Vampire Weekend received much buzz from local blogs throughout 2007 during their rise to a record deal with indie label XL Recordings. Rolling Stone placed Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa at number 57 for the top 100 songs of 2007.
The band's debut album, "Vampire Weekend" was released on January 28. 2008. It was a surprise success, peaking at #17 on the Billboard 200.
Their second album "Contra" was released on January 12, 2010. It contains the single "Cousins". The album debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200, only the 12th independently released and distributed album to achieve such a feat.
They are self-proclaimed "specialists in the following styles: 'Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa', 'Upper West Side Soweto', 'Campus', and 'Oxford Comma Riddim.'"
The name "Vampire Weekend" comes from a movie that Ezra Koenig made in the summer of his freshman year at college. You can watch the trailer on Youtube, here.
Their official site is http://www.vampireweekend.com/
My Mistake
Vampire Weekend Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Summer breeze, summer break
Oh, I was young then
Hadn't made my mistake
Unaware of the fall
Unaware of my fate
There was peace in the valley
'Til I made my mistake
Quick in the night
As the storm took its shape
Caught at the border
As I made my escape
It was cold, it was dark
You were cruel, you were fake
Hoping for kindness
Was my greatest mistake
I was young then
Hadn't made my mistake
There was choice to get out
Or remain in this state
There was springtime and future
'Til I made my mistake
Quick in the night
As the storm took its shape
Caught at the border
As I made my escape
It was cold, it was dark
I was foolish and lame
Hoping for kindness
Was my greatest mistake
In "My Mistake" by Vampire Weekend, the lyrics tell a story of regret and reflection, specifically focusing on a past mistake that the singer made. The song begins with a nostalgic tone, reminiscing about a time when the singer was young and innocent, before they had made their mistake. They reflect on a period of peace and tranquility, symbolized by the reference to "peace in the valley", which represents a metaphorical state of harmony and contentment.
However, the tone shifts as the song progresses. The singer describes a pivotal moment when they made their mistake, depicted as a storm taking shape. This mistake led to a border-crossing situation, where the singer finds themselves caught and trying to escape. The imagery of coldness and darkness emphasizes the negative consequences and the feelings of vulnerability and fear the singer experiences.
The lyrics also touch on the theme of hope and naivety. The singer expresses a desire for kindness and for things to go well, but ultimately realizes that hoping for kindness was their greatest mistake. This suggests that placing too much trust and relying on others instead of taking control of their own fate led to the regrettable situation they find themselves in.
Overall, "My Mistake" explores the idea of personal responsibility and the consequences of our actions. It highlights the importance of being aware of our choices and the potential impact they may have on our own lives.
Line by Line Meaning
Skin under sun
My exposed skin basking in the warmth of the sun
Summer breeze, summer break
The gentle wind and the freedom of summer vacation
Oh, I was young then
During that time, I was full of youthful naivety
Hadn't made my mistake
I hadn't yet experienced the error that would change everything
Unaware of the fall
Completely oblivious to the impending downfall
Unaware of my fate
Unknowing of the destiny awaiting me
There was peace in the valley
The valley symbolized tranquility and harmony
'Til I made my mistake
Only until I committed my crucial error
Quick in the night
Swiftly, during the darkness of the night
As the storm took its shape
While the storm began to form and gain intensity
Caught at the border
Trapped at the crossroads, unable to progress
As I made my escape
Attempting to flee from the consequences of my actions
It was cold, it was dark
The atmosphere was chilling and devoid of light
You were cruel, you were fake
You exhibited unkindness and proved to be insincere
Hoping for kindness
Having faith in the existence of benevolence
Was my greatest mistake
Regretting that optimism and trust
There was choice to get out
There existed an option to escape the situation
Or remain in this state
Or stay trapped in this unfortunate condition
There was springtime and future
The promise of renewal and opportunities yet to come
'Til I made my mistake
But my mistake shattered those hopeful prospects
I was foolish and lame
I acted with foolishness and displayed weakness
Hoping for kindness
Maintaining hope for compassion
Was my greatest mistake
Ultimately, placing my trust in kindness became my most significant regret
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Ariel Zvi Rechtshaid, Ezra Koenig, Ludwig Emil Tomas Goeransson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Isaac Díaz
TRUE LYRICS lol
Skin under sun
Summer breeze, summer break
Oh, I was young then
Hadn't made my mistake
Unaware of the fall
Unaware of my fate
There was peace in the valley
'Til I made my mistake
Quick in the night
As the storm took its shape
Caught at the border
As I made my escape
It was cold, it was dark
You were cruel, you were fake
Hoping for kindness
Was my greatest mistake
I was young then
Hadn't made my mistake
There was choice to get out
Or remain in this state
There was springtime and future
'Til I made my mistake
Quick in the night
As the storm took its shape
Caught at the border
As I made my escape
It was cold, it was dark
I was foolish and lame
Hoping for kindness
Was my greatest mistake
Jacob Logue
This album has a chance at being their best, and an absolute masterpiece. Legitimate masterpiece.
Peterson Vale
This one is my favorite, but I assume that MVOTC is their best one
Robert Becker Becker
hell no, by far their worst. weakest songs, weakest production, weakest lyrics, weakest vocals. Ezra has spoken about wanting to make more accessible songs lyrically and ended up making an album where most of their old appeal is gone for some thing far cheaper. The trilogy is where it's at. This album resides far below.
Gerasimos Tatsis
@Evangelionlovr yes exactly that (except for fotb i guess)
Evangelionlovr
Speaks volumes to how good a band is where there is a legitimate argument to be made for each album as being their best.
Rodfer
MVOTC
Isaac Díaz
TRUE LYRICS lol
Skin under sun
Summer breeze, summer break
Oh, I was young then
Hadn't made my mistake
Unaware of the fall
Unaware of my fate
There was peace in the valley
'Til I made my mistake
Quick in the night
As the storm took its shape
Caught at the border
As I made my escape
It was cold, it was dark
You were cruel, you were fake
Hoping for kindness
Was my greatest mistake
I was young then
Hadn't made my mistake
There was choice to get out
Or remain in this state
There was springtime and future
'Til I made my mistake
Quick in the night
As the storm took its shape
Caught at the border
As I made my escape
It was cold, it was dark
I was foolish and lame
Hoping for kindness
Was my greatest mistake
Gian Garcia
@Framcesco Maria Carreri quick* check the song's meaning.
Framcesco Maria Carreri
first time is creep in the night not quick
brayden Terry
This is actually one of my faves on the album. Reminds me of la la land and is lyrically genius. Not unlike the complete album which is unexpected and amazing