At its core, The Wrong Side of 40 is a song about time—how it slips, how it shapes you, and how, at some point, you’re forced to confront it head on.
Peter Azzopardi doesn’t dress it up in metaphor for the sake of it. Instead, the lyrics land with a directness that feels both personal and universal, tapping into that quiet, often unspoken moment of self-reflection. There’s a sense of reckoning running through the track—questions of where you are, where you thought you’d be, and what it all really means.
What makes the songwriting stand out is its restraint. There’s a distinct thread of nostalgia running through the track—but crucially, it’s not romanticised. These aren’t rose-tinted memories of the past; they’re reflections shaped by hindsight, where moments are revisited with clarity rather than comfort. Azzopardi explores that space between who you were and who you’ve become, capturing the weight of time rather than just its passing.
Musically, the arrangement gives those lyrics the space they deserve. The instrumentation is warm and measured, never competing for attention, allowing each word to land exactly as intended – “though at the time, we never realised, those were there best days of our lives” Subtle guitar textures and a steady rhythm section create a backdrop that feels reflective rather than overpowering—mirroring the tone of the writing itself.
Vocally, there’s a grounded sincerity in Azzopardi’s delivery. He doesn’t overreach; instead, he leans into the narrative, letting the lyrics carry the impact. It’s this balance—between voice, words, and atmosphere—that makes the track feel so cohesive.
With momentum continuing to build, Azzopardi is also set to take to one of London’s most iconic stages, as co-headliner at the Scala on May 15 alongside Maze, Hazy Sundays and Chris Daley. It’s a night that feels perfectly timed—The Wrong Side of 40 captures a moment of realisation with clarity and honesty, turning personal reflection into something deeply relatable, with the love date offering a chance to see those lyrics hit with even greater impact.
Gigs
15 May 2026 Scala (With Maze, Hazy Sundays and Chris Daley)
Peter Azzopardi Socials
ThisIsTheMusic 
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