Meaning of "Wrong Side" by Chris Cornell

"Wrong Side" is a dark and introspective song that explores the theme of being constantly on the side of wrong. Through a series of personal anecdotes, Chris Cornell delves into the cycles of tragedy and misfortune that have plagued his life. The song begins with the death of his father, a miner, who tragically perishes in a mine collapse. This event marks the start of Cornell's journey on the wrong side, as he becomes a close companion with trouble, continually attracting unfortunate circumstances.

The second verse delves into Cornell's romantic relationship, where he falls in love with a girl at the age of twenty-one, but her jealous father violently attacks and leaves him for dead. Seeking vengeance, Cornell sets fire to the father's house and fields, resulting in sleepless nights haunted by guilt and remorse. This further solidifies his position on the wrong side, as his acts of retribution only bring more pain and suffering.

In the final verse, Cornell portrays a period of running and finally finding a menial job in a road café. However, this newfound stability is shattered when the store is robbed. Being the only one present during the crime, he becomes the prime suspect, awaiting the inevitable consequences and further confirming his place on the side of wrong.

The overarching meaning of "Wrong Side" lies in the concept of fate and the inescapable cycles that life can trap individuals in. Despite Cornell's attempts to break free from his streak of misfortune, each action or circumstance only leads him further down the path of wrong. The lyrics speak to the struggles of navigating through a world that seems to be constantly stacked against an individual, ultimately questioning the power of personal agency and the forces beyond our control.