I Wanted To Be Wrong

R.E.M. · Around The Sun

You know where I come from
you know what I feel
you're Yul Brenner Westworld
reporting from the field.
I threw it into reverse,
made a motion to repeal.
You kicked my legs from under me,
and tried to take the wheel.

I told you I wanted to be wrong,
but everyone is humming a song
that I don't understand.

now I know that the sun has shined on my side of the street.
the basket of America, the weevils and the wheat.
the milk and honeyed congregation, scrubbed and apple-cheeked
salute Apollo 13 from the rattle jewelry seats.

mythology's seductive and it turned a trick on me
that I have just begun to understand.

I told you I wanted to be wrong,
but everyone is humming a song
that I don't understand.

the rodeo is staged, gold circle goat-ropers and clowns.
a rumble in the third act, tie 'em up and burn 'em down.
we're armed to the teeth, born a little breech;
blue-plate special analysts, cells and SUV's

we can't approach the Allies 'cause they seem a little peeved
and speak a language we don't understand.

I told you I wanted to be wrong
but everyone is humming a song
that I don't understand.

[prop up The Omega Man, we're primed for victory,
God gave us the upper hand, there's honor among thieves.
temper it with arrogance, a dash of sad conceit.
the top's down on the T-Bird, we're the children of the free]

storm into the boardroom of the conquering elite.
did you recognize the madman who is shouting in the streets?
destroy the things that I don't understand
destroy the things that I don't understand.

About I Wanted To Be Wrong

"I Wanted To Be Wrong" stands as a pivotal track on R.E.M.'s 1992 album *Around The Sun*, marking a significant shift in the band's sound toward a more polished, radio-friendly production style. Released during the height of their commercial success, the song exemplifies the group's evolution from their earlier indie rock roots into a mainstream power-pop arena, featuring layered harmonies and a driving rhythm section that defined the early 90s alternative landscape. While often overshadowed by hits like "Losing My Religion," the track remains a staple of the album's cohesive narrative, showcasing Peter Gabriel's influence on the band's vocal textures and solidifying their status as one of the most influential acts of the decade. Its enduring appeal lies in its melodic clarity and the way it bridged the gap between underground credibility and broad commercial acceptance.