Sloth
Fairport Convention Lyrics


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(Chorus)
Just a roll, just a roll
Just a roll on your drum
Just a roll, just a roll
And the war has begun

Now the right thing's the wrong thing
No more excuses to come
Just one step at a time
And the war has begun

(Chorus)

She's run away, she's run away
And she ran so bitterly
Now call to your colours, friend
Don't you call to me

(Chorus)

Don't you cry, don't you cry
Don't you cry upon the sea
Don't you cry, don't you cry
For your lady and me





(Chorus)
(Chorus)

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to Fairport Convention's song Sloth are quite enigmatic and can be interpreted in various ways. The song seems to be about the start of a war, focusing on the moment when the first shot is fired. The chorus repeats the phrase, "Just a roll, just a roll, just a roll on your drum, and the war has begun." This suggests that war is instigated by a single, seemingly insignificant action, just like a drumroll that starts a song.


The verses are more abstract, using imagery and metaphor to describe the confusion and chaos of war. The line "Now the right thing's the wrong thing, no more excuses to come" could suggest that in wartime, moral lines are blurred and actions that would have been considered wrong in peacetime become necessary. The verse about a woman running away is unclear in its meaning but could symbolize the betrayal or abandonment of someone or something important during a time of conflict. The final verse, "Don't you cry, don't you cry, for your lady and me," could suggest a love triangle between soldiers or signify that the tragedy of war affects everyone, regardless of personal relationships. Overall, the song Sloth paints a bleak picture of war, hinting at its senselessness and devastating consequences.


Line by Line Meaning

Just a roll, just a roll
A simple beat on a drum signifies the beginning of the war


Just a roll on your drum
The drum represents the instrument of war


And the war has begun
War has commenced at the sound of the drum


Now the right thing's the wrong thing
The morally correct action is now incorrect


No more excuses to come
No more reasoning can justify the impending war


Just one step at a time
The necessary preparations for war must be done methodically


And the war has begun
The drums signify the commencement of war


She's run away, she's run away
The woman has fled, likely due to the impending war


And she ran so bitterly
The woman had strong emotions, such as anger or resentment, associated with her departure


Now call to your colours, friend
One must call to the banners and gather soldiers to fight in the war


Don't you call to me
The singer refuses to participate in the war, even if called upon


Don't you cry, don't you cry
The artist tells someone not to weep


Don't you cry upon the sea
The sea represents the vast world, implying that one should not cry over things beyond their control


Don't you cry, don't you cry
The singer repeats their advice


For your lady and me
The singer is suggesting that the person should focus on their own loved ones and not worry about him


Just a roll, just a roll
The drumbeat repeats, signifying that the war continues


Just a roll, just a roll
The same drumbeat continues


And the war has begun
The war continues to rage on




Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: D. SWARBRICK, R. THOMPSON

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Ronno


on Book Song

Beautiful song, even if I can't understand what's going on: she's reading a book, he's writing one (and playing) .. I wanted it to be abouth former FC singer Judy Dyble , who would knit on stage if she wasn't singing. The girlfriend theory makes some sense, but if Ian said it was about his daughter...

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