Rocky Road
Peter Paul and Mary Lyrics
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I found a penny on the ground
Met a friend I never know'd,
walkin' down ol' Rocky Road.
Red Green ol' Rocky Road, tell me what you see.
Tell me inside out, tell me upside down,
All around the block, all around the town.
Jimmy, come out and play.
Well Red Light, Green Light and I'll be "it" today.
Red Green ol' Rocky Road, tell me what you see.
Hey Jimmy Huggins your name's been called
Come and stand beside the wall.
Pick a girl that you know well
You can kiss and you can tell.
Red Green ol' Rocky Road, tell me what you see.
Jenny, come out and play.
Well Red Light, Green Light and I'll be "it" today.
Red Green ol' Rocky Road, tell me what you see.
Little Miss Jenny, don't you hide
Papa's gonna take you for a pony ride.
One potato, two potato, three potato, four
Cross the line and close the door.
Red Green ol' Rocky Road, tell me what you see
Tell me inside out, tell me upside down,
All around the block, all around the town.
Red Green ol' Rocky Road, tell me what you see.
Red light green light 'round the town,
I found a penny on the ground
Met a friend I never know'd,
walkin' down ol' Rocky Road.
The lyrics of Peter, Paul and Mary's song "Rocky Road" describe a group of children playing together, engaging in games like Red Light, Green Light, and counting potato chips. The song reflects on childhood memories and the simple pleasures of youth, such as finding a penny on the ground or making new friends. The title "Rocky Road" refers to the street where these children play and have fun.
The song's playful and upbeat tone captures the innocence and joy of childhood, as well as the timeless appeal of outdoor games and activities. It paints a picture of a simpler time, where children could play outside without the distractions of technology and social media. The repetition of the Red Light, Green Light game throughout the song further emphasizes the playful and carefree nature of childhood.
Overall, "Rocky Road" is a nostalgic ode to childhood and the memories that stay with us long after we've grown up.
Line by Line Meaning
Red light green light 'round the town,
Playing a game of Red Light, Green Light in the town
I found a penny on the ground
Found a penny on the ground while walking
Met a friend I never know'd,
Met a friend who was unknown before
walkin' down ol' Rocky Road.
Walking on Rocky Road with the newfound friend
Red Green ol' Rocky Road, tell me what you see.
Asking for Rocky Road's perspective on the surroundings
Tell me inside out, tell me upside down,
Asking for a detailed and complete description
All around the block, all around the town.
Asking for a description of everything in the town and its surroundings
Jimmy, come out and play.
Inviting Jimmy to join in the game
Well Red Light, Green Light and I'll be "it" today.
Explaining the rules of the game with Jimmy
Hey Jimmy Huggins your name's been called
Calling out Jimmy's name to participate
Come and stand beside the wall.
Instructing Jimmy to stand by the wall to start the game
Pick a girl that you know well
Instructing Jimmy to choose a girl he knows well to kiss
You can kiss and you can tell.
Allowing Jimmy to share about his experience of kissing the girl
Jenny, come out and play.
Inviting Jenny to join the game
Little Miss Jenny, don't you hide
Asking Jenny not to hide from the player who is 'it'
Papa's gonna take you for a pony ride.
Offering to take Jenny on a pony ride
One potato, two potato, three potato, four
Counting while selecting the next person to be 'it'
Cross the line and close the door.
Referring to the end of the game
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: ALBERT GROSSMAN, MARY ALLIN TRAVERS, NOEL PAUL STOOKEY, PETER YARROW
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@lindadee2053
Something very special about these three voices. The way they blend together is pure musical magic.
@davidanthonystone5165
Just amazing 55 years later.
@heavenleigh4291
My nana who passed away this year used to sing and play this to me on the guitar as a kid and switched "Jonny" out for my name. This is my first time listening to the song in over a decade. I'm crying wow, this brings back so many wonderful memories with her. Rest in peace Nana 🙏❤️☹️
@RickReiley
I saw them in Tulsa in 64 or 65. Still one of the best concerts I've ever seen.
@SethHarcrowmusic
sounds like one of the greatest concerts you'll have ever know'd :0
@alanlane3670
This is REAL talent.......
@michaellazzeri9439
I only saw them one time, so much to my regret, & that was in '64, in Boulder, Colo., & CU Events Center. ---------it was a concert I'll never forget. --------------------------MJL, 74 y/o
@davidanthonystone5165
I just came from Boulder back to NY
Love PPM. I saw them from their
Beginning
@Guffy1944
LOVE this song. So many memories come flooding back. Thanx for posting.
@MASTERMIND2368
I'm probably like the only person born in this century whos here, and for those who aren't, I'm glad to see that at least some of y'all have good music tastes 😉