The song "The Wrong Side" by The Joy Formidable seems to express a sense of reflection and perspective on life. The lyrics depict the narrator waking up to a new day, contemplating the changes and challenges they face. The universe is portrayed as unbalanced, leaving the narrator with only half of their share. Meanwhile, children are shown mistreating animals, highlighting a certain disregard for the world around them. The song also references the voices from the past, who assure that the future will be kinder. These voices represent the memories of those who have gone before, serving as a reminder to find hope and positivity in difficult times. The narrator expresses gratitude for not staying in bed with bitterness but instead wanting to face the world with the sun on their face, implying the need to confront and address problems. The chorus suggests a desire for connection and intimacy. The followers referred to may represent the conformists or those who blindly follow the masses. The plea for them to come back and be lovers implies a longing for genuine relationships and a departure from societal expectations or norms. The song continues with an invitation to drive on a dusty road, seeking solace away from the noise and chaos of the world. The narrator highlights the pain experienced by their loved one and expresses their willingness to endure and accommodate the loved one's suffering. They acknowledge that there's always a way out but emphasize that true love and appreciation lie in recognizing what one already possesses. The song ends by again mentioning the followers, emphasizing the missed opportunity of experiencing the best parts of life when one aligns themselves with the wrong side. It conveys a message of finding one's own path, not conforming to societal expectations, and appreciating the present moment. Overall, the song appears to explore themes of balance, perspective, self-reflection, and the pursuit of authenticity and meaningful connections in a world often driven by superficiality and conformity.
