The Fray is an American rock band from Denver, Colorado. Formed in 2002 by … Read Full Bio ↴The Fray is an American rock band from Denver, Colorado. Formed in 2002 by schoolmates Isaac Slade and Joe King, they achieved success with the release of their debut album, How to Save a Life in 2005, which was certified double platinum by the RIAA and platinum in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK. The Fray achieved national success with their first single, "Over My Head (Cable Car)", which became a top ten hit in the United States. The release of their second single, "How to Save a Life", brought the band worldwide fame. The song charted in the top three of the Billboard Hot 100 and was a top 5 single in Australia, Canada, Ireland, Italy, Spain, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

The group's self-titled, second album, released in 2009, debuted at number one on the Billboard charts and was certified gold in the United States, Australia, and Canada. It was also nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Pop Vocal Album in 2010. While both albums were commercially successful, critical reception was mixed. The Fray was ranked No. 84 on Billboard's "Artists of the Decade" list. Their third album Scars & Stories, released in 2012, achieved moderate commercial success; debuting and peaking at number four on the Billboard 200. The album again received mixed reviews from critics. The band's fourth album, Helios, was released in February 2014. The band's compilation album, Through the Years: The Best of the Fray, was released in November 2016.

The Fray's use of the piano as the lead instrument in their music has led critics to compare the band with English piano-driven bands such as Coldplay and Keane. However, the band lists its influences as the Wallflowers, Counting Crows, Better Than Ezra, and U2.

Dead Wrong
The Fray Lyrics

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If only I knew what I know
I'd make it a point to say so
To everyone that got me here
And everyone that made it

Clear I was dead wrong all along
You said it for my sake
That I would not lose my way

When I was astray

I'm doing the best that I could
Trying my best to be understood
Maybe I'm changing slowly
I'd get out, turn around if only I

Knew I was dead wrong all along
You said it for my sake
As if I would lose my way
When I was dead wrong all along

Mine is not a new story
Mine is not a new story
Min is nothing new
But it is for me

So I was dead wrong all along
You said it for my sake
You thought I'd lost my way
When I was dead wrong all along
You said it for my sake
That I would not lose my way

Did I really lose my way
Or are you afraid?

Overall Meaning

In the song Dead Wrong by The Fray, the singer expresses a sense of regret for some past action or behavior that led them to be "dead wrong all along." They acknowledge that they wish they had known what they know now, and that they would have spoken up to the people who helped them along the way. There is a sense of appreciation towards those who have helped them and made it clear to them that they were heading in the wrong direction. The singer then questions whether they are truly changing and trying to be understood, as well as hinting at the possibility that someone may be afraid of their growth.

The lyrics offer a sense of vulnerability and introspection. The singer has come to terms with their mistakes and is willing to admit that they were wrong. They attribute their growth to the people who have supported them and helped them to see the error of their ways. By questioning whether someone is afraid of their growth, the singer is suggesting that there may be resistance or hesitation from others to embrace the changes they are making.

The song has an emotional depth that is characteristic of The Fray's style. The message is relatable, as everyone makes mistakes and has regrets. The lyrics also capture the desire to grow and change, even if it means facing uncomfortable truths and letting go of old ways of thinking.

Line by Line Meaning

If only I knew what I know
If I had known then what I know now

I'd make it a point to say so
I would have expressed it clearly

To everyone that got me here
To all those who supported me

And everyone that made it clear
And all those who made things clear for me

I was dead wrong all along
I was completely mistaken the whole time

You said it for my sake
You told me for my own good

That I would not lose my way
So that I wouldn't go off course

When I was astray
When I was lost

I'm doing the best that I could
I am trying my hardest

Trying my best to be understood
I am making an effort to be heard and comprehended

Maybe I'm changing slowly
Perhaps I am evolving gradually

I'd get out, turn around if only I
I would change my ways, if only I could

Mine is not a new story
My tale is not unique

Min is nothing new
I am not innovative

But it is for me
But it is meaningful to me

Did I really lose my way
Did I actually stray from the path

Or are you afraid?
Or are you fearful?

Lyrics © Wixen Music Publishing, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Isaac Slade, Joseph King, Michael Flynn, David Welsh

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind

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