Road to ruin
John & Beverley Martyn Lyrics


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The sun was red and the sky was blue
And I went rowing on the road to ruin
How do you make a day like that?
How do you make it real?

The geese were making an evening sound
And I went raving down the crazy paving
How do you make a day like that?
How do you make it real?

And every day is just a joy to hold
The needle is new and the patterns are old
How do you make a game like that?
How do you make it real?

The sun was red and the sky was blue
And I went rowing on the road to ruin




How do you make a day like that?
How do you make it feel?

Overall Meaning

In the song "Road to Ruin" by John & Beverley Martyn, the lyrics depict a sense of blissful ignorance and defiance in the face of potential destruction. The opening lines, "The sun was red and the sky was blue / And I went rowing on the road to ruin," establish a contrast between the beauty of the natural world and the impending downfall. The singer seems to be intentionally choosing a path that leads to ruin, perhaps as a form of rebellion or a rejection of societal norms.


The repetition of the lines "How do you make a day like that? / How do you make it real?" suggests a desire for authenticity and significance. The singer is searching for a way to truly experience and understand the fleeting moments of beauty and chaos that life offers. Through rowing on the road to ruin and raving down the crazy paving, they are actively seeking experiences that go beyond the ordinary.


The chorus, "And every day is just a joy to hold / The needle is new and the patterns are old / How do you make a game like that? / How do you make it real?" conveys a sense of wonder and exhilaration in living on the edge. It implies that even though the journey may lead to destruction, there is a thrill in embracing the unknown and defying expectations.


Overall, "Road to Ruin" explores themes of rebellion, the search for authenticity, and the acceptance of inevitable consequences. It invites listeners to question societal norms and to find meaning in the moments of chaos and beauty that exist within the road to ruin.


Line by Line Meaning

The sun was red and the sky was blue
The vibrant colors of the sun and sky created a striking atmosphere


And I went rowing on the road to ruin
Despite the impending danger, I embarked on a destructive path


How do you make a day like that?
How can one replicate such a chaotic but captivating day?


How do you make it real?
How can one make the experience truly come to life?


The geese were making an evening sound
The geese contributed to the auditory atmosphere of the evening


And I went raving down the crazy paving
I indulged in wild and reckless behavior on the irregular pavement


How do you make a day like that?
How can one recreate such a wild and unpredictable day?


How do you make it real?
How can one truly capture the essence of that experience?


And every day is just a joy to hold
Each day brings immense happiness and fulfillment


The needle is new and the patterns are old
Although the technique is familiar, the innovation remains


How do you make a game like that?
How can one craft such an enthralling and engaging game?


How do you make it real?
How can one make the game feel vivid and authentic?


The sun was red and the sky was blue
Once again, the vibrant colors of the sun and sky prevailed


And I went rowing on the road to ruin
Once again, I ventured down the destructive path


How do you make a day like that?
How can one recreate another day filled with such chaos and risk?


How do you make it feel?
How can one truly capture the emotions and sensations felt during that experience?




Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: John Martyn

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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