Relentlessly highbrow, Haines's dark-but-mischievous lyrics typically fall into three groups: musings on obscure Anglicana (The Mitford Sisters, Freddie Mills is Dead), bitter attacks on modern society, particularly the arts (The Death of Sarah Lucas, Christ) and twisted 1970s anti-nostalgia (Leeds United, Here's to Old England) - with the odd dash of self-aggrandisement thrown in for good measure.
Despite cultivating an image as a sinister misanthrope over the past fifteen years, Haines's live sets are notable for his self-deprecating humour and between-songs banter - and for their surprising brevity. But considering that most of his songs are well under three minutes, this doesn't necessarily mean a short set list.
How Could I Be Wrong
Luke Haines Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
As a ground breaker
As a pallbearer
In my past life
As a benefactor
My lost years
As an actor
The stars are brighter
Then they have been
for years
Those stars are tighter
At one time
I've never seen so many
How could I be wrong?
In my role
As a peacemaker
As a lifesaver
In your room
As a plan hatcher
A soul snatcher
The lyrics to Luke Haines's song "How Could I Be Wrong" touch upon themes of personal identity and introspection. Through his words, Haines seems to be reflecting on different roles he has played throughout his life, from ground breaker to actor to peacemaker to plan hatcher. These roles are not necessarily literal, but rather represent different facets of his personality and experiences.
The repeated phrase "How could I be wrong?" may be interpreted in a few different ways. On one level, Haines may be asking himself if he has made the right choices in his life so far. On another level, he could be questioning the reliability of his own perceptions and experiences. Are the stars truly brighter and tighter than they have been in years, or is his own perspective skewed?
Overall, the lyrics of "How Could I Be Wrong" suggest a sense of uncertainty and ambiguity when it comes to self-knowledge and one's place in the world. Haines seems to be searching for answers and insights, but also acknowledges the limitations of his own understanding.
Line by Line Meaning
In my role
In my position or responsibility
As a ground breaker
As someone who pioneers new ideas or methods
As a pallbearer
As someone who carries a coffin at a funeral
In my past life
Referring to a previous period or experience
As a benefactor
As someone who gives aid or money to another person or a cause
My lost years
Referring to a period of time in which one felt they didn't accomplish much or were directionless
As an actor
Referring to a profession or past role in which one acted
The stars are brighter
The stars in the sky are more luminous than usual
Are lighter
Referring to the quality or behavior of stars, which appear less dim or downcast
Then they have been for years
Comparing the current brightness and luminosity of the stars to previous years
Those stars are tighter
Referring to the closeness, compactness, or connection between the stars in the sky
At one time
Referring to a specific moment in the past
I've never seen so many
Expressing surprise at the number of stars in the sky at this particular time
How could I be wrong?
Expressing confidence in one's observations and questioning the possibility of being mistaken
In my role
In my position or responsibility
As a peacemaker
As someone who promotes harmony or resolves conflicts between people
As a lifesaver
As someone who rescues or helps to save lives
In your room
Referring to a specific location or space where someone is currently situated
As a plan hatcher
As someone who devises or creates a scheme or design
A soul snatcher
Referring to someone who takes away someone else's identity, spirit, or soul
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: LUKE MICHAEL HAINES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind