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.
Trapeze
Argent Lyrics
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Indecision faltering grace.
Baying crowd, blinding white light
Upturned faces, shadows of night.
Trusted hands catch me with ease
Life's ambition, flying trapeze.
Ravaged dreams, sweat from my brow
Free fall vision dragging me down.
Flying, sighing, headlong into dread
Hoping, praying, I'll find the path to tread.
Spinning world, motion unreal
Premonition, time will reveal.
Worthless years passing me by
Resolution taking me high.
The lyrics of "Trapeze" by Argent describes the emotions and experience of a trapeze artist performing the act. The song begins with the artist flying high, turning in space but with uncertainty and hesitation, as described by the line "Indecision faltering grace." The artist is performing in front of a baying crowd and facing a blinding, white light with upturned faces that are merely shadows of the night.
However, despite the fear, the artist trusts the hands that catch them with ease while pursuing their life's ambition of performing the flying trapeze. The artist has sacrificed a lot to get here, as seen in the line, "Ravaged dreams, sweat from my brow" but still finds themselves falling and struggling to find their footing.
As the artist continues to perform, they are filled with dread and uncertainty in what might happen next, but still, they keep hoping and praying that they will find a way to navigate the path. The world around them is spinning and everything seems unreal. The artist has wasted many years persevering and putting in the work to get here, but with the decision to continue performing, they rise higher and achieve their goal.
Overall, "Trapeze" is a descriptive and imaginative song that portrays the emotions and experience of a trapeze artist, who perseveres through their fear and uncertainty to achieve their life's ambition.
Line by Line Meaning
Flying high, turning in space
Feeling as though soaring with excitement, while still feeling uncertain and turning in circles.
Indecision faltering grace
Lack of confidence causing wavering movements that are lacking in poise and elegance.
Baying crowd, blinding white light
An overwhelming audience cheering and bright lights obstructing vision.
Upturned faces, shadows of night
Faces looking up towards the performer, with dark shadows cast upon them by the blinding lights.
Trusted hands catch me with ease
Having complete trust in those who are there to support and catch, making the act seem effortless.
Life's ambition, flying trapeze
Pursuing a dream and passion, despite the risks involved.
Ravaged dreams, sweat from my brow
Feeling defeated due to failed aspirations, with the physical toll of hard work and perspiration.
Free fall vision dragging me down
The terrifying and uncontrollable sensation of falling, weighing heavily on one's mind.
Flying, sighing, headlong into dread
Continuously pushing forward towards something that is both thrilling and terrifying.
Hoping, praying, I'll find the path to tread
Desperately searching for guidance and direction in the midst of uncertainty and doubt.
Spinning world, motion unreal
Feeling as though the world is turning and spinning, with everything seeming dream-like and disconnected from reality.
Premonition, time will reveal
An intuitive feeling that only time will reveal what is to come.
Worthless years passing me by
Feeling as though life is passing by without meaning or purpose.
Resolution taking me high
A newfound determination and sense of purpose, resulting in an elevated state of being.
Contributed by Bentley S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.