As well as Rod Argent, the other original members (most come from Hertfordshire, England) were drummer Robert Henrit and bassist Jim Rodford (later members of the Kinks) and guitarist/keyboardist Russ Ballard, who contributed to several compositions through the group's career (curiously some of Ballard's compositions became hits when they were covered by other bands, like Rainbow or Santana). When Russ Ballard left in 1973, his place was taken by guitarist and vocalist John Verity and guitarist John Grimaldi and there followed a period of intense recording and touring until the band decided to come off the road late in 1976.
The original Argent lineup re-united at the High Voltage Festival in Victoria Park, London, on July 25, 2010. They undertook a short five date concert tour in December 2010, with gigs in Frome, Southampton, Wolverhampton, Leamington Spa and London.
Lothlorien
Argent Lyrics
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Tears of silence to call me far away
Love, I see you standing there so fair
A growing shadow beneath the southern sun
Tells of trouble and warns of change to come
I must leave you and this land so fair
Far away (To and so)
Far away (I must go)
Far away...
I walk the streets that I used to see, so fair (so fair)
No troubles would worry me, so fair (so fair)
They're so fair...
I think of days that we both would share (would share)
Wine and freedom and your care (your care)
They were so fair
They're so fair..
Far away (I must go)
Far away (To and so)
Far away (I must go)
Far away...
The lyrics of Argent's song Lothlorien depict a bittersweet tale of love and separation. The song seems to be set in an idyllic land, so fair and beautiful that it almost seems unreal. The singer is torn between his love for this land and his duties or responsibilities that call him far away. His heart is heavy as he bids goodbye to his beloved and takes a difficult journey towards his uncertain future. The opening lines of the song "Look back into the cold unbroken day, Tears of silence to call me far away" already show the melancholic tone of the song.
As the song progresses, the singer reflects on the memories he has with his loved one and the land. The line "I walk the streets that I used to see, so fair (so fair)" shows that he is taking a walk down memory lane, reminiscing the good times they had together. However, the growing shadow that he sees in the land foreshadows the turmoil and problems to come, making his departure more urgent and significant. The chorus "Far away (I must go), far away (To and so), far away (I must go), far away..." echoes the singer's inner turmoil as he grapples with his conflicting emotions.
Overall, the lyrics of Lothlorien convey a sense of wistfulness and nostalgia, as well as the difficulty of leaving behind something that is precious to you. It also speaks to the universal experience of having to make difficult choices and sacrifices in life.
Line by Line Meaning
Look back into the cold unbroken day
Turning my gaze upon the bleak, unchanging day before me
Tears of silence to call me far away
My heart's longing echoes without any words, drawing me away
Love, I see you standing there so fair
Dear one, I behold your beauty standing before me
A growing shadow beneath the southern sun
A darkness is rising, visible even beneath the warm sun
Tells of trouble and warns of change to come
It portends difficulty ahead and the need for transition
I must leave you and this land so fair
I am compelled to depart from you and this beautiful land
Far away (I must go)
I must travel a great distance
Far away (To and so)
Going towards a destination far from here
Far away (I must go)
Indeed, I must depart from all that I hold dear
Far away...
And I must face the unknown alone
I walk the streets that I used to see, so fair (so fair)
Strolling through places I once found familiar and beautiful
No troubles would worry me, so fair (so fair)
Then, carefree and unencumbered, no problems weighed upon me
They're so fair...
But, alas, that time is gone
I think of days that we both would share (would share)
Recalling memories of the time we spent together
Wine and freedom and your care (your care)
Sharing moments of pleasure, liberty, and your affection
They were so fair
They were idyllic and beyond compare
They're so fair..
Now, these times are merely distant thoughts
Contributed by Jake B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.