Together with two other multi-instrumentalists, Peter Godwin and Sean Lyons, Browne formed the band Metro whose debut ('Metro') was released in the late '70s on the Transatlantic label.
Somewhat difficult to pigeon-hole in terms of style, one possible description could be "underground Paris soft rock" coincidentally harking back to the band's name, the music being strongly evocative of loss, passion and lust in a city of romance such as Paris. "Criminal World" the first single from the debut, was later covered by David Bowie, although the original remains the definitive version. "Flame" and its "Overture" are highlight tracks that would be appreciated across many genres of listeners.
Browne released a few more albums, amongst others "The Wild Places" in 1978, which was more pop-orientated than his first effort, in the '70s and '80s. It brought him the hit The Wild Places.
Journey
Duncan Browne Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Oh what a joke these twenty-four years have been
Honey, in my mind I can see your star
I know who you are I've been learning
All right, so now we know which way the wind's gonna blow
Let's get up and go, no returning
(Solo)
Pack up your sorrow, put away your evening star
But don't change your clothes, I like you just the way you are
I know you've been sleeping under a big black cloud
And you never been allowed to be honest
Well I'm no saint but I'll carry you home
There's a place of your own if you want it
Uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh-uh
Soon we'll be sailors, sailing on the salty sea
Where the waves of the world would be the one and only company
Come up and see the world it's like a ship going down
It's running a-ground, it's all over
But those flying fishes are gonna jump up and smile
Every league, every mile, to tell a nova
The lyrics of Duncan Browne’s song “Journey” describe a person who feels unfulfilled and stuck in their routine, but recognizes the potential for a brighter future. The opening lines suggest a feeling of disillusionment with life thus far, with the reference to cutting corners and following routine feeling like a joke. However, the singer then expresses a sense of hope in the form of a person they admire, symbolized by the star which they can see in their mind. The lyrics encourage this person to embrace change, to leave behind their sorrows and seek a better life with the support of the singer. The song ends with a call to adventure, with the couple setting sail and embracing the unknown.
Overall, “Journey” is a song about transformation and growth, encouraging listeners to recognize the potential for change and to embrace it, rather than remaining stuck in stagnant routines. The song’s lyrics are paired with a dreamy, almost ethereal melody, which adds to the sense of otherworldliness and possibility in the song. The solo in the middle of the song provides a moment of reflection and introspection, before the song once again picks up energy and encourages listeners to take action.
Line by Line Meaning
Cut all the corners, step on the old routine
Let's break free from our monotonous routine and explore new things.
Oh what a joke these twenty-four years have been
Looking back, the singer feels like the past twenty-four years have been a joke, perhaps unfulfilling or stagnant.
Honey, in my mind I can see your star
I have a clear vision of who you are and what you mean to me.
I know who you are I've been learning
I've spent time trying to understand you and I feel like I know the real you.
All right, so now we know which way the wind's gonna blow
We understand the direction we need to take in our lives.
Let's get up and go, no returning
Let's take action and move forward without looking back.
Pack up your sorrow, put away your evening star
Let go of your sadness and any attachments that are holding you back.
But don't change your clothes, I like you just the way you are
You don't need to change who you are for anyone, I accept you just as you are.
I know you've been sleeping under a big black cloud
I understand that you've been struggling with something difficult, perhaps depression or sadness.
And you never been allowed to be honest
You've never had the opportunity or courage to be completely honest about how you feel and what you want.
Well I'm no saint but I'll carry you home
I'm not perfect, but I'll do everything I can to support and help you.
There's a place of your own if you want it
You have the opportunity to create your own path in life and find a place where you belong.
Soon we'll be sailors, sailing on the salty sea
We're embarking on a new adventure, ready to explore the unknown together.
Where the waves of the world would be the one and only company
We'll be completely immersed in the journey and all that comes with it, and that will be our only company.
Come up and see the world it's like a ship going down
Take a step back and observe the world around us, it's chaotic and feels like it's slowly falling apart.
It's running a-ground, it's all over
The situation is hopeless and there's no going back, we must move forward.
But those flying fishes are gonna jump up and smile
Despite the chaos, there are moments of beauty and joy that we can appreciate.
Every league, every mile, to tell a nova
Every step of the journey, no matter how difficult, will ultimately lead us to something new, something special.
Contributed by Hannah K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@kontrapunkti
Its incomprehensible how underrated and unknown Duncan Browne is Tragic!
@johngardner4897
Wonderful to hear this again after so many years..I bought the album on vinyl back in the day.Gutted to realise the great man died so young.
@thurstons
This is one of the most underated songs ever. Really beautiful!
@Jonescan55
I recorded this on an old reel to reel recorder back when it came out and played it to death. The talent and artistic ability both back then in general and relative to this song is typical of the era. What a great time to be alive and experience such a classic...I’m so glad I found this excellent piece of music. Tough times are made much easier to live through when you can enjoy living with your music...thank you Duncan Browne
@beckynelson6786
I feel very privileged to have grown up through that period;it was wonderful.
@brunnertube
I remember with great happiness buying this single - I was 17 and doing a summer season in Blackpool. It was a great year for me and the year I really started to get a record collection. This song stands out amongst some 'greats' of that year. Duncan's memory will live on through his great music for a long time to come.
@donaldsmart9365
Absolutely up there as an all time favourite...beautiful, quirky, heart warming song that takes me right back to my youth. Love it. RIP Duncan xx
@SouthCoastMackem
Superb. Yet another very talented artist who was taken from us too soon. Several posters have said this is timeless, and I couldn't agree more. Thanks for posting it.
@stratocaster539
Finally found this after 40 years! Remembered the guitar work, lyrics to half a verse, did not know the artist or song name - brilliant. That's one off my bucket list! Gonna check out "the wild places"
@Stevo736
Exactly the same here. Lol