Nicholas self-released his debut album, Without Warning, on January 15, 2008, and his follow-up album, "Without Warning Acoustic" on February 28, 2009. His third release was Heroes Are Human, put out on June 1, 2010. His fourth release is a self-titled EP, released March 20, 2012; the first single "My Generation" also appears as part of the American Reunion soundtrack album. His fifth release is the EP Security released on April 8, 2014.
In March 2015, Nicholas appeared on Blues Traveler's album Blow Up the Moon, co-writing the song "All the Way."
Nicholas (second from right) performing "1999" with Bowling for Soup on its release day
On July 9, 2022, Nicholas released "1999", a single that parodied the Bowling for Soup song "1985".
Wrong Side
Thomas Nicholas Band Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
stuck in the loop
I wonder if you know
What I did to ...
try to satisfy
Feed your appetite
Be what you desire
Lied to myself
to think that I
Could push me aside
This would pass us by
cnd we'd be all right
I'm living on the wrong side
Stalled out at the stop light
When it changes will I let it go
Sick of living on the wrong side
Stepping out into new life
I'm only scared cause this is all I've known
I'm letting go
I'm letting go
The path in front of me
Is filled with falling leaves
It's just so hard to see
The fears I
Hide to simplify
What I feel inside
I'm so terrified
Still I
Tried to justify
How to break the tie
Could not say goodbye
I'm living on the wrong side
Stalled out at the stop light
When it changes will I let it go
Sick of living on the wrong side
Stepping out into new life
I'm only scared cause this is all I've known
I'm letting go
I'm letting go
I'm letting go
I want you to know
It's more than just the words this time
I want you to know
I'm living on the wrong side
Stalling out at the stop light
When it changes I will let it go
Sick of living on the wrong side
Stepping out into new life
I'm only scared cause this is all I've known
I'm only scared cause this is all I've known
I'm letting go
The lyrics of "Wrong Side" by Thomas Nicholas Band delve deeply into themes of self-reflection, emotional struggle, and the desire for change. The singer announces a sense of stagnation right from the outset, feeling as though they are “stuck in the loop.” This circular motion suggests a state of being trapped in their current circumstances, both physically and emotionally. The anguish of wondering whether a significant other realizes the betrayal or pain that the singer has caused—or has experienced themselves—along with the vague reference to needing to satisfy someone else's desires indicates the complexities of relationships and the issues of self-identity. The repetition of “I wonder if you know” through the song underscores a feeling of helplessness as the singer grapples with guilt and awareness, reflecting a sense of yearning for connection that has crumbled.
As the lyrics unfold, the singer expresses their conflict between wanting to please someone else and the recognition of their own needs. The lines, “tried to satisfy / Feed your appetite / Be what you desire,” highlight a relinquishment of personal desires in favor of another’s happiness. This internal struggle places the singer at a crossroads, torn between love and self-denial. There is an acknowledgment that they have “lied to myself” by suppressing their identity and emotions in efforts to maintain a relationship, indicating a profound vulnerability in being unable to express their true self. The illusion that their problems would simply “pass us by” showcases a desire to evade confronting the complexities of their emotional landscape. Ultimately, this leads to a realization that such denial cannot sustain a genuine bond.
The chorus embodies the essence of feeling trapped, with the vivid imagery of being “stalling out at the stop light." This metaphor symbolizes not just physical immobility but also a life paused at something critical where change is imminent but unresolved. The struggle to “let it go” illustrates the human experience of fear associated with taking risks and moving into the unknown. The singer recognizes that they have been residing on the “wrong side,” a metaphorical space representing discomfort, regret, and dissatisfaction. However, the song expresses hope; the recognition of being “sick” of this situation indicates a yearning and readiness to emerge from the darkness into a “new life.” This represents the conflicting emotions associated with any major change—both excitement and fear.
Towards the end of the piece, there is a powerful notion of release and acceptance. The repeated phrase “I’m letting go” emphasizes a decisive commitment to move forward and embrace what lies ahead, despite the feelings of fear that accompany such a shift. The path filled with falling leaves symbolizes change and the natural cycles of life where things must fall away for new growth to occur. The admission of fear underscores the weight of this transition, linking vulnerability with the desire for a brighter future. In “wanting you to know it’s more than just the words this time,” the singer seeks not only understanding from another but seeks authenticity within themselves. The haunting acknowledgment that “this is all I’ve known” echoes the struggle of breaking away from deeply ingrained patterns, encapsulating a raw and relatable journey towards self-acceptance and the courage to embrace change.
Line by Line Meaning
I got no place to go
I find myself lost and without direction, lacking a sense of belonging.
stuck in the loop
I am trapped in a repetitive cycle, unable to break free from my circumstances.
I wonder if you know
I question whether you are aware of my struggles and the choices I made.
What I did to ...
I reflect on my actions and how they have impacted both myself and you.
try to satisfy
I made efforts to fulfill your needs and expectations.
Feed your appetite
I aimed to indulge your desires and wishes, often at my own expense.
Be what you desire
I attempted to transform myself into the person you wished for.
Lied to myself
I deceived myself about my feelings and circumstances.
to think that I
I foolishly believed that I could think my way out of the pain.
Could push me aside
I thought I could dismiss my own needs and emotions.
This would pass us by
I believed that the difficulties we faced would eventually fade away.
and we'd be all right
I had hope that in time, everything would return to normal.
I'm living on the wrong side
I find myself existing in a negative space, facing struggles and dissatisfaction.
Stalled out at the stop light
I feel stuck in my situation, waiting for change that doesn’t seem to come.
When it changes will I let it go
I question whether I will be able to move on when the opportunity for change arises.
Sick of living on the wrong side
I am tired of enduring this painful, unfulfilling way of life.
Stepping out into new life
I am attempting to embrace a fresh start and new opportunities.
I'm only scared cause this is all I've known
My fear stems from the uncertainty of leaving what has been familiar to me.
I'm letting go
I am starting to release my grip on past attachments and fears.
I'm letting go
I am consciously choosing to liberate myself from emotional burdens.
The path in front of me
The journey ahead is visible but filled with challenges and uncertainties.
Is filled with falling leaves
The surroundings are changing, indicating transitions in my life.
It's just so hard to see
I struggle to perceive the possibilities amid the confusion and fear.
The fears I
The anxieties that weigh heavily on me.
Hide to simplify
I suppress these fears to make my life feel more manageable.
What I feel inside
I conceal my true emotions, which are complex and overwhelming.
I'm so terrified
I am engulfed by profound fear regarding my situation and future.
Still I
Despite my fears, I persist in trying to find clarity.
Tried to justify
I attempted to rationalize my feelings and choices.
How to break the tie
I sought a way to resolve the emotional bonds that are holding me back.
Could not say goodbye
I found it difficult to let go of the past and relationships that no longer serve me.
I'm living on the wrong side
I continue to dwell in an unfulfilling and painful state.
Stalled out at the stop light
I feel again that I am immobilized, unable to progress.
When it changes will I let it go
I still wonder if I can release my fears once circumstances shift.
Sick of living on the wrong side
My exhaustion from this way of life is profound.
Stepping out into new life
I aim to break free and explore new opportunities for growth.
I'm only scared cause this is all I've known
My apprehension is rooted in my attachment to the familiarity of my past.
I'm only scared cause this is all I've known
Repeating my fears showcases my deep-seated bond with what is comfortable.
I'm letting go
Once more, I am committed to freeing myself from past constraints.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
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