The meaning of the lyrics of the song "My Mistake" by the artist "Vampire Weekend"

In "My Mistake" by Vampire Weekend, the lyrical protagonist reflects on past mistakes that have irrevocably altered his life.

The first verse paints an idyllic picture of carefree youth. The protagonist is young, unburdened by experience, and oblivious to the trials that lie ahead. He compares his life to a serene valley, untouched "until I made my mistake." This mistake becomes a turning point, shattering the previous tranquility.

The chorus reveals the details of the fateful error. The protagonist is on the run, "creeping in the night," trying to escape something, perhaps his past or a wrong decision. The image of a gathering storm emphasizes the dramatic tension. He is "caught at the border," which can be interpreted as a physical barrier or a metaphor for transitioning into a new, dangerous phase of life. The encounter with the unnamed "you" – "cruel" and "untrue" – further exacerbates his situation. His "biggest mistake" was believing in kindness that proved to be illusory.

The second verse takes us back to the moment of choice preceding the mistake. The protagonist had the option to "run away" or "stay in this place," but he chose the wrong path, one that robbed him of his future. The play on words "springtime" ("spring", "early period") emphasizes lost opportunities and potential.

The second chorus echoes the motifs of the first, reinforcing the feeling of regret and hopelessness. The protagonist recognizes his naivety and foolishness, but nothing can be changed.