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.
Twice Removed From Yesterday
Robin Trower Lyrics
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And stood upon this velvet shore,
That looks out to the golden ship of Reason."
The man took to the gentle life,
The wind cried to the skies,
I felt that I would cry as I was leaving.
Tomorrow is a step away,
Still I am a dream away,
Twice removed from yesterday's sweet madness.
"And in my dream, I thought I heard
The truth behind the spoken word.
I thought that I had something to believe in."
But all too soon the dream was gone,
And in the dust that lingered on,
The tears that I'd shed tried to free me.
Tomorrow is a step away,
Twice removed from yesterday's sadness.
Still I am a dream away,
Twice removed from yesterday's sweet madness.
The lyrics in Robin Trower's Twice Removed From Yesterday are poetic and introspective, touching on themes of familiarity, longing, and the transient nature of life. The opening lines, "I think I've travelled here before, / And stood upon this velvet shore, / That looks out to the golden ship of Reason," suggest a sense of deja vu and a search for meaning. The singer is drawn to this "velvet shore" and the possibility that there may be answers to be found in the "golden ship of Reason."
The lines, "The man took to the gentle life, / The wind cried to the skies, / I felt that I would cry as I was leaving," convey a bittersweet nostalgia for a more peaceful time. The singer is moved by the sound of the wind and feels a sense of loss as they leave the familiar place. However, the song acknowledges the transience of life, that while there may be sorrow in leaving a cherished memory or feeling, "Tomorrow is a step away, / Twice removed from yesterday's sadness."
The song then touches on the fleeting nature of dreams, with the lines, "Still I am a dream away, / Twice removed from yesterday's sweet madness." The singer longs for the sense of belief and purpose they felt in their dream, but ultimately acknowledges that it was ephemeral, like the tears that tried to free them. The song leaves one with the impression that life is ever-changing, and the struggles and joys of yesterday are just memories that we carry with us as we move forward into the unknown.
Line by Line Meaning
I think I've travelled here before,
I have a strong sense of déjà vu as if I've been to this place before.
And stood upon this velvet shore,
I have stood on this soft sandy beach before.
That looks out to the golden ship of Reason.
There is a sense of clarity in this place, that makes me feel I can understand things better.
The man took to the gentle life,
I have decided to lead a peaceful and calm life.
The wind cried to the skies,
The strong wind made a mournful sound that seemed to be calling to the heavens.
I felt that I would cry as I was leaving.
I was overcome with emotion as I had to leave this place.
Tomorrow is a step away,
The future is close, it is almost within my grasp.
Twice removed from yesterday's sadness.
I am far away from the sadness I felt yesterday, but it still lingers in some form.
Still I am a dream away,
Although I am physically removed from yesterday's madness, it still haunts me in my dreams.
Twice removed from yesterday's sweet madness.
Although removed from yesterday's madness, the memory of its sweetness still lingers.
"And in my dream, I thought I heard
In my dream, I thought I heard something that was true and meaningful.
The truth behind the spoken word.
I felt that I had discovered the real meaning behind what someone had said.
But all too soon the dream was gone,
Unfortunately, the dream was fleeting and didn't last very long.
And in the dust that lingered on,
I was left with nothing but the memory of the dream, like dust that settles after something has passed.
The tears that I'd shed tried to free me.
My tears were a way of trying to release myself from the sadness I was feeling.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: JAMES DEWAR, ROBIN TROWER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind