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.
Tragedy
Argent Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(It's gonna be a tragedy)
A chill in the wind and it's blowing our way
(It's gonna be a tragedy)
Sooner or later there'll come a time
(It's gonna be a tragedy)
That cold wind will blow and you know that's a crime
Tragedy before your eyes
Tragedy for everything
Tragedy, if we don't give a damn
God knows your secret, He knows our fate
(Knows this has been a tragedy)
He knows the reason, it' not too late
(It's gonna be a tragedy)
Don't let the snake hunt, he might break you down
(It's gonna be a tragedy)
You lost a fortune before and you found
Tragedy is on the rise
Tragedy before your eyes
Tragedy for every man
Tragedy, if people don't give a damn
Could be tomorrow, could be today
(It's gonna be a tragedy)
A chill in the wind and it's blowing our way
(It's gonna be a tragedy)
Sooner or later there'll come a time
(It's gonna be a tragedy)
That cold wind will blow and you know that's a crime
Tragedy is on the rise
Tragedy before your eyes
Tragedy for everything
Tragedy, if we don't give a damn
Aah, he knows the reason
behind the tragedy that's about to befall them. The lyrics of Argent's song Tragedy speak to the inevitability of suffering and destruction. The opening lines suggest the arrival of a foreboding event, with the chilling wind acting as a harbinger of the tragedy that is to come. The repetition of the phrase "It's gonna be a tragedy" speaks to the certainty of this destructive event. The lyrics suggest that the tragedy is not a matter of if, but when.
The song's theme shifts from the inevitability of tragedy to the importance of taking action to prevent it. The lyrics suggest that the tragedy can be avoided if people "give a damn." It speaks to the idea that tragedy can be averted through collective action and a willingness to work towards a common goal.
The lyrics also suggest that the tragedy may be the result of human folly or negligence. The line "Don't let the snake hunt, he might break you down" suggests that the tragedy could be the result of people pursuing self-interest at the expense of others. The song urges people to be mindful of their actions and to work towards a more just and equitable society.
Overall, Argent's Tragedy is a song that speaks to the inevitability of suffering and destruction and the importance of collective action in preventing it.
Line by Line Meaning
Could be tomorrow, could be today
Tragedy could strike at any moment, without warning.
(It's gonna be a tragedy)
The consequences will be dire, and there is no way to avoid or escape them.
A chill in the wind and it's blowing our way
A sense of foreboding is in the air, as if something ominous is approaching.
Sooner or later there'll come a time
It is inevitable that tragedy will occur, whether now or in the future.
That cold wind will blow and you know that's a crime
The tragedy that strikes will be cruel and unjust, like an act of theft that cannot be prevented.
Tragedy is on the rise
The threat of calamity is growing, becoming more intense and imminent.
Tragedy before your eyes
The tragedy is not a distant prospect, but a reality that can be observed and experienced now.
Tragedy for everything
The tragedy will affect all aspects of life, touching everything in its path with devastation.
Tragedy, if we don't give a damn
Tragedy is the result of apathy and neglect, of failing to take action or care about the consequences of our actions or inaction.
God knows your secret, He knows our fate
God is aware of our hidden sins and knows what awaits us in the end.
(Knows this has been a tragedy)
God recognizes the sorrow and pain that have already been experienced and endured.
He knows the reason, it' not too late
God understands the cause of the tragedy and believes that it is still possible to correct the course and prevent further harm.
Don't let the snake hunt, he might break you down
Be wary of evil influences that can lead you astray and cause you to suffer even more.
You lost a fortune before and you found
Past misfortune and defeat have taught you valuable lessons that you can use to survive this new tragedy.
Tragedy for every man
The tragedy will not spare anyone, affecting all people indiscriminately.
Aah, he knows the reason
God is fully aware of why the tragedy is happening, and there is nothing that can be done to change it.
Contributed by Katherine L. Suggest a correction in the comments below.