Hannah has explained her inspiration for the song:
I remember when I was writing the song I was wanting it to be quite nostalgic, because when I was 14, 15 listening to songs that really kind of hit you in the gut, and you’re starting to go, “What is this world spectrum of emotion that I’m feeling?...
[Verse 1]
Oh, my darling
Pick you up just to let you drop
When we got started, I was guarded
I almost forgot about you
It was charming
The way we danced around the truth
We were smiling and always hiding
And then our feet were somehow quickly slowing
[Pre-Chorus]
Thought I was healthy, but I'm choking
It must be catching up my smoking
I wish that I never played
[Chorus]
You're standing out in the rain tonight
Like you've got something to say to God
And you got a debt to pay back
For something you did way back
You're standing out in the rain tonight
Like you've got something to say to God
And you got a debt to pay back
For something you did way back
You wanna make it okay
[Verse 2]
What's the problem?
Spilling up some of my guts
One day you're fine, the next you're crying
And suddenly your engine just stops going
[Pre-Chorus]
Thought you were healthy, but you're choking
It must be catching up your smoking
I wish that you never played
[Chorus]
You're standing out in the rain tonight
Like you've got something to say to God
And you got a debt to pay back
For something you did way back
You're standing out in the rain tonight
Like you've got something to say to God
Have you got a debt to pay back
For something you did way back?
You wanna make it okay
[Instrumental Break]
[Chorus]
You're standing out in the rain tonight
Like you've got something to say to God
And he's got a debt to pay back
For something he did way back
You're standing out in the rain tonight
Like you've got something to say to God
Have you got a debt to pay back
For something you did way back?
You wanna make it okay
Mistake was written by Middle Kids.
Mistake was produced by Tim Fitz.
Middle Kids released Mistake on Thu Feb 01 2018.