One
Vampire Weekend Lyrics


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You've been checking on my facts
And I admit I have been lax
In double-screening what I say
It wasn't funny anyway

I stand corrected
I stand corrected
No one cares when you are wrong
But I've been at this far too long
To act like that when we should be
In perfect harmony

I stand corrected
I, oh, I stand corrected

Lord knows I haven't tried, I'll take my stand
One last time
Forget the protocol, I'll take your hand
Right in mine





I stand corrected
I, oh, I stand corrected

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Vampire Weekend's song "One" showcase a speaker acknowledging their errors and lack of fact-checking in their past communication with another person. The singer demonstrates a desire to take responsibility for their mistakes and make an attempt at repairing the relationship by standing corrected. Although the humor may have been lost, the recognition of their flaws and attempt at making amends are actions that align with creating "perfect harmony."


The repetition of "I stand corrected" emphasizes the singer's acknowledgment and acceptance of their wrongdoing. The mention of "forgetting protocol" and "taking your hand" suggests a willingness to move beyond the formalities and address the relationship directly. The line "no one cares when you are wrong" highlights a sense of vulnerability and fear of being judged by others, but the singer chooses to prioritize the importance of admitting their mistakes and attempting to make amends.


In addition to the themes of accountability and sincerity, the lyrics also showcase Vampire Weekend's distinct style, including the band's use of literary references and intellectualism in their music. The use of the phrase "I stand corrected" was inspired by the E.B. White essay of the same name, and the song also references an essay by Vladimir Nabokov.


Line by Line Meaning

You've been checking on my facts
You have been verifying the accuracy of my statements.


And I admit I have been lax
I acknowledge that I haven't been diligent and careful enough in my communications.


In double-screening what I say
In cross-referencing and verifying what I say thoroughly.


It wasn't funny anyway
My error wasn't amusing or entertaining.


I stand corrected
I accept my mistake and commit to making it right.


No one cares when you are wrong
People generally don't have much sympathy or interest in your errors.


But I've been at this far too long
I've been in this situation for an extended period and should know better.


To act like that when we should be
To behave in a careless or inappropriate way when we should be working cooperatively.


In perfect harmony
Working in complete agreement with one another and without any strife.


Lord knows I haven't tried, I'll take my stand
I haven't given adequate effort, but will make a final effort to make things right.


One last time
This will be the final attempt to resolve the issue.


Forget the protocol, I'll take your hand
Disregarding social norms or conventions, I will take personal responsibility in fixing this issue.


Right in mine
Holding your hand right in mine, symbolizing the commitment to work together as a team.


I, oh, I stand corrected
I am committed to fixing the situation and making things right with confidence.




Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ezra Koenig, Rostam Batmanglij

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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