The Revivalists – “It Was A Sin” Lyrics Meaning

“It Was A Sin” is a profound journey into regret and introspection. It’s about recognizing past mistakes, particularly how the narrator wronged someone close to them. The song conveys a sense of remorse for past actions – stealing, betrayal, and emotional hurt. It seems to be about a personal relationship, possibly a romantic one, where the narrator’s actions lead to loss and guilt.

This isn’t just a song; it’s a confession, a realization of one’s sins and the impact they’ve had. The songwriter taps into universal feelings of regret and the desire for redemption, making it resonate deeply with listeners. It’s as if the song was written to find closure or seek forgiveness from the person wronged.

Ever wondered what it feels like to dive deep into the psyche of a song? “It Was A Sin” by The Revivalists isn’t just a track; it’s a window into the soul.


“It Was A Sin” Lyrics Meaning

The song starts with a candid confession: “I believe it was a sin.” This sets the tone for the entire piece – an acknowledgment of wrongdoing.

“I stole the gold and drank the gin / Then I ran off with your kin.” Here, the lyrics suggest betrayal and self-indulgence at someone else’s expense. This could be literal or metaphorical, symbolizing the narrator taking something valuable from someone close (like trust or love) and then betraying them.

“If I can, you know I will and if the stars align / I still get loaded on the things that I can’t change.” This part reflects on human nature to indulge in self-destructive behaviors, even when aware of their consequences. The phrase “the things that I can’t change” implies a sense of resignation to these flaws.

“And I’m out here tonight, so if you want to start a fight / We’ll get loaded on the things that I can’t change.” These lines convey a readiness to confront the past, yet also an acceptance of the unchangeable nature of what’s been done.

“Couldn’t stop it coming from afar / And lost the keys to the getaway car.” This suggests a premonition of the impending doom in the relationship and the eventual loss of an escape route – perhaps the loss of a chance to mend things.

The repeated pleas of “Don’t hide, don’t hide, don’t hide from me” throughout the song show a deep yearning for reconciliation or at least acknowledgment from the person wronged.

The Story Behind “It Was A Sin”

The song seems born from a state of regret and self-reflection. The writer appears to be in a phase of life where the impacts of past actions become clear, and the desire to make amends or at least acknowledge wrongdoings becomes paramount.

The lyrics mirror a personal journey, suggesting the writer might have experienced a significant event or relationship that left them with guilt and the need for closure. This emotional state often leads artists to create as a form of therapy or confession, which seems to be the case here.

The vivid imagery in the song suggests a personal experience rather than a fictional tale. It’s as if the songwriter is using music to process their feelings, confront their mistakes, and communicate with someone they’ve hurt. This level of songwriting honesty makes “It Was A Sin” so compelling and relatable. It’s not just a song; it’s a piece of the writer’s soul laid bare.