me are all aces
Life is to me just a bore
Faces are all open spaces
You came along say I think you're wonderful
I think you're grand but I may be wrong
I may be wrong but I think you're wonderful
I may be wrong but I think you're swell
I like your style say, I really think it's marvelous
I'm always wrong so how can I tell
Deuces to me are all aces
Life is to me just a bore
Faces are all open spaces
You might be John Barrymore
You came along say I think you're wonderful
I think you're grand but I may be wrong
You said that Edison would never make that light
You laughed at Mr. Franklin with his key and kite
The point of the song is I'm always wrong
But with you baby I'm oh so right.
In Frankie Laine's song "I May Be Wrong," the singer expresses his admiration for someone whom he believes is wonderful, but he jokes that he is always wrong, so how can he be sure. He acknowledges his tendency to make mistakes when he says, "I'm always wrong so how can I tell." When he meets this person, however, he feels differently, thinking that they are grand and swell. He doesn't want to be deceiving, so he admits his uncertainty by repeating, "I may be wrong..." However, he still wants to assert his admiration for this person exemplified by their charming style, which he thinks is marvelous. He compares his perspective on this person to his negative outlook on life, using deuces as a metaphor for playing cards, which represent bad luck in the game because they have the least value. In other words, things that are bad for most people, are good for him. He also references famous figures, John Barrymore and inventors Edison and Franklin, who were once ridiculed for their ideas, suggesting that he could also be wrong about his good opinion of this person. But even though he is often wrong, with them, he is sure that he is oh so right.
The song is not only an appreciation to someone special, but it also celebrates self-deprecating humor, which is a way to acknowledge one's own shortcomings by making fun of them. This perspective invites the listener to embrace their imperfections and not take themselves too seriously. The song was released in 1951 and became a hit, reaching number three on the charts. The song has been covered by various artists, including Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Judy Garland. It has also been used in films and TV shows, such as The Sopranos and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
Line by Line Meaning
I may be wrong but I think you're wonderful
Despite my lack of confidence in most things, I believe that you are amazing.
I may be wrong but I think you're swell
I know I'm not always right, but I still think you're great.
I like your style say, I think it's marvelous
Your fashion sense is impressive to me, and I feel it deserves recognition.
I'm always wrong so how can I tell
I'm aware that I make mistakes regularly, so it's difficult for me to confidently assert anything.
Deuces to me are all aces
Normally, I have a tendency to perform poorly, but with you, every aspect of my life seems to prosper.
Life is to me just a bore
Usually, I don't find joy in my existence, but since I met you, everything is exciting.
Faces are all open spaces
Most people seem empty and unfulfilled, but you bring a light and substance to your interactions.
You might be John Barrymore
You possess qualities that could make you equatable to the renowned actor, John Barrymore.
You came along say I think you're wonderful
Ever since you entered my life, I have held you in high regard.
I think you're grand but I may be wrong
Even though I am flawed and unreliable, I still believe that you are impressive and worth admiring.
You said that Edison would never make that light
You were perhaps once skeptical of Edison's ability to create the lightbulb.
You laughed at Mr. Franklin with his key and kite
You may have previously found Franklin's experiment with lightning to be a source of amusement.
The point of the song is I'm always wrong
The main message of this song is my admission that I tend to be mistaken frequently.
But with you baby I'm oh so right.
However, with you as my partner, I feel that I am making the right choice in life, and everything will be alright.
Lyrics © Kanjian Music, BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: RUSKIN HARRY, HENRY SULLIVAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
K. Saksa
It's cold and rainy outside, winter is coming, but this warms my mind. The first Frankie Laine song i heard was Rawhide some 55 years ago 🎶😊
OldiesAl
You didn't get into Frankie until the end of his chart hits in the UK at least, I hope you've tracked down all his older records 🙂
Alexander Karayannis
Can't go wrong with Frankie Laine,in fact he's the right choice for most occasions,thanks for the upload Al,and have a pleasant Sunday,month of December,Holiday Season and a better New Year than this one has been!... Glad to see the back of it for most of us,I am sure...😊
OldiesAl
He's one of my favourite singers mate, and these early ones are some of his best. Enjoy your Sunday and I hope its a bit warmer than it is here in blighty. 🥶
IVORIESMAN
These early ones from Frankie were great swing numbers.
OldiesAl
It seems he went the way that Mitch wanted to send Francis Albert when he arrived at Columbia.
Brian's 78's
don't think i've heard this one before.. the song yes.. but not Frankie tho.. i may even have the record.. got a few mercurys and orioles by him.. need to go check
OldiesAl
If you've got a few I'm sure you've got this. Its the best version I've heard
Brian's 78's
@OldiesAl well according to 45 worlds i have the record.. i've posted about a third of my tunes on that site
OldiesAl
I started but got so many people complaining how I'd entered them i gave up but I do love the site for info.