Perhaps Trower's most famous album is Bridge of Sighs (1974). This album, along with his first (Twice Removed from Yesterday) and third (For Earth Below) solo albums, was produced by his former Procol Harum band mate, organist Matthew Fisher.
Those who favor electric guitarists who can play live what they record in the studio will be very impressed with the "Robin Trower Live" album - especially the cut "Daydream". While often compared to Jimi Hendrix, Robin Trower never received the publicity nor same volume of fans.
20th Century Blues
Robin Trower Lyrics
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Can make the world so wrong ?
In this hurly-burly of insanity
Our dreams cannot last long.
We've reached a deadline,
A press headline, Every sorrow.
Blues value is news value
Blues
Twentieth century blues
Are getting me down.
Blues
Escape those weary
Twentieth century blues.
Why,
If there's a God in the sky,
Why shouldn't He grin
High
Above this dreary
Twentieth century din ?
In this strange illusion,
Chaos and confusion,
People seem to lose their way.
What is there to strive for,
Love or keep alive for,
Say, 'Hey, hey!'
Call it a day ?
Blues
Nothing to win or to lose,
It's getting me down.
Blues
Escape those weary
Twentieth century blues.
We've reached a deadline,
A press headline,
Every sorrow.
Blues value
Is news value
Tomorrow.
Blues
Nothing to win or to lose,
It's getting me down.
Blues
Escape those dreary
Twentieth century
Blues.
The lyrics of Robin Trower's song "20th Century Blues" question the intent of humanity's achievements in the modern world. The poet asks why, despite having modern tools, and civilized society, things continue to go wrong. The song highlights the struggle of modern people who are fraught with chaos, stress and confusion, thereby losing sight of their dreams. Through the blues, Trower portrays how the news of the 20th century is depressing, and how people feel a sense of disconnection from finding their purpose in life. The poet further asserts that amidst all the complexities of the 20th century, love, life, and striving have all been forgotten, resulting in an existential crisis.
The poet's perspective on humanity's evolution in the 20th century is that modernity itself is problematic. The song's message echoes a pervasive sentiment of the late 60s and early 70s, where people were disillusioned with society and had lost faith in their leaders. By questioning God's position in a dreary and chaotic world like the 20th century, the lyrics suggest both skepticism and cynicism. The lines "Blues value is news value tomorrow" further imply how the blues, as a music genre, survives because it communicates social realities that the mainstream media tend to ignore. The song is an expression of the human condition, echoing the confusion of a generation transitioning from one cultural paradigm to another.
Line by Line Meaning
Why is it that civilized humanity
Questioning the paradox of how those who consider themselves civilized can create such wrongs in the world
Can make the world so wrong ?
How can humanity, with all its technological advancements and supposed progress, create a world that is so flawed?
In this hurly-burly of insanity
Describing the chaos and madness that surrounds us all
Our dreams cannot last long.
Our aspirations and ideals are often short-lived and overshadowed by the harsh realities of society
We've reached a deadline,
Feeling the pressure of time running out
A press headline,
Being constantly bombarded by news and events that showcase humanity's flaws and shortcomings
Every sorrow.
Being weighed down by the burden of constant negativity
Blues value is news value
The pain and sadness of the blues is often sensationalized and commodified by the media
Tomorrow.
The never-ending cycle of bad news and sorrow
Twentieth century blues
The pain and suffering of living in the modern world
Are getting me down.
Feeling discouraged and defeated by the state of the world
Escape those weary
Desiring a way to escape the burden and weight of modern life
Why,
Continuing the earlier questioning of how such a flawed world can exist if there is a god
If there's a God in the sky,
Wondering about the existence and role of a higher power
Why shouldn't He grin
Questioning why a god couldn't be amused or entertained by the suffering of humanity
High
In the heavens, above us all
Above this dreary
Describing the world as bleak, lacking hope or inspiration
Twentieth century din ?
Referring to the noise and commotion of life in the modern era
In this strange illusion,
Describing how life can feel like a surreal and confusing experience
Chaos and confusion,
Highlighting the disorder and disarray of the world
People seem to lose their way.
Observing how individuals can become lost and directionless in the flurry of life
What is there to strive for,
Questioning what purpose there is in pursuing goals or ambitions
Love or keep alive for,
Wondering whether the drive to love or simply survive is enough to provide meaning to life
Say, 'Hey, hey!'
A plea for attention and acknowledgement of the artist's message
Call it a day ?
Asking whether it's time to give up and abandon the pursuit of happiness
Nothing to win or to lose,
Acknowledging the futility of trying to change the world or make a significant impact
It's getting me down.
Feeling overwhelmed by the hopelessness of the situation
Escape those dreary
Desiring an escape from the heaviness and monotony of life
Twentieth century
Referring to the era in which the song was written (20th century) and the struggles it brought
Blues.
A lament for the pain and suffering of life
Contributed by Julian P. Suggest a correction in the comments below.