Mistake
Mike Oldfield Lyrics


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There was a mistake under the weather
One shout's gonna turn into another
It's a heartbreak under the weather
Standing out in the cold

Highway is frightening
Rain hammering on your window
I hate sheet lightning
You reach for the telephone

[Chorus]
Mistake under the weather
One shout's gonna turn into another
It's a heartbreak under the weather
Standing out in the cold

I pray for blue skies
Rain hammering on your window
On your way, you wonder why
You're spending on your own

[Chorus]

And talking on the radio
You never know how to say
Anything's a plan that could be on your mind
It could vanish in a tragical way
Get lost in dreaming
Rain hammering on your window
Try to catch the meaning
You're dancing on your own

[Chorus]

And talking on the radio
You never know how to say
Anything's a plan that could be on your mind
It could vanish in a tragical way

There was a mistake under the weather
One shout's gonna turn into another
It's a heartbreak under the weather
Standing out in the cold

It was a mistake under the weather
One shout's gonna turn into another
It's a heartbreak under the weather
Standing out in the cold

There was a mistake under the weather
One shout's gonna turn into another
It's a heartbreak under the weather
Standing out in the cold





It was a mistake!

Overall Meaning

The song "Mistake" by Mike Oldfield is a melancholy track that speaks of the feeling of being under the weather, both literally and figuratively. The opening lines "There was a mistake under the weather, one shout's gonna turn into another" set the tone for the rest of the song. The idea of a mistake or misfortune that is compounded by other events is a recurring motif throughout the song. The chorus repeats the phrase "it's a heartbreak under the weather, standing out in the cold" which emphasizes the emotional burden of being alone and helpless in tough times.


The second and third verses describe driving on a highway through a storm, feeling frightened by the weather and being alone. The singer prays for blue skies, which suggests that they are looking for a way out of their situation. However, even as they try to catch the meaning of their feelings, they feel lost in dreaming. The song ends with a repetition of the opening lines to reinforce the idea of a mistake leading to a spiral of negative events.


Line by Line Meaning

There was a mistake under the weather
Something went wrong because of external factors


One shout's gonna turn into another
Anger can quickly escalate and cause more problems


It's a heartbreak under the weather
The situation is causing emotional pain


Standing out in the cold
Feeling alone and exposed to the elements


Highway is frightening
Driving in harsh weather conditions can be scary


Rain hammering on your window
The storm is loud and distracting


I hate sheet lightning
The sudden and bright flash of lightning is unpleasant


You reach for the telephone
Trying to connect with someone for comfort or help


I pray for blue skies
Hoping for better conditions and a better outcome


On your way, you wonder why
Questioning the choices that led to this situation


You're spending on your own
Dealing with this situation without support or companionship


And talking on the radio
Trying to communicate with others


You never know how to say
Struggling to express yourself effectively


Anything's a plan that could be on your mind
Ideas can seem promising, but they might not work out


It could vanish in a tragical way
Disappointments or setbacks can be devastating


Get lost in dreaming
Escaping reality by imagining a better situation


Try to catch the meaning
Attempting to make sense of everything that's happening


You're dancing on your own
Feeling like you're handling everything alone and unsupported


It was a mistake!
Acknowledging that a choice or action led to a negative outcome




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: MIKE OLDFIELD

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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