07. My Mistake
Split Enz and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Lyrics


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I went out to see if I could fall in love again.
That was my mistake.
That was my mistake.
I went out to see if I could raise a laugh again.
That was my mistake.
That was my mistake.

When all I needed was a friend,
To make me stop and think again,
Pull me up and pull me through.
Tally ho, your health my dear.

I went out to see if I could live for a couple of days.
That was my mistake.
That was my mistake.
One by one I counted all those happiest of days.
Yeah, That was my mistake.
Why, That was my mistake.

What's gone is gone, sweet memories,
Don't let them get the best of me,
No more lost in history,
No more lost for love.

When all I needed was a friend,
To make me stop and think again,
The call to arms is loud and clear.
Tally ho, your health my dear.

I went out to see if I could fall in love again,
That was my mistake.
Why, that was my mistake.
One by one I counted all those happiest of days
That was my mistake.




That was my mistake.
That was my mistake, etc.

Overall Meaning

The song "My Mistake" by Split Enz and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra is a reflection on past mistakes and how the pursuit of love and happiness can often lead to disappointment. The lyrics reveal the singer's regret for seeking out love and laughter, only to realize that true happiness comes from having a friend to support and guide them through life's challenges.


The repetition of "that was my mistake" emphasizes the singer's self-blame for their choices, and the lines "what's gone is gone, sweet memories, don't let them get the best of me" suggest a struggle to let go of the past and move on. The call for a friend to "pull me up and pull me through" highlights the importance of having a support system.


The chorus of "tally ho, your health my dear" has a British origins and is an expression wishing good health or good luck. It seems to suggest that the singer is raising a glass to friends who have been there for them.


Overall, "My Mistake" is a poignant reflection on the complexities of human emotions and how the pursuit of love and happiness can often lead to mistakes and regrets.


Line by Line Meaning

I went out to see if I could fall in love again.
I made the mistake of looking for love again.


That was my mistake.
I realize that was a mistake.


I went out to see if I could raise a laugh again.
I made the mistake of trying to be funny again.


When all I needed was a friend,
I just needed a friend to help me.


To make me stop and think again,
To make me reflect on my actions.


Pull me up and pull me through.
Help me get up and overcome my situation.


Tally ho, your health my dear.
Let's cheers to your health, my friend.


I went out to see if I could live for a couple of days.
I made the mistake of living recklessly for a little while.


One by one I counted all those happiest of days.
I reminisced about the happy moments I had.


What's gone is gone, sweet memories,
I understand that the past is gone, but I treasure the good memories.


Don't let them get the best of me,
I won't allow my memories to consume me.


No more lost in history,
I won't get lost in my past anymore.


No more lost for love.
I won't lose hope in love again.


The call to arms is loud and clear.
It's time to take action and move on.


That was my mistake, etc.
I made those mistakes repeatedly, but now I regret it.




Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: BRIAN TIMOTHY FINN, ANTHONY EDWARD CHARLES RAYNER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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