Roxy Music became a successful act in Europe and Australia during the 1970s. This success began with their self-titled debut studio album in 1972. The band pioneered more musically sophisticated elements of glam rock while significantly influencing early English punk music, and provided a model for many new wave acts while innovating elements of electronic composition. The group also conveyed their distinctive brand of visual and musical sophistication with their focus on glamorous fashions. Ferry and co-founding member Eno have had influential solo careers. Eno became one of the most significant British record producers of the late 20th century. Rolling Stone originally ranked Roxy Music No. 98 on their greatest artists list ("The Immortals – The 100 Greatest Artists of All Time"), but dropped the group from the list when they updated it in 2011.
Roxy Music's final studio album was Avalon (1982), which was certified Platinum in the United States. In 2005, the band began recording what would have become their ninth studio album—and their first album with Eno since 1973 (he wrote two songs for it and also played keyboards). However, Ferry eventually announced that the material from these sessions would instead be released as a Ferry solo studio album, with Eno playing on "a couple of tracks", and that he believed the group would never again produce a record as Roxy Music. The album was released in 2010 as the Ferry solo studio album Olympia. It featured contributions from Eno, Manzanera, and Mackay (amongst many other session players).
In 2011, Roxy Music played a series of 40th-anniversary shows, but went inactive as a performing entity following the concerts. In 2019, Roxy Music were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
In 2022, Roxy Music reformed for a tour to mark the 50th anniversary of their debut studio album.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roxy_Music
Studio albums
Roxy Music (1972)
For Your Pleasure (1973)
Stranded (1973)
Country Life (1974)
Siren (1975)
Manifesto (1979)
Flesh and Blood (1980)
Avalon (1982)
Triptych
Roxy Music Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Here, nothing grows
But crosses
They, know not what they do
You, your forgiveness
Falls as dew
Nailed upon a wooden frame
Twisted yet unbroken
Understood, unspoken
Never was there heard a sound
Until the heavens opened
Now the tide is turning
To other-wordly yearning
Through the sun's eclipse seems final
Surely he will rise again
The lyrics in Roxy Music's Triptych are poignant and thought-provoking, referencing the crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the themes of forgiveness, sacrifice, and rebirth. The opening lines set the scene of a desolate place where nothing grows, except crosses. This is a clear reference to the site of the crucifixion, where Jesus was nailed to a wooden cross. The following line, "They know not what they do," is a direct quote from Jesus' words in the Bible as he ask for forgiveness to those who crucified him.
The next verse shifts to address Jesus directly, talking about his forgiveness as if it were dew falling from the sky. The line "Nailed upon a wooden frame, twisted yet unbroken," is a powerful image of the crucifixion itself, and the resilience and steadfastness of the figure upon the cross. The final lines of the song reference the moment of Jesus' resurrection, as the heavens open up and the tide begins to turn. This imagery of life renewed and reborn is a fitting way to end the song, and reinforces the themes of sacrifice and forgiveness that run throughout.
Line by Line Meaning
Here the soil is barren
This place is devoid of life and fertility
Here, nothing grows
Nothing can sprout or flourish in this place
But crosses
The only things that exist here are crucifixes
They, know not what they do
The people here are unaware of the significance of their actions
You, your forgiveness
Your ability to pardon offenses
Falls as dew
Is as gentle and silent as the settling of moisture on the earth
Nailed upon a wooden frame
Bound to a wooden structure with metal spikes
Twisted yet unbroken
Wrenched and contorted, but not severed
Open mounted a silent choir
A group of people who remain still and expressionless
Understood, unspoken
A mutual comprehension that requires no words
Never was there heard a sound
No noise ever emerged from this place
Until the heavens opened
Until the sky parted and revealed something beyond
Now the tide is turning
The situation is changing in a significant way
To other-worldly yearning
Towards a longing for something beyond this life
Through the sun's eclipse seems final
Even though everything appears to be hopeless
Surely he will rise again
He will come back to life, without a doubt
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: BRYAN FERRY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@alexandreintouch1847
everything about this composition is awesome ....
@andyj639
The genius of Roxy music even extended to replicating a "hit" from Tudor times!
@lestoil
Man, this is one deep deep dark work of music!!
@robertalonzo8655
Beautiful 🙏🏼
@eddiekonczal5766
Beautiful job with this video! Just what I was looking for to share on Good Friday.
@kevmac1230
As a young teen this album intrigued me.
@wisdomist2144
Thank you for this perfect film with lyrics!
@tommycannon275
Can't say much more but He will come back, believe it or not
@karlklouzer1366
I always wanted to make a video to share that didn't show the album cover ladies... You beat me to it! Well done! Thanx!
@ronbo11
Nicely done - great to see the lyrics.