"Misunderstanding" was one of the first songs that Collins wrote on his own. His marriage had come to an impasse as his first wife Andrea had taken their two children and left him. Phil found himself totally alone in the house he once shared with them, and began writing songs - sad ones. "Misunderstanding" sees Collins getting stood up and he fails to grasp that the girl wants nothing to do with him. He keeps blaming the girls evasiveness on sone "Misunderstanding" Collins in this song sees himself as a observer - his story about a man who is delusional in love reflects his failed attempts to put his marriage back together. Phil and Andrea divorce in 1980. At the time Phil Collins had more on his plate and deeper concerns than being left out in the rain. Those concerns are laid out bare on the song "Please don't ask" which is one of his most personal tales. "Misunderstanding" has a lot more distance, and also a lot more potential as a hit. Both songs come from the Genesis album "DUKE" Collins poured out more of his heart on this first solo album "Face Value" which was released the following year. Misunderstanding reached no 42 in the UK charts.
There must be some misunderstanding
There must be some kind of mistake
I waited in the rain for hours
And you were late
Now it's not like me to say the right thing
But you could've called to let me know
I checked your number twice, don't understand it
So I went home
Well I'd been waiting for this weekend
I thought that maybe we could see a show
Never dreamed I'd have this feeling
Oh but seeing you is believing
That's why I don't know why
You didn't show up that night
There must be some misunderstanding
There must be some kind of mistake
I was waiting in the rain for hours
And you were late
Since then I've been running around trying to find you
I went to the places that we always go
I rang your home but got no answer
Jumped in my car, I went round there
Still don't believe it
He was just leaving
There must be some misunderstanding
There must be some kind of mistake...
We have all been in the place of being misunderstood. We have all had to endure a breakdown in relationships and we have all been in the place where we have felt it has not been down to any mistakes on our part. A misunderstanding has happened and now things are unresolved. These are painful moments and moments that are unforgettable in the years to come, as they are laced with much pain and brokenness. Perhaps we have tried to mend the fences only to find that it is of no consequence as the other person is simply not interested and has moved on in their lives even if we have not.
I cannot tell you how many times this has personally happened to me. At times the loneliness has been too much to bear. That's the thing about being lonely, you feel that there is no one in the world who can help you with anything. In a boy /girl relationship you may feel like I did, your trust gets eroded, you don't want to meet people and you begin to shut yourself off from daily life, or you just go through the motions to make things bearable. You may return home to play songs that you shared together. You may catch yourself visiting places that you went together Just hoping for a glimpse once more. All in vain.
You wonder if you will ever love again. Of course you do! You find the right person and begin all over again. I was that lonely heart at one time. I too thought that I would not find the right person. One thing I began to do was to pray the Proverbs 31 prayer. I began to ask God for the right person according to what I saw when I read Proverbs Chapter 31.
Proverbs 31: 10-31 - The Wife of Noble Character
10 A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. 11 Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. 12 She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. 13 She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands14 She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar, 15 She gets up while it is still night; she provides food for her family and portions for her female servants. 16 She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. 17 She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. 18 She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. 19 In her hand she holds the distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers. 20 She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. 21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. 22 She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. 23 Her husband is respected at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. 24 She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies the merchants with sashes. 25 She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. 26 She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. 27 She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 29 “Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.” 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. 31 Honour her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.
The Lord heard my inmost cry and answered my prayer. He sent a treasure across my path and here we are 24 years later- still married with three wonderful children. God was faithful to me in this one thing. I had a string of failed relationships but this one was one that would last. From misunderstandings to a life with someone who has stuck by me through thick and thin. God has been faithful. The 31st Proverb says so many things that have come to pass for me. I'm careful not to use scripture as a begging bowl or a tool for manipulating God. This was a passage that the Lord led me to at a low point in my life as a single guy and I prayed it for many years. All I can say is that God heard my cry. The Lord Jesus has done good things for me, he has turned many a misunderstanding into his will for blessing my future, he has turned many a misfortune into a way in which to bless our family. Perhaps you are where I was and you are going through a difficult time emotionally. Jesus invites us to come to him with all our problems.
Matthew 11:28-30 28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
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