I Might Be Wrong
Radiohead Lyrics


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I might be wrong
I might be wrong
I could have sworn I saw a light coming on

I used to think
I used to think
There was no future left at all
I used to think

Open up, begin again
Let's go down the waterfall
Think about the good times and never look back
Never look back

What would I do?
What would I do?
If I did not have you?

Open up and let me in
Let's go down the waterfall
Have ourselves a good time
It's nothing at all
Nothing at all
Nothing at all

Keep it moving
Keep it moving




Ah, ah
Ah

Overall Meaning

At first glance, Radiohead's I Might Be Wrong seems like a meditative, introspective song about self-doubt and the fear of being wrong. The opening lines, "I might be wrong, I might be wrong, I could have sworn I saw a light coming on," suggests the singer's uncertainty and confusion, despite seeing an indication of hope. The following verses take on a confessional tone, with the singer reflecting on their past pessimism and hopelessness, "I used to think, there was no future left at all." However, as the song progresses, the mood becomes more uplifting and optimistic, with lines like "Open up, begin again, let's go down the waterfall, think about the good times and never look back." The singer is acknowledging that even though they might be wrong or uncertain about their past or present, there's always hope to move forward and experience joy.


One of the most striking aspects of "I Might Be Wrong" is the mood created by the music. The use of reverb, electronic beats, and Thom York's half-sung, half-spoken delivery, creates an unsettling, otherworldly atmosphere, which complements the song's lyrical themes. Additionally, the song's arrangement gradually adds layers and textures to the mix, building towards a cathartic, explosive finale. Overall, the track offers a contemplative, if somewhat disorienting, soundscape that encourages listeners to reflect on their own lives and challenge their assumptions.


Line by Line Meaning

I might be wrong
I am aware that I may not be correct in my thoughts or actions.


I could have sworn I saw a light coming on
I was almost certain that there was a glimmer of hope or positivity in my life.


I used to think
In the past, I held a certain belief or mindset.


There was no future left at all
I believed that there was no hope or possibility for a better tomorrow.


Open up, begin again
Allow yourself to be vulnerable and start anew.


Let's go down the waterfall
Take a chance and explore the unknown, even if it may be perilous.


Think about the good times and never look back
Reflect on the positive experiences in life and don't dwell on the past mistakes or failures.


What would I do?
I am unsure what actions I would take.


If I did not have you?
If you were not present in my life, I am uncertain how I would cope or where I would be.


Open up and let me in
Allow me to connect with you on a deeper level and be emotionally vulnerable.


Have ourselves a good time
Let's enjoy ourselves and find joy in the present moment.


It's nothing at all
The present situation or circumstance is not significant or worth worrying about.


Keep it moving
Don't dwell on the past or current hardships, but instead move forward and keep pushing through.


Ah, ah
A vocalization of the emotion and intensity present in the song.




Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Colin Charles Greenwood, Edward John O'Brien, Jonathan Richard Guy Greenwood, Philip James Selway, Thomas Edward Yorke

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

Lucigaïah

" might be wrong
I might be wrong
I could have sworn
I saw a light coming on

I used to think
I used to think
There is no future left at all
I used to think

Open up, begin again
Let's go down the waterfall
Think about the good times
And never look back
Never look back

What would I do?
What would I do?
If I did not have you?

Open up, let me in
Let's go down the waterfall
Have ourselves a good time
It's nothing at all
Nothing at all
Nothing at all "



All comments from YouTube:

daniB5000

Best performance of this song EVER. That bass is amazing.

OnceIWasYou

Colin Greenwood's bass lines are so incredibly underrated. Just amazing groove in songs which may not have an obvious bass line groove to them.

syko188

the bass riffs are the star of this piece, imo.

Trashy McWhite

bass is killer

Chris Connor

if i could choose one show that I ever could have been to it would have been Radiohead's show in Paris 2001

XIPHIASCDXX

Think about the good times, and never look back...

Chris Connor

3:08 listen to that bass repetition like you are being kicked back into hell

bfboobie

Seeing Radiohead live at Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion, The Woodlands, TX, USA in 2003 on mushrooms and ecstasy was a life changing experience. It was the rapture. It was as life changing as the time I blasted into the universal internet with DMT.

Chris Connor

the bass!

Marc Bird

They are Gods .

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