In 1969 the band were all arrested for possession of marijuana and Roky was incarcerated in Rusk State Hospital for the Criminally Insane where he reportedly underwent electroshock therapy and was placed on Thorazine amongst other controversial treatments. Many claim he has never been the same since. Sadly in the intervening years record execs and managers displayed the bad side of the music business and took full advantage of his condition often leaving him living in poverty while they hoarded all the cash.
In 2001 Roky's youngest brother, Sumner Erickson (ex-tuba player for the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra), was appointed his legal guardian and an improvement in Roky's faculties has been reported since, leading to a return to live shows.
An excellent documentary on Roky, "You're gonna miss me" (2005), chronicled his troubled life - his schizophrenia, incarceration for possession of a joint, and talented and eccentric family.
Bermuda
Roky Erickson Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Would you go there if you could now now
If you go there plan on staying
Apparently you'll like it
That's the way in Bermuda
Are you are you Bermuda bound
Pulled and called like by a siren sound
But you never come back
From all you ever found in Bermuda
It's just the innocent Devil's Triangle
It dares you to come there, that's it's angle
But the devil is innocent like mere
When the word you want
Is master master master in Bermuda
Bermuda Bermuda does it call and haunt you
Make you wonder, make you want to go
Make you curious, too much burn
But you will never ever will return from Bermuda
It's just the innocent Devil's Triangle
It dares you to come there, that's it's angle
But the devil is innocent like mirror
When the word you want
Is master master master in Bermuda
Are you going to Bermuda
Would you go there if you could now now
If you go there plan on staying
Apparently you'll like it
That's the way in Bermuda
That's the way in Bermuda
That's the way in Bermuda
That's the way in Bermuda
That's the way in Bermuda
The song "Bermuda" by Roky Erickson is about the infamous "Devil's Triangle", also known as the Bermuda Triangle, where numerous unexplained disappearances of ships and planes have occurred. The lyrics are an invitation to go to Bermuda, but with a warning that once you go there, you may never come back. The song describes the allure of the place, with a siren-like call that draws people to it, but also the danger of never returning from the mysterious location.
The lyrics suggest that the Bermuda Triangle is an innocent devil's triangle, daring people to come and see its wonders, but ultimately consuming them like a master. The repetition of the phrase "Master master master in Bermuda" echoes the idea that something sinister is at work in this place.
Line by Line Meaning
Are you going to Bermuda
Do you have plans to travel to Bermuda?
Would you go there if you could now now
If you had the opportunity, would you choose to go there now?
If you go there plan on staying
If you go to Bermuda, be prepared to stay there for some time.
Apparently you'll like it
According to some, you will enjoy your time in Bermuda.
That's the way in Bermuda
That's just how things are in Bermuda.
Are you are you Bermuda bound
Are you planning to travel to Bermuda?
Pulled and called like by a siren sound
Feeling a strong desire or urge, as if being called by a dangerous temptress.
It's so high and it's underground
It's a place that can be reached, but may be difficult to find or access.
But you never come back
People who go to Bermuda often do not return.
From all you ever found in Bermuda
Whatever one may have discovered or experienced in Bermuda, they do not bring it back with them.
It's just the innocent Devil's Triangle
Bermuda is known as the Devil's Triangle, but this is an innocent and harmless title.
It dares you to come there, that's it's angle
Bermuda invites you to explore, which is why people are often drawn to it.
But the devil is innocent like mirror
Despite its reputation, there is no real danger in Bermuda, much like looking at oneself in a mirror.
When the word you want
When you have a certain desire or goal.
Is master master master in Bermuda
This may refer to wanting to be in control or to achieve mastery over oneself or a situation in Bermuda.
Make you wonder, make you want to go
Bermuda is a place that can ignite one's curiosity and desire to travel there.
Make you curious, too much burn
The thought of visiting Bermuda can become an obsession, leading to a strong desire to explore and discover more.
But you will never ever will return from Bermuda
Again, people who go to Bermuda typically do not return.
That's the way in Bermuda
This line is repeated throughout the song, perhaps to emphasize that certain things are unique to Bermuda.
Contributed by Annabelle V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@aaronatwa2187
see ya in Bermuda Roky, RIP
@peskypesky
RIP. Love you forever, Roky.
@lostre
Roky is genius!
@tonyturner3530
Spent 9 happy years in Bermuda.Roky has to be the main reason I went there.Something Special about the Island?S so tiny.Saw Roky in Miami a while back looked & sounded good
@fritzidler9871
The first rock musician as inspired by EC horror comics as much as by music, who once said he would rather write a scary song than a love one, the one, the only, Roky Erickson!
@darling_danke_schoen
Wow his voice was in pretty good form here
@antonioberti1180
REST IN PEACE, ROKY...
@iwanttobelievetrustno1696
RIP ROKY!
@Tranquillado
Years ago I saw Roky on a rerun of Austin City Limits and this song smacked me in the face.
@SamRexford
#RIP !!!!! Stand for the fire demon!! <3