Is anyone really down to be wrong? In a world where everyone is out to be right, three sisters
(Alana, Este, and Danielle) sing about openness, humility, understanding, and growth. From
Southern California, this multi-platinum GRAMMY Award-nominated trio, HAIM, gifts us with
their new song “Down to be wrong” from their 5th anticipated studio album, I quit.
The intro to the song starts percussively with the mention of the song title. The first verse feels
like the sisters taking the listeners down memory lane with a nostalgic tone, painting a clear
image of the happenings of their hypothetical/fictional/non-fictional relationship. A beautiful
cinematic telling that draws the listener into their message.
The bridge is melodic, folky, and empowering. It also touches on the themes of openness and
growth stated earlier, by saying “oh, I bet you wish it could be easy to change my mind…oh I bet
you wish it could be easy, but it’s not this time,” it lets the listeners know that a conversation was
had, but due to past conversations/conflict that may or may not include gaslighting, the artist is
standing their ground and essentially saying: it’s not going to work on me this time…heard this
before.
The second verse continues to build the world of the artists’ headspace. Utilizing the same
nostalgic tone used in the first verse. This time it’s filled with more grit, edge,
and a whole lot of angst. “You never helped me, it was like hell for me, but you’re the greatest
pretender, so just keep pretending, just keep pretending…” They know something we don’t. This
adds a layer of relatability for their audience and listeners, we’ve all been there: platonically and
or romantically.
The ending goes into an instrumental solo that builds up to soulful, layered melodies,
then goes back into the refrain with added lyrics layered in with the chorus. There’s repetition of
the “Down to be wrong, don’t need to be right.” They are doubling down on moving on as shown
in the lyrics in the outro “…Down to be wrong (my feet are on the ground) Don’t need to be
right (and I keep walking)…”A masterful end to the song and just in time for summer, this is a
song you blast in the car, windows down, with your friends and sing every word to.
Overall, “Down to be wrong” by HAIM is a cohesive, climactic, empowering drop. This song
prepares and gives their audience insight to what their album I quit might feel and sound
like. HAIM has had enough, and they are standing on business.
Haim
