Traveling
??? ??? Lyrics

The opening lines of ??? ???'s song "Traveling On" describe a scene of people on the move, perhaps in a state of disorientation or desperation. The boys in blazers may be businessmen, politicians, or other well-dressed men, but they are still among the "last on the life boat to get on," suggesting a sense of desperation or urgency. The union laborers and weary lifers are perhaps more representative of the working class, but they too are traveling, whether by choice or necessity. The leering drivers may be predatory or exploitative figures, contributing to the sense of unease in the setting. The singer wants to know when they will "go on," perhaps suggesting a yearning for closure, progress, or escape from an uncertain or uncomfortable situation.

As the song continues, we hear more about the singer's journey, encountering more diverse and colorful characters along the way. The street-side smokers and holy rollers may represent contrasting lifestyles or belief systems, but both are seeking something they cannot find. The references to L.A. and London suggest a global scope to the song's themes of travel and displacement. The singer feels underfunded or under-supported, but is determined to keep moving forward. The repetition of "ride on" suggests a sense of momentum or perseverance despite the challenges.

The song's bridge introduces more evocative imagery, as the singer encounters a "new dauphin" in Duluth. The dauphin was historically the heir to the French throne, and the word can also suggest a sense of privilege or entitlement. No one knows the singer, yet nations loathe them, suggesting a sense of being an outsider or marginalized. The plea to be "recused" from this context suggests a sense of moral or ethical conflict, perhaps questioning the legitimacy or worth of this journey.