Scarlet and Grey
Peter and the Wolf Lyrics


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I never told you
How much I wanted you
I never held you in my arms
The way I wanted to
Now because of things I didn't say
When my ship sails away
The sky will be scarlet and grey
And it's hard to be so helplessly
Helplessly drawn to you
Now because of things I didn't do
Instead of standing with you
I will drift into scarlet and grey

And people need to tell each other how they feel
Before they go sailing away
My ship leaves today
Under dreary skies of scarlet and grey

To be so helplessly
Helplessly drawn to you
And now because of things I didn't do
Instead of standing with you
I will drift into scarlet and grey

And people need to tell each other how they feel
Before they go sailing away
My ship leaves today
Under dreary skies of scarlet and grey





Let 'em take me
Oh take me away.

Overall Meaning

The song Scarlet and Grey by Peter and the Wolf is a melancholic reflection on unrequited love and missed opportunities. The singer regrets never expressing their feelings to their loved one or taking action to be with them. As a result, they feel a sense of helplessness as their chance of being with the person they love slips away. The lyrics imply that the departure of the singer's ship is a metaphor for the missed opportunity, and the "scarlet and grey" of the sky represents the conflicting emotions of passion and regret.


The song's somber tone is emphasized by the repeated phrase "helplessly drawn to you," which underscores the singer's sense of resignation and inability to change the situation. The lyrics also suggest that communication is crucial in relationships, as the singer laments not expressing their feelings before it was too late.


One interpretation of the song is that it reflects the universal experience of unrequited or unrealized love, and the pain of missed opportunities. The beautiful, haunting melody of the song adds to its emotional impact, making it a memorable addition to the Peter and the Wolf's discography.


Line by Line Meaning

I never told you
I never expressed my feelings to you


How much I wanted you
The extent of my desire for you


I never held you in my arms
I never physically embraced you


The way I wanted to
As passionately as I desired


Now because of things I didn't say
Due to my lack of communication


When my ship sails away
As I depart


The sky will be scarlet and grey
A symbol of sadness and regret


And it's hard to be so helplessly
It is difficult to be completely powerless


Helplessly drawn to you
Overcome with attraction for you


Now because of things I didn't do
As a result of my inaction


Instead of standing with you
Choosing not to be by your side


I will drift into scarlet and grey
I will succumb to regret and sorrow


And people need to tell each other how they feel
Communication of emotions is important


Before they go sailing away
Before one departs or moves on


My ship leaves today
My departure is imminent


Under dreary skies of scarlet and grey
In a melancholic and regretful atmosphere


Let 'em take me
I am willing to be taken


Oh take me away.
Away from my sorrow and regret




Contributed by Levi O. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
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@abenhookostich4886

My absolute favorite

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