Rancid

Lyrics

8 ContributorsWho Would’ve Thought LyricsWho would've thought that dreams come true
And who would've thought I ended up with you
And who would've thought what they said was true
But it was and you are lighting darkness, coming through

Silhouetted palm trees backing up against the sky
Echo park sunset, an ambulance drives by
Well, someone went down and I wonder who
Faces flash forth could it be anybody I knew
So I drank like a fish till I crawl like a rat
In the city of shit, I ended up on my back
But I can't believe you're with me after dark
So let it come together in Echo Park

And I said, who would've thought that dreams come true
And who would've thought I'd end up with you
And who would've thought what they said was true
But it was and you are lighting darkness, coming through

A red flag and nobody wins
Or a snake bite, gotta start again
So I'm fucked up from watching TV all day
I don't wanna see what Ricki Lake's gotta say
And it hits me when I'm alone, I'm an angry man
I start singing to myself, I got dealt a shitty hand
With all these feelings my heart could explode
[?], no not at all
You might also likeAnd I said, who would've thought that dreams come true
And who would've thought I'd end up with you
And who would've thought what they said was true
But it was and you are light and darkness coming through

Na na na, na na na
Na na na, na na na
Na na na, na na na

Who would've thought that dreams come true
And who would've thought I'd end up with you
And who would've thought what they said was true
But it was and you are lighting darkness, coming through

Now my dreams are coming true
Now my dreams are coming trueEmbed

You don't have to be a hardcore punk fan to know who Rancid is. The American band formed in Berkeley, California, in 1991 by two former members of Operation Ivy. Since then, they have established themselves as one of the premier punk rock bands in the world, releasing several albums, including the critically acclaimed album "...And Out Come The Wolves." Despite their success, the band has always been known for their grassroots approach to music.

About Who Would’ve Thought

"Who Would've Thought" is a love song written by Tim Armstrong for his then-wife, Brody Dalle. Armstrong, who is the lead vocalist of Rancid, penned the track in the early 2000s during his tumultuous marriage with Dalle, who was also a punk rock singer. The song's lyrics are about his genuine surprise that he found someone who loved him and how he never thought he would be so lucky.

The upbeat reggae rock-type sound of the song is characteristic of Rancid's signature style, with energetic guitars and the slurred vocals of Armstrong. Matt Freeman also provides his talents on the bass guitar to round out the song's sound. A notable feature of the song is its slower tempo compared to other Rancid tracks, which perfectly suits its romantic theme.

According to Armstrong, he wrote several songs for Dalle during their marriage, including "Who Would've Thought." After their divorce, which was caused by Dalle's infidelity with Josh Homme from Queens of the Stone Age, Armstrong wrote several more songs, many of which appeared on Rancid's following album, Indestructible. Songs like "Fall Back Down" and "Indestructible" are both known to be direct references to the breakup of his marriage.

Despite the circumstances in which the song was written, "Who Would've Thought" remains a testament to the power of love and the emotions it brings forth. Whether you're listening to it for the first time or the hundredth, the track's contagious energy and authentic lyrics will have you singing along in no time.

The Message Behind Who Would’ve Thought

The central theme of the song is love and the journey to finding it. Armstrong writes about how he never believed that he would find someone who would love him for who he is, but his then-wife Brody Dalle proved him wrong. He sings about how incredible it is to have found someone who accepts and loves him, flaws and all.

The lyrics express sentiments of hope, perseverance, and the importance of being vulnerable with the ones you love. Armstrong talks about how he never believed that love was possible until he met Dalle, and how he took a chance on her and it paid off in the end. The message in the song is clear: everyone deserves love, even those who don't believe it's possible.

Despite the heartbreak that ultimately ended Armstrong and Dalle's marriage, the song's message of love remains poignant. Armstrong wrote a heartfelt love song that resonated with many fans worldwide and showcased a softer side of the punk rock legend.

Why Should You Listen To Who Would’ve Thought?

Who Would've Thought" is an excellent example of Rancid's ability to write a touching and upbeat love song. The track is distinct from Rancid's typical punk rock sound and instead features a slower tempo, which complements its emotional lyrics. Armstrong's slurred vocals, coupled with the guitars and Freeman's bass playing, make for an enjoyable listen that will have you hitting the replay button.

Furthermore, the song's backstory adds another layer of texture to the track, making it more meaningful for listeners. The vulnerability and honesty with which Armstrong writes about his love for Dalle provide a glimpse of the man behind the punk rock legend, who was willing to explore different musical and emotional territories.

In short, "Who Would've Thought" is a fantastic song that deserves a listen, whether you're a fan of punk rock or not. It is a testament to love, the power of vulnerability, and finding hope in unexpected places.

• Release Date: June 30, 1998
• Artist: Rancid