Rhythm guitarist Dave Pritchard, bass guitarist Greg Masters and drummer Roger Spencer were the core of a band initally known as Billy King and the Nightriders, then later known as Mike Sheridan and the Nightriders and briefly as just The Nightriders.
In 1966 they advertised for a new guitarist/vocalist, Jeff Lynne applied and joined the band. After releasing one single they changed their name to Idle Race. Under Jeff Lynne's leadership they released two albums that sold poorly, despite support from John Peel and Kenny Everett.
In 1970, Jeff Lynne decided to join The Move so he and Roy Wood could work on what would eventually become Electric Light Orchestra
The remaining members of The Idle Race recruited 2 new members and released one further album. After Greg Masters left the group they became The Steve Gibbons Band.
End of the Road
The Idle Race Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Down the walk, beside the sea
Things are going wrong, boy
Things are going wrong
I used to wake up in the morning
To the sound of the birds singing at my window
Please wait for me
Now the good things gone with the wind
It's bad today, I've moved away
Things are going wrong, boy
Things are going wrong
I used to wake up in the morning
To the sound of the birds singing at my window
Please wait for me
I'll be there at the end of the road
In The Idle Race's song End Of The Road, the lyrics tell a story of someone who used to find peace and quiet near the sea, waking up to the sound of birds singing outside. However, as time has passed, things have become more difficult and the good things have been lost. The singer has moved away and is unable to find the peace they once had. The lyrics plead for someone to wait for them at the end of the road, suggesting a desire to return to a simpler time and place.
The theme of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time is a common one in music, but what makes this song particularly poignant is the contrast between the peaceful beginning and the tumultuous present. The simple pleasures of waking up to the sound of birds singing are juxtaposed with the harsh reality of a life that has become difficult and unhappy. The repetition of the phrase "things are going wrong" underscores this sense of loss and despair.
One interesting interpretation of the song is that it may be a commentary on the changing social and cultural landscape of the 1960s. The references to nature and simplicity at the beginning of the song evoke the more innocent and idealistic mindset of the early 60s, while the later lyrics hint at the political and social upheavals of the later part of the decade.
Line by Line Meaning
There was peace and quiet for me
I had a calm and serene life
Down the walk, beside the sea
I used to walk beside the sea which made my life even more peaceful
Things are going wrong, boy
Now, my life has taken a downturn and I am struggling
Things are going wrong
My life has become difficult and unpleasant
I used to wake up in the morning
In the past, my mornings were peaceful and joyous
To the sound of the birds singing at my window
I would wake up to the sound of cheerful birds singing outside my window
Please wait for me
I hope my loved ones will wait for me while I go through this tough phase in my life
I'll be there at the end of the road
I will try to overcome my problems and come out of it stronger
Now the good things gone with the wind
All the good things in my life have vanished strangely
It's bad today, I've moved away
My life is not good anymore and I feel like I have lost my way
Contributed by Aria K. Suggest a correction in the comments below.