Growers of Mushroom was recorded at Spot Studios in Mayfair, London in late 1970. Shortly after the Brooks brothers departed and Ron Thomas filled in on bass. The band toured Europe as a four piece and released the Drowned My Life in Fear single and the Leaf Hound album in Germany on Telefunken. The Growers of Mushroom album was released shortly after (featuring all of the tracks on the self-titled album) but by this time French had already departed to join Atomic Rooster for their album in hearing of. French would also later join American hard rock band Cactus.
In 2004 Peter French put together a new incarnation of the band. In 2006 they released a limited 7" on Rise Above Records featuring a live version of their song Freelance Fiend recorded in Soho, London in September of 2005. Their most recent album Unleashed was released in 2007.
Their current line-up is Peter French (vocals), Luke Rayner (guitar), Ed Pearson (bass guitar) and Jimmy Rowland (drums).
They performed a 40th anniversary gig of their debut album in 2011 in London.
Sad Road to the Sea
Leaf Hound Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Built of thoughts, to last me eternally
Please make me a road
Your sad road to the sea
Take off my load, my load is killing me
This load of thought is really agony
I'll make my last stand
Sad road where are you taking me
Along the coast of eternity
I don't know what's become of me
My sad road to the sea
My sad road to the sea
The lyrics of Sad Road to the Sea by Leaf Hound are a poignant representation of the emotional burden that life sometimes entails, and the desire for release and transcendence. The song begins with an appeal to create a road, a path that leads to the sea and that is made of thoughts. This metaphorical request for a road that lasts eternally signifies the singer's yearning for something that endures and provides a way out of the struggles of existence.
The next stanza describes an overwhelming feeling of burden that is conveyed through the weight of thought, which is taking a toll on the singer. The use of the word "agony" infuses the lyrics with a sense of desperation and reinforces the theme of emotional distress. The final part of the song reveals a sense of surrender as the singer prepares for a final stand with all they have left. The title of the song, Sad Road to the Sea, reinforces the feeling of despair and hopelessness.
Overall, the song encapsulates the feeling of being trapped in a cycle of pain, and the desire to break free and find peace. The imagery of the sea as an escape, combined with the reference to a "sad road," creates a powerful and haunting piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
Make me a road, a road for all to sea
Please create a path that leads to the ocean and is accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or beliefs.
Built of thoughts, to last me eternally
Construct this path out of ideas and values that will remain relevant and important to me forever.
Please make me a road
I am begging you to grant my request.
Your sad road to the sea
I am asking specifically for a path that is melancholy and sorrowful, leading ultimately to the ocean.
Take off my load, my load is killing me
I need help removing the weight of my thoughts and mental burdens, as they are causing me extreme distress and exhaustion.
This load of thought is really agony
Even my ideas and beliefs have become a source of pain and suffering to me.
I'll make my last stand
I will fight until I can no longer go on.
With all that's left of me
I will give everything I have left, even if it's not much.
Sad road where are you taking me
I am uncertain of where this melancholy path will lead me.
Along the coast of eternity
Perhaps this path will take me along the edge of infinity, leading to something greater than myself.
I don't know what's become of me
I am lost and unsure of who I am or what my purpose is.
My sad road to the sea
Once again, I am expressing my desire for a path that is melancholy and leads to the ocean.
Contributed by Caroline K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.