That's How I Escaped My Certain Fate
Mission of Burma Lyrics


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This might be your only chance to prove it on your own
Tulsa's not that
Tulsa's not that far
Besides if you stayed I'd feel a certain guilt
Did I hold you?
Did I hold you back?
Can I count on you if I fall apart?
If I fall
If I fall apart?

That's how I escaped my certain fate
That's how I escaped my certain fate
(Innocence a nocvice's mistake)
That's how I escaped my certain fate
That's how I escaped my certain fate




(Honesty's an actor's worst mistake)
That's how I escaped my certain fate

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Mission of Burma's song "That's How I Escaped My Certain Fate" have a sense of uncertainty and questioning. The singer seems to be hesitant about their decisions and is grappling with the potential consequences of their choices. The first verse has a tone of hesitation as the singer encourages someone to take a chance and test their abilities, but then quickly tries to absolve themselves of any guilt if the person stays. The second verse has a deeper introspection, as the singer questions whether they held someone back in the past and if they can depend on that person to support them in the future.


The chorus, "That's how I escaped my certain fate," is a complicated statement that could have multiple interpretations. The line "Innocence a novice's mistake" suggests that embracing naivete can be a way of escaping a predetermined outcome. Similarly, the line "Honesty's an actor's worst mistake" could imply that being dishonest is necessary in order to escape an undesirable fate. Alternatively, the chorus could be seen as a sarcastic statement, implying that the singer believes they have control over their destiny but in reality, they are merely following the path that has been predetermined for them.


Overall, the song suggests a feeling of discontent and insecurity, but without a clear resolution. Rather than providing answers, the lyrics leave the listener with questions and ambiguity, fostering a sense of introspection and reflection.


Line by Line Meaning

This might be your only chance to prove it on your own
You need to prove yourself and take this opportunity before it's too late or someone else does it for you.


Tulsa's not that
Tulsa is not significant or important in the grand scheme of things.


Tulsa's not that far
Tulsa may not be significant, but it's still close enough to reach if need be.


Besides if you stayed I'd feel a certain guilt
I would feel guilty if I held you back from something you needed to do.


Did I hold you?
Did I prevent you from doing what you needed to do?


Did I hold you back?
Did my actions prevent you from achieving your full potential?


Can I count on you if I fall apart?
I need to know if I can depend on you in tough times when I am not able to handle things on my own.


If I fall
In case I am not able to handle things on my own.


If I fall apart?
In case I am not able to keep myself together mentally or emotionally.


That's how I escaped my certain fate
I was able to avoid a negative outcome by taking control of my own destiny.


That's how I escaped my certain fate
I was able to avoid the consequences that would have come with following the same path as others.


(Innocence a novice's mistake)
Being ignorant or inexperienced can lead to making mistakes and facing negative consequences.


That's how I escaped my certain fate
By taking a different approach, I was able to achieve a positive outcome.


That's how I escaped my certain fate
I was able to avoid the negative outcomes that usually come with repetition and following the same path as others.


(Honesty's an actor's worst mistake)
Being truthful and authentic can be a challenge for those who are used to performing or pretending.


That's how I escaped my certain fate
I was able to accomplish something that others believed was impossible or unrealistic.




Lyrics © ROUGH TRADE PUBLISHING

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

@radmutt1115

This might be your only chance
To prove it on your own
Tulsa's not that
Tulsa's not that far

Besides if you stay
I'd feel a certain guilt
Did I hold you
Did I hold you back?

Can I count on you
If I fall apart?
Yeah, if I fall a
If I fall apart

That's how I escaped my certain fate
That's how I escaped my certain fate
Innocence a novice's mistake
That's how I escaped my certain fate
That's how I escaped my certain fate
Honesty's an actor's worst mistake
That's how I escaped my certain fate



@woobiehastelly

this might be your only chance
to prove it on your own
Tulsa's not that
Tulsa's not that far

besides if you stay
I'd feel a certain guilt
did I hold you
did I hold you back?

can I count on you
if I fall apart?
if I fall a
if I fall apart?

that's how I escaped my certain fate...
innocence a novice's mistake!!!
that's how I escaped my certain fate...
honesty's an actor's worst mistake!!!
that's how I escaped my certain fate!!!



@primeracalledelasoledad8439

this might be your only chance
to prove it on your own
Tulsa's not that
Tulsa's not that far

besides if you stay
I'd feel a certain guilt
did I hold you
did I hold you back?

can I count on you
if I fall apart?
if I fall a
if I fall apart?

that's how I escaped my certain fate...
innocence a novice's mistake!!!
that's how I escaped my certain fate...
honesty's an actor's worst mistake!!!
that's how I escaped my certain fate!!!



All comments from YouTube:

@mblwoodshole

I will never forget how ear-shatteringly loud MoB shows were. Totally mind-altering volume levels.

@mr.cifuentes1779

envy you!

@chirkotelhin1806

Wish I could've been there to experience that!

@koollegged5739

@John Rapp Gira's hearing is really bad, according to him. The other Swans always wore ear protection.

@MrNightshade2010

@@koollegged5739 oh the rhino DIY collection which went by city .. in the liner notes it said MOB broke up because one of them lost most of his hearing and couldn't play/sing anymore

@petersmernoff9590

One of the best punk-pop songs of all time.

@marcosortega5915

??????????????????????????????????????????????'

@andyelamin1966

Peter Prescot was the most incredible drummer I've ever seen live. The recordings are great, but live it was way beyond what I can convey with superlatives. Thunder of the GODS!!!

@radmutt1115

This might be your only chance
To prove it on your own
Tulsa's not that
Tulsa's not that far

Besides if you stay
I'd feel a certain guilt
Did I hold you
Did I hold you back?

Can I count on you
If I fall apart?
Yeah, if I fall a
If I fall apart

That's how I escaped my certain fate
That's how I escaped my certain fate
Innocence a novice's mistake
That's how I escaped my certain fate
That's how I escaped my certain fate
Honesty's an actor's worst mistake
That's how I escaped my certain fate

@goyogago

BEST DRUMMER ON THE PLANET

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