Ballad of a Travelling Man
Callow Youth Lyrics
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And the dust is rolling over, gotta find somewhere we can get our head down
We won’t be here forever, and I’m just hoping for a week at most
And I know where to find the entrance
I’m a travelling man
And I sit down and get in position
I’m a travelling man
Isn’t there someone here who knows the way?
I didn’t think what I’d taken would last all day
Outside my house there’s a man who just stands and waves
Reach out a hand, I’m fading out
Reach out a hand, I’m fading out again
As I float in through the darkness, I start stretching and I think I’m burning
I’m scared of the ideas they have, cos my life goes the way they lead me
We won’t be here forever, and I can’t be the only one
And I float for half a century
I’m a travelling man
Time obliterates me
I’m a travelling man
Isn’t there someone here who knows the way?
I didn’t think what I’d taken would last all day
Outside my house there’s a man who just stands and waves
Reach out a hand, I’m fading out
Reach out a hand, I’m fading out again
The lyrics of "Ballad of a Travelling Man" by Callow Youth depict a sense of restlessness, uncertainty, and existential questioning. The song begins with a metaphorical description of a deteriorating situation: "Carried on like a chain reaction, all the white flowers are turning up black now." This imagery suggests a series of negative events or emotions that are spreading and darkening. The dust rolling over symbolizes a desire to escape or find refuge somewhere else.
The singer acknowledges that they won't be in their current circumstances forever and expresses hope for a temporary respite. The lines "I’m a travelling man" convey a sense of wanderlust and a willingness to explore different paths or ways of life. The chorus reinforces this idea, emphasizing the singer's identity as a traveler who is constantly on the move.
There is a feeling of disconnection and alienation present in the lyrics. The singer asks if there is someone who knows the way, implying a desire for guidance or direction. The mention of taking something that was not meant to last all day suggests the consumption of something temporary, possibly a substance that alters perception or reality.
The recurring image of a man standing outside the singer's house and waving could represent an outsider's perspective, someone observing their struggles or fading presence. The plea to "reach out a hand" indicates a desire for connection or support, but also a recognition of their own fading existence.
Overall, "Ballad of a Travelling Man" delves into themes of transience, longing for purpose, and the search for meaning in an ever-changing world.
Line by Line Meaning
Carried on like a chain reaction, all the white flowers are turning up black now
The ongoing events have been escalating rapidly, causing everything once pure and innocent to become corrupted and tainted.
And the dust is rolling over, gotta find somewhere we can get our head down
As the chaos intensifies, we need to find a place of refuge to protect ourselves and find solace.
We won’t be here forever, and I’m just hoping for a week at most
Our time in this situation is limited, and I'm only wishing for a short reprieve, if possible.
And I know where to find the entrance
I possess knowledge of how to gain access.
I’m a travelling man
I am someone who constantly moves from one place to another.
And I sit down and get in position
I settle down and prepare myself.
Isn’t there someone here who knows the way?
Isn't there anyone present who has knowledge of the path we should take?
I didn’t think what I’d taken would last all day
I didn't anticipate that the substance I consumed would have a prolonged effect.
Outside my house there’s a man who just stands and waves
There is a man standing and making gestures of goodbye outside my residence.
Reach out a hand, I’m fading out
Extend your hand towards me, as I am gradually losing consciousness or disappearing.
As I float in through the darkness, I start stretching and I think I’m burning
While I traverse through the obscurity, I begin to extend myself and experience a sensation of heat.
I’m scared of the ideas they have, cos my life goes the way they lead me
I am fearful of the concepts and plans they possess, as my life tends to follow the path they dictate.
We won’t be here forever, and I can’t be the only one
Our presence in this realm is temporary, and I refuse to believe that I am the sole individual in this situation.
And I float for half a century
I continue to hover or drift aimlessly for a significant span of fifty years.
Time obliterates me
The passage of time eradicates my existence or identity.
I’m a travelling man
I am someone who constantly moves from one place to another.
Isn’t there someone here who knows the way?
Isn't there anyone present who has knowledge of the path we should take?
I didn’t think what I’d taken would last all day
I didn't anticipate that the substance I consumed would have a prolonged effect.
Outside my house there’s a man who just stands and waves
There is a man standing and making gestures of goodbye outside my residence.
Reach out a hand, I’m fading out
Extend your hand towards me, as I am gradually losing consciousness or disappearing.
Reach out a hand, I’m fading out again
Extend your hand towards me once more, as I am once again losing consciousness or disappearing.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Alfie Turner, Connor Wilkinson, Nathan Wrigley, Tom Hilton, John Delf
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind