Meaning of "Who Would've Thought" by Rancid

The lyrics of "Who Would've Thought" by Rancid explore the idea of unexpected outcomes and the surprising nature of dreams coming true. In the first verse, the singer expresses surprise and disbelief at the realization that their dreams actually came true, leading them to end up with someone they didn't expect. This serves as a reminder that life is full of unexpected twists and turns, and sometimes the things we never thought possible or likely can actually happen.

The song also touches on themes of struggle and frustration. The mention of drinking excessively and ending up on one's back in the "city of shit" suggests a state of despair or feeling overwhelmed with life. Watching TV all day and not wanting to hear what "Ricky Lake's gotta say" further emphasizes a sense of escapism or disconnect from reality. These lyrics reflect the singer's state of mind in grappling with challenges and the feeling of being dealt a "shitty hand."

Furthermore, the lyrics evoke a sense of contradiction with the mention of light and darkness. The line "But it was and you are light and darkness coming through" suggests that the person the singer ended up with embodies both positive and negative qualities. This highlights the complexity of relationships and how love can exist even in the presence of conflicting emotions or characteristics.

Overall, "Who Would've Thought" explores themes of surprise, struggle, and the contradictory nature of life and relationships. It reflects on the unexpected nature of dreams becoming reality and the challenges one faces along the way. The lyrics convey a mix of disbelief, frustration, and a sense of hope that arises from unexpected outcomes.