Road to Rouen
Supergrass Lyrics


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There's damage out there some place
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
And it's all good stuff for...around the world today

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

Overall Meaning

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
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