Misread
Kings of Convenience Lyrics


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If you want to be my friend
You want us to get along
Please do not expect me to
Wrap it up and keep it there
The observation I am doing could
Easily be understood
As cynical demeanor
But one of us misread

And what do you know
It happened again

A friend is not a means
You utilize to get somewhere
Somehow I didn't notice
Friendship is an end

What do you know
It happened again

How come no one told me
All throughout history
The loneliest people
Were the ones who always spoke the truth
The ones who made a difference
By withstanding the indifference
I guess it's up to me now
Should I take that risk or just smile?

What do you know




It happened again
What do you know

Overall Meaning

The song Misread by Kings of Convenience is a subtle commentary on the expectations and limitations of friendships. The opening stanza sets the tone, with the singer attributing an "observation" to himself that could be seen as cynicism. He warns his friend not to expect him to "wrap it up and keep it there," indicating that he does not want to sugarcoat his observations for the sake of their friendship. However, despite this directness, "one of us misread." This line highlights the complexity and misunderstandings that can arise in even the closest friendships.


The second stanza delves further into this complexity. The singer asserts that friendships are not simply means to an end, a way to "get somewhere" in life. He admits that he himself had not realized that "friendship is an end," which suggests a shift in his perspective. The repetition of "what do you know, it happened again" further emphasizes that these misunderstandings and realizations are an ongoing process.


The final stanza shifts to a more universal perspective, with the singer reflecting on the value of truth and the loneliness that can come with it. He notes that throughout history, those who have spoken the truth have often been the loneliest people. However, he also acknowledges that these are the people who have made a difference by "withstanding the indifference." The song ends on a questioning note, with the singer wondering if he should "take that risk or just smile."


Overall, Misread is a song that explores the complexities of friendship and the importance of truth. It highlights the difficulties that can arise in even the closest relationships, and the need for directness and honesty.


Line by Line Meaning

If you want to be my friend
If you desire to have a companionship with me


You want us to get along
You yearn for us to maintain a harmonious relationship


Please do not expect me to
Kindly avoid anticipating that I will


Wrap it up and keep it there
Pack and conceal everything we have experienced


The observation I am doing could
The impression that I am making can potentially


Easily be understood
Be comprehended without difficulty


As cynical demeanor
As a negative and distrustful demeanor


But one of us misread
But one of us had misunderstood


And what do you know
And surprisingly


It happened again
It occurred again


A friend is not a means
A friend is not a way


You utilize to get somewhere
That you take advantage of to achieve something else


Somehow I didn't notice
For unknown reasons, I did not realize


Friendship is an end
That a friendship is a goal in itself


How come no one told me
Why did nobody inform me prior


All throughout history
Throughout the course of time


The loneliest people
The most desolate individuals


Were the ones who always spoke the truth
Were those who constantly voiced the truth


The ones who made a difference
The ones who had a significant impact


By withstanding the indifference
By enduring the lack of interest


I guess it's up to me now
I suppose it is my responsibility now


Should I take that risk or just smile?
Deciding whether to take a chance or only grin?


What do you know
What a coincidence


It happened again
It occurred again




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Eirik Glambek Boe, Erlend Otre Oeye

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@khodijahtine6499

If you want to be my friend
You want us to get along
Please do not expect me to
Wrap it up and keep it there
The observation I am doing could
Easily be understood
As cynical demeanor
But one of us misread

And what do you know
It happened again

A friend is not a means
You utilize to get somewhere
Somehow I didn't notice
Friendship is an end
What do you know
It happened again

How come no-one told me
All throughout history
The loneliest people
Were the ones who always spoke the truth
The ones who made a difference
By withstanding the indifference
I guess it's up to me now
Should I take that risk or just smile?

What do you know
It happened again
What do you know



All comments from YouTube:

@lesliefr378

who's listening to this masterpiece in 2024?

@RezaqqiMulki

meeee

@user-lo8ho3vk3i

Oo

@LegoMan-cz4mn

Absolutely! Twice actually

@domingocantu9199

Me, today

@gab1610

meeee :)

439 More Replies...

@SuperKidx10x

Being young and discovering music while you are on highschool felt so joyful. I remember when a Teacher showed me this band. She was my chemistry teacher and i used to help her for my scholarship. I was pretty depressed back then and i really had no one to talk to. She showed me a bunch of bands i will never forget. The way these songs make you feel is like getting together with someone you havent seen on years and having a happy time for a short time until you have to say goodbye again.

@baron5688

which other bands did she show you?

@SuperKidx10x

@@baron5688 Beirut and The whitest boy alive

@birdsascarnage

@@SuperKidx10x the whitest boy alive and Beirut are so so so good. You just got stuck in my head "freedom is a possibility only if you're able to say no".

Those were simpler days I look back on with nostalgia.

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