In summer 1994 they released their first single Caught By The Fuzz which had Strange Ones on the B side, on a small local record label called Backbeat, run by Makating bass guitarist Dave Norland from his bedroom in a house in the Cowley Road area of Oxford. The song was successful and it didn't take much time when the Parlophone label signed them and few months later re-released Caught By The Fuzz again. In the spring of 1995 was released another single Mansize Rooster followed by Lenny right before they released debut album I Should Coco in May 1995. It was their only album that made an impact in the USA.
In 1997, they released their second album, In It For The Money which got them even more acclaim, but slightly darker sound confused many of their fans. Still, it was a success, both critically and financially.
The third album, released in 1999, Supergrass (or the X-Ray Album, as the fans like to call it because of the cover) was more of a continuation of In it for the money, and was not received as well as the former albums.
After the three-year-pause, Supergrass returned with Life On Other Planets (2002), which was again not succesful financially, but the critics loved it. It was also the first Supergrass album where Rob Coombes was named as the official member of the band.
After the best-selling 2004 greatest hits compilation Supergrass is 10, they released Road to Rouen, their fifth album in 2005, after some delays. It was well received but it's new direction was a surprise to many fans.
The band recorded their sixth studio album Diamond Hoo Ha between January and November 2007 in Berlin and New York. It was released in March 2008 and although criticised as formulaic, displayed strong song writing.
In 2010 they announced they would disband and played a handful of farewell shows in June. The unfinished 7th studio album Release the Drones remains unreleased.
In 2019, Supergrass reformed to play a series of gigs. However, the band does not plan on releasing new material.
Road to Rouen
Supergrass Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You got to step aside
Where are you going that decision is made
That's how it started
Too hot and dirty inside
Contain your feelings when there's nowhere to go
Follow all the signs and they'll lead us away
Turn off your television
Don't be the hatchet man
His time has come and now I'm ready to go
Cut up and fear
Tap into the nervous system
Retrieve your message tell me what do I know
Follow all the signs and they'll lead us away
But it's all good stuff for...around the world today
Tried on the feeding time
The truth is
It's going to get you and won't let go
I'm isolated
I'm going nowhere fast
There's no direction so where do I go
Follow all the signs and they'll lead us away
But it's all good stuff for...around the world today
The lyrics of Supergrass's "Road To Rouen" seem to revolve around themes of self-discovery, identity, and the search for purpose. The opening line, "there's damage out there some place," sets a somewhat ominous tone, suggesting that there are dangers to be found in the wider world. Yet, the singer urges the listener to "step aside" and "contain [their] feelings" in order to find a clear direction. This seems to speak to the idea that one must look inward before they can truly navigate the challenges of the outside world.
The refrain, "follow all the signs and they'll lead us away," takes on a more optimistic note, suggesting that there is a path to be followed, a sense of purpose waiting to be discovered. The line "turn off your television" can be interpreted as a critique of the numbing effects of modern media and encourages the listener to awaken and become their own guide. The line "cut up and fear" can be read as a reference to the self-destructive nature of anxiety, and the idea that one can tap into their own nervous system to overcome it.
The final section of the song contains lines that seem to express feelings of isolation and confusion, with the singer feeling lost and directionless. Yet, the refrain of "follow all the signs" returns, suggesting that even in the face of uncertainty, there are still guideposts to be found.
Overall, "Road To Rouen" seems to be a song about the journey of self-discovery and the search for meaning in a complex and often overwhelming world.
Line by Line Meaning
There's damage out there some place
There is destruction and harm somewhere else in the world
You got to step aside
You need to move out of harm's way
Where are you going that decision is made
Your final destination has already been chosen
That's how it started
This is how everything began
Too hot and dirty inside
Uncomfortable and unpleasant conditions exist internally
Contain your feelings when there's nowhere to go
Control your emotions despite being trapped and unable to escape
Follow all the signs and they'll lead us away
Guidance is available to take us to safety
And it's all good stuff for...around the world today
This is helpful advice for global travelers
Turn off your television
Stop watching the news
Don't be the hatchet man
Don't be the enforcer of someone else's violent agenda
His time has come and now I'm ready to go
The perpetrator has run out of time and I am prepared to leave
Cut up and fear
Terror and chaos are prevalent
Tap into the nervous system
Connect with people's emotions and anxieties
Retrieve your message tell me what do I know
Share your insights with me so that I may learn
Tried on the feeding time
Experimented with new experiences
The truth is
The reality is
It's going to get you and won't let go
The situation will consume and overwhelm you
I'm isolated
I am alone
I'm going nowhere fast
I am not making any progress
There's no direction so where do I go
I am lost and in need of guidance
Follow all the signs and they'll lead us away
Trust in the available guidance to escape
But it's all good stuff for...around the world today
This is helpful advice for global travelers
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: GARETH COOMBES, ROBERT COOMBES, DANIEL GOFFEY, MICHAEL QUINN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind