The Wrong Road
The Go-Betweens Lyrics

A trader in furs living in exile
Living in a foreign land without a sense of belonging or identity, far away from home.

Boy what a kook
Expressing surprise, confusion, or disbelief at something unusual or unexpected.

Look at that passport
Noticing a document that certifies a person's identity and citizenship.

Stale bread and paper without privilege
Living a life of struggle and deprivation without access to basic comforts of life or opportunities.

If you live here learn the language
Advising someone to learn and assimilate to the culture and language of the place where they live in order to fit in and communicate better with people around them.

When the rain hit the roof
Describing the sound of raindrops hitting something solid and creating a distinct noise.

With the sound of a finished kiss
Comparing the sound of rain to that of a kiss that has just ended.

Like when a lip lifts from a lip
Referring to the moment when two lips that were touching are separated and create a sound as they part.

I took the Wrong Road round
Acknowledging a choice made in the past that has led to undesirable consequences or outcomes.

A room in a lighthouse
Describing a place that provides a view of the sea and a sense of isolation or remoteness from the rest of the world.

Near the park
Indicating a location close to a green space or natural surroundings.

The ghosts in the next room hear you cough
Suggesting that even invisible, intangible spirits or remnants of past experiences can sense one's presence and actions.

Time drags on Sundays spent in Mayfair
Describing the feeling of boredom and sluggishness when spending time in a posh neighborhood without any meaningful activity or engagement.

With all your riches, why aren't you there?
Asking why someone who has material wealth or resources is not in a place or situation that corresponds to their status or expectations.

The wind acts like a magnet
Observing how the force of nature can attract or repel certain objects or elements based on their properties and interactions.

And pulls the leaf from the tree
Using a natural metaphor to describe the power of influence or attraction that can separate things that were once connected or intertwined.

And the town's lost its breath
Indicating a state of quietness, stillness, or emptiness that permeates a place or community.

Handsome is good, pretty is better
Reflecting on the subjective nature of beauty and how different people or cultures value different traits or features.

What was that phrase
Recalling a phrase, expression, or idea that has been forgotten or lost over time.

Grace under pressure?
Wondering whether one can maintain a sense of elegance, poise, and control in difficult or challenging circumstances.

Blind by the light bulb
Suggesting that too much exposure to a bright or intense source of light can obscure one's vision or awareness.

Blood to the bank
Referring to the idea of sacrificing one's own well-being or integrity for the sake of monetary gain or financial stability.

Lost all yours letters when the ship sank
Recounting a tragic event where important or sentimental possessions were lost or destroyed beyond recovery.

In the disjointed breaking light
Describing a moment of transition or change that is marked by confusion, uncertainty, or instability.

The soft blue approach of the water
Depicting the sight and feeling of water that is soothing, calming, and peaceful as it approaches.

Makes a sound you won't forget
Emphasizing the lasting impact that certain experiences or sensations can have on one's memory or senses.

Stranded at low-tide where the river bends
Imagining a scenario where one is caught in a vulnerable or precarious position due to external factors beyond their control.

Wouldn't you know it, that's how life ends
Ironically commenting on the unpredictable nature of life and the inevitability of facing unexpected challenges or obstacles.

Lucky at cards, that's an old lie
Rejecting the superstitious belief that one can influence their fate or fortune through random events or games of chance.

Lucky in love, that's how life ends
Associating the idea of being fortunate or blessed in romantic relationships with the eventual end of one's life.

Well the turncoats turned around
Acknowledging the fickle and opportunistic nature of people who change their allegiance or loyalty based on the situation or circumstance.

When they heard the sound of the bell
Referring to the striking or tolling of a bell that signals a moment of change or transition.

Dropped their coins into the well
Alluding to the tradition of throwing coins into a wishing well as a symbolic gesture of hope, faith, or supplication.

Started out Oliver, ended up Fagin
Comparing the transformation of a naive, innocent person into a manipulative, cunning individual to the character development in the novel 'Oliver Twist'.

Don't you worry, it's my problem
Assuming responsibility for a situation or issue and assuring others that they do not need to be concerned or involved.

What's my name, what's my number?
Expressing a sense of identity crisis or uncertainty about one's sense of self or purpose in life.

I'm the lonely one
Admitting to a state of isolation, disconnection, or longing for companionship or intimacy.

It's just at the end of the day
Indicating the time of day or the moment when all activities or tasks have been completed or exhausted.

When the light makes its slow move away
Describing the gradual decrease or transition of light as night approaches or as an object or source of light moves away.

That I know all I can say is
Realizing or accepting the limitations of one's knowledge or language to express or describe a particular feeling or thought.

I took the Wrong Road round
Reiterating the same sentiment and regret expressed earlier in the song, implying that it remains unresolved or lingering in one's mind.

Gambled with risk
Taking chances or making decisions with uncertain or risky outcomes.

Paid you back with risk
Referring to a situation where one's actions or choices have resulted in negative or harmful consequences for another person or entity.

So now you know who your friends are
Acknowledging the importance of distinguishing between true friends or allies and those who are only interested in personal gain or convenience.

They'll steal your shadow when your back's turned
Using a metaphor to describe the insidious nature of betrayal or treachery, where one's trust or confidence is undermined or exploited behind their back.

Bouquets of flowers
Describing a display or arrangement of flowers, which can signify different emotions or occasions depending on the context or culture.

Lesson's over
Indicating the end or completion of a period of instruction, learning, or reflection.