The band's initial line up was as below, although there would be line up changes for the band by the time they came to work on their 3rd album, the first two members listed were a constant throughout the life time of the band.
* Steve Gould (vocals/saxophone/bass)
* Dave Kaffinetti (keyboards)
* Graham Field (organ)
* Mark Ashton (drums)
The band split up in the mid 1970s.
Roadside Welcome
Rare Bird Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Waiting for movement on the road
It started to rain and I'm soaked right trhough
I wish I were back at home with you
Days are warmer nights grow longer now
I lost my ticket yesterday
Tried to get a train but all my money is gone
Here comes a car and it's slowing down
The driver has opened up the door
He looks at me and turns his head around
And start to seek for nothing more
Days are warmer nights grow longer now
I lost my ticket yesterday
Tried to get a train but all my money is gone
A road side welcome on my way
The song "Roadside Welcome" by Rare Bird is a simple yet meaningful representation of the struggles and hardships one experiences while traveling alone. The opening lines paint the picture of a solitary figure standing alone on a cold, rainy night, waiting for any sign of movement on the road. The singer is lost, alone, and wishes to be back home with their loved ones instead of being on the road. The lyrics show how the singer's journey has begun to take a toll on their mental and physical state.
As the song progresses, we get an insight into the challenges that the singer is faced with. They have lost their ticket and all of their money, making it impossible for them to continue their journey. The only hope they have is a roadside welcome, a small refuge that they come across during their travels. This signifies how the smallest things in life can make a difference in our lives and can provide comfort during tough times.
The song's chorus repeats the idea that "Days are warmer, nights grow longer now," indicating that the singer's journey is not only taking a physical but also emotional toll on them. The song ends with the singer encountering a stranger who offers them nothing but an opening car door. The singer realizes that sometimes all we need is a kind gesture from a stranger to make us feel welcomed and loved, even in the darkest of times.
Line by Line Meaning
Standing alone in the dark and cold
Feeling isolated and vulnerable in harsh surroundings
Waiting for movement on the road
Hoping for any sign of life or help
It started to rain and I'm soaked right through
Experiencing physical discomfort and misery
I wish I were back at home with you
Longing for the comfort and security of a loved one
Days are warmer nights grow longer now
Noticing the passing of time and changing of seasons
I lost my ticket yesterday
Encountering a setback or obstacle
Tried to get a train but all my money is gone
Facing financial difficulties that impede progress
A road side welcome on my way
Finding unexpected kindness or assistance on the journey
Here comes a car and it's slowing down
Feeling hopeful as a potential source of help approaches
The driver has opened up the door
Receiving an offer of aid or hospitality
He looks at me and turns his head around
Realizing that the stranger's intentions may not be pure
And start to seek for nothing more
Recognizing the need to be cautious and protect oneself
Contributed by Noah A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.