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.
The Turning
Robin Trower Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I dreamed a path no one else could claim
Not one face ever stained with tears
Or blood that spilled in someone else's name
Would not run, could not hide
From the perfect wave
Only those who know the tides
Who would not chose the turquoise sky
Over the streets of steel and concrete gray?
Colors that once could free the mind
Become so drab, all joy begins to drain away
Every hope overwhelmed
Now the perfect storm
Washed away every stain
To show the world reborn
Time has come to lose the pasts
Ashes to the wind
When the first become the last
The turning shall begin
The song "The Turning" by Robin Trower is a deeply introspective and contemplative song that encourages the listener to turn away from fear and the "life of smoke and fear" to a path that is uniquely their own. The theme of the song is one of self-actualization and self-discovery. Trower invites the listener to go on a journey that is only possible if one is willing to step off the beaten path and take a new direction.
The first verse of the song references the dream that the singer had of a path that "no one else could claim." This path is unique to the singer and not shared by anyone else. The path is not one of tears or bloodshed but rather one of self-discovery and enlightenment. The singer is not running or hiding from anything but rather has found a new and exciting direction to take. The perfect wave represents the obstacles that one may face on this new path; however, the singer is not afraid because they know the tides and will not be swept away.
The second verse of the song is an invitation to leave the dreary and drab world behind and embrace the joy of the turquoise sky. The streets of steel and concrete gray represent the mundanity and boredom of everyday life. The singer is encouraging the listener to find joy in the small things and not become bogged down by the banality of life. The perfect storm represents the obstacles that one may face on this new path, but once again, the singer is not afraid because they know that the storm will wash away every stain and show the world reborn.
Overall, the song "The Turning" by Robin Trower encourages the listener to embrace their own unique path and not be afraid of the challenges that may come their way. It is a hopeful and inspiring song that reminds the listener that with a little courage and determination, anything is possible.
Line by Line Meaning
Far from this life of smoke and fear
I am dreaming of being somewhere far from the chaos and anxiety of the current society
I dreamed a path no one else could claim
I imagine a unique, unexplored way that nobody has taken before
Not one face ever stained with tears
In this place I envision, there is no sorrow or misery
Or blood that spilled in someone else's name
Neither violence nor injustice exists in this dreamland
Would not run, could not hide
I cannot evade or avoid the inevitable changes that life presents
From the perfect wave
The twisting and turning of life is akin to the motion of ocean waves
Only those who know the tides
People who are aware of life's fluctuations will not be swept away by the tide of circumstances
Are not swept away
Such individuals can maintain their control and balance in times of instability
Who would not chose the turquoise sky
What person wouldn't prefer to be under a bright and clear sky instead of a dull and oppressive one?
Over the streets of steel and concrete gray?
The monotonous and dull streets of the city are no match for the vibrant and freeing sky
Colors that once could free the mind
The brilliant colors that once sparked joy and clarity in our minds have lost their power
Become so drab, all joy begins to drain away
The once-vivid hues and textures have become bland and flavorless, leading to a loss of happiness
Every hope overwhelmed
The weight of our expectations and ambitions can be crushing
Now the perfect storm
In this moment of adversity, the surrounding circumstances are ideal for a dramatic shift
Washed away every stain
The obstacles and burdens of the past are finally being cleansed and eliminated
To show the world reborn
The new world that emerges will be refreshed, revitalized, and reformed
Time has come to lose the pasts
The hour has arrived to let go of the past we cling to so tightly
Ashes to the wind
We must release our memories and regrets to the mercy of the wind
When the first become the last
When everything turns upside down and leaders become followers
The turning shall begin
The revolution or reinvention we have been waiting for will commence
Contributed by Aaron R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@dianebenson665
Interesting composition.
Great song to dance up a good sweat ,
All the while enjoying Daveys
callibg the tune.
And dont be mistaken about Daveys vocaling.
I had the opportunity to see him @ a now extinct amusement park near Chi town. He was coming unto his own with another greatly under appreciated band, Gamma.
On Gamma II, when I first heard Voyager, I closed my eyes & heard Robin.
But, alac & alas, it was Ronnie & Davey!!
See how masters, a.k.a.
"great minds" rock alike?
I wonder if our friend, 6was9 could pass this along to both Robin & Davey?
As a favor to a long time fan....
Brian.
@mikemascow8316
If you never heard Robin Trower, you've never heard the guitar bent. This guy has so much talent and soul. He makes the guitar sing. Anyone who calls themself a guitar player HAS to know Trower, listen to the soulful sounds come forth from his Fender. It is mind-blowing. I have listened to his music for 37 years. Timeless.
@6dugpar6
+Mike Mascow Amen bro!
@mikemascow8316
+6dugpar6 peace bro, and thanks!
@ofthedifference
Mike Mascow You got THAT right, Mike - what a musician and composer Trower is; he's truly exceptional. His guitar is so, well; heavy is what I've always called it. I've been a Trower devotee since the 70's too - it was such a tragic loss when James Dewar died.
@hvymtlbabe
My guitar god...Trower...
@jorgeramirezcamarena4904
@@ofthedifference Yes, it was a tragic death that of James Dewar for rock, one of the best voices in rock and the best that Trower had without underestimating the other voices. greetings OTD.
@stanleyanderson9652
Robin Trower is one of those artists that is on a higher level with his writing and playing.
@Stevek552
Stanley Anderson
Absolutely agree.. Every track brings with it the essence of the man himself, R.T is the very definition of soul, and of the guitar. The ultimate pairing of man and instrument, a diamond in a mountain of coal..
@hvymtlbabe
Trower's music never gets old.... The man is beyond Brilliant!
@guitardude73168
Love this song! Robin still has it after so many years. Perfect tone and phrasing. Beautiful emotion and cool vibe.