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.
A Tale Untold
Robin Trower Lyrics
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The sea has turned and gone to bed
Far off cries the lonely siren
Or is that a voice within my head
Right or wrong I knew what she was saying
Cried out her heart such a lovely face
Behind her eyes the sun is dying
Maybe the moon can take it's place
Tired old hands the sails unfold
Around their eyes the wind is sighing
Maybe the end a tale untold
Far off cries the lonely siren
Maybe the end a tale untold
The lyrics of Robin Trower's song "A Tale Untold" are melancholic, mysterious, and full of vivid imagery. The singer is in a harbor, surrounded by darkness and silence. The sea is calm, almost asleep, but in the distance, he can hear a siren's cry, almost like a lament. However, the singer is not sure if he is hearing that sound in reality or if it's just a voice inside his head.
Then, the focus of the lyrics shifts to a woman who spoke to the singer before, and the words she uttered were heart-wrenching. She had a beautiful face, but behind her eyes, he could see that she was dying inside. The sun has set in her soul, and the only possible redemption lies in the moon, which may shed some light on her pain.
The singer also observes the ships that are sailing in the harbor. The old sailors' hands are tired, but they keep unfolding the sails, driven by the wind. The same wind that is sighing around their eyes, suggesting that maybe they know something he doesn't. The song ends with a final cry of the same lonely siren, which is again, maybe signaling the end of something, a suffering, or a story that will remain untold.
Line by Line Meaning
Ain't no lights around this harbor
The harbor is dark because there are no lights.
The sea has turned and gone to bed
The sea is tranquil and calm as if it has gone to sleep.
Far off cries the lonely siren
A distant siren can be heard, indicating the presence of some unknown danger.
Or is that a voice within my head
The person is not sure if the siren's cry is real or if it's just a figment of their imagination.
Right or wrong I knew what she was saying
The person is confident that they understood what the woman was trying to communicate, regardless of whether she was right or wrong.
Cried out her heart such a lovely face
The person saw that the woman spoke from the heart and was physically attractive.
Behind her eyes the sun is dying
The woman appears to be sad, as if the sun is disappearing behind her eyes.
Maybe the moon can take it's place
Perhaps the moon can replace the disappearing sun and brighten up her eyes.
Out there ships upon the winds are dancing
Ships are sailing smoothly with the wind, giving the impression that they are dancing.
Tired old hands the sails unfold
Experienced sailors have to work hard to keep their sails from wrapping around the mast.
Around their eyes the wind is sighing
The wind is blowing fiercely, causing the sailors' eyes to appear to sigh.
Maybe the end a tale untold
Just as the sailor's journey may end without a conclusion, this poem may also be left unresolved.
Far off cries the lonely siren
The poem ends with a repetition of the beginning line, suggesting that the journey continues with uncertainty and danger.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: ROBIN TROWER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind