Unfair… Read Full Bio ↴The Auteurs was a British alternative rock band of the 1990s.
Unfairly dismissed as the egotrip of acclaimed songwriter Luke Haines, The Auteurs were one of the unsung bands of the mid-nineties Britpop movement. Releasing their first record, New Wave, in 1993, the Auteurs were compared to Suede, and the resurgent glam-rock movement, and began to amass a reasonable cult following. 1994's second album, and commercial highlight, Now I'm A Cowboy, saw the band embracing at times a more contemporary sound, notably on the single Lenny Valentino, which probably remains Haines' best-known song. Now I'm A Cowboy was marked out by sprawling guitar lines as much as by Haines' inimitable lyrics, a kind of visceral social commentary. While touring this album in 1995, Haines jumped off a fifteen-foot wall, breaking both ankles, resulting in his being in a wheelchair for the rest of that year, recording the starker, angrier third album After Murder Park, most notable for the ballad-like lead single Unsolved Child Murder, released for Christmas at Haines own bidding. Following this, Haines took time out to work on other projects such as Black Box Recorder and Baader Meinhof, reforming the Auteurs in 1999 for the release of the mostly overlooked final album, How I Learned To Love The Bootboys.
While Haines remains widely respected for his lyrical eloquence and eye for the minutae of life, his eccentric, confrontational personality, and habit of styling himself as a louche ne'er-do-well, perhaps impeded the formation of a more affectionate bond with his fans. The Auteurs, similarly, tended to be respected rather more than they were loved.
How Could I Be Wrong
The Auteurs 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 song "How Could I Be Wrong" by The Auteurs is a reflection on the singer's past, present, and future roles in life. The first stanza describes his past life where he was a ground-breaker, a pallbearer, a benefactor, and an actor, implying that he has experienced both success and failure in different endeavors. The second stanza describes his present and future roles, as a peacemaker, lifesaver, plan-hatcher, and soul-snatcher, indicating that he is contemplating his purpose in life and the impact he can make on others.
The chorus "The stars are brighter, Are lighter Then they have been for years, Those stars are tighter, At one time, I've never seen so many, How could I be wrong?" can be interpreted in various ways. It could mean that the singer is experiencing a moment of clarity and noticing things that he has not seen before, such as the brightness and abundance of stars. Or it could be an expression of doubt and confusion, questioning his choices and path in life.
Overall, "How Could I Be Wrong" is a thought-provoking song that touches on existential themes of purpose, success, failure, and self-reflection.
Line by Line Meaning
In my role
As someone who has taken on a particular responsibility or position
As a ground breaker
As someone who pioneers new ideas and methods
As a pallbearer
As someone who carries the burden of grief and loss
In my past life
Referring to a previous existence or situation that is no longer relevant
As a benefactor
As someone who gives aid or support to others
My lost years
Referring to a period of time in which one's direction and purpose was unclear or misguided
As an actor
Referring to a time in which one put on a facade or played a role for others
The stars are brighter
Observing that the current state of things is more vibrant and exciting than before
Are lighter
Referring to a sense of optimism and ease
Then they have been for years
Implying that things have been stagnate or dull in the past, making the present moment stand out even more
Those stars are tighter
Suggesting that things are more cohesive and interconnected than they may seem at first glance
At one time
Referring to a specific point in the past when something was different than it is now
I've never seen so many
Expressing surprise or awe at the abundance of something
How could I be wrong?
Asking a rhetorical question that implies the singer's conviction in their current observation or understanding
In my role
Referring back to the singer's earlier mention of their responsibilities
As a peacemaker
Describing a role that involves settling conflicts and bringing people together
As a lifesaver
As someone who rescues or provides crucial assistance to others
In your room
Suggesting an intimate setting or situation
As a plan hatcher
Referring to a person who creates strategies and schemes for future success
A soul snatcher
A phrase that implies the manipulation or domination of another's emotions or well-being
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: LUKE MICHAEL HAINES
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@denismugerin
With a melody like this one, how could The Auteurs be wrong ?
@avantgardenmusick
Masterpiece.
@HandleGF
Asked an undertaker friend which was the most realistic funeral from
(a) Dead End Street
(b) The Importance of Being Idle
(c) How Could I Be Wrong
The Auteurs got the nod without hesitation.
@longbeachdave1
The wringing guitar solo at the end - they keep you on your toes!
@MrTelloff
Merci d'avoir posté cette vidéo !!! Extrait d'un album impeccable !!!!
@TheWildhound
Wonderful song
@1967sfoman
Like fine wine 💜
@madhuridas4745
Fantastic track. So good to see a splendid video. What an Original!
@vincentsellier8105
Probably your best song. For yeeaaars... How could I be waiting for another song like this one?
@guerreiropatriota1733
masterpiece