The Wrong Road
The Go-Betweens · Other Songs - The Go-Betweens
Boy, what a kook, look at that passport
Stale bread and paper without privilege
If you live here learn the language
When the rain hit the roof
With the sound of a finished kiss
Like a lip lifted from a lip
I took the wrong road 'round
A room in a lighthouse near the park
The ghosts in the next room hear you cough
Time drags on Sundays spent in Mayfair
With all your riches, why aren't you there?
Well, the wind acts like a magnet
And pulls the leaf from the tree
And the town's lost its breath
I took the wrong road 'round
Handsome is good, pretty is better
What was that phrase, grace under pressure?
Blind by the light bulb, blood to the bank
Lost all yours letters when the ship sank
In the disjointed breaking light
The soft blue approach of the water
Makes a sound you won't forget
I took the wrong road 'round
Stranded at low-tide where the river bends
Wouldn't you know it? That's how life ends
Lucky at cards, that's an old lie
Lucky in love, that's how life ends
Well, the turncoats turned around
When they heard the sound of the bell
Dropped their coins into the well
I took the wrong road 'round
Started out Oliver, ended up Fagin
Don't you worry, it's my problem
What's my name, what's my number?
I'm the lonely one
It's just at the end of the day
When the light makes its slow move away
That I know all I can say is
I took the wrong road 'round
Gambled with risk, paid you back with risk
So now you know who your friends are
They'll steel your shadow when your back's turned
Bouquets of flowers, lesson's over
When the rain hit the roof
With the sound of a finished kiss
Like a lip lifted from a lip
And I took the wrong road 'round
The Wrong Road
The Go-Betweens are celebrated for their intricate songwriting and melodic precision, hallmarks of the indie rock genre. "The Wrong Road" stands as a testament to their ability to craft emotionally resonant narratives within concise structures. The track reflects the band's signature interplay between lyrical subtlety and musical clarity, showcasing the distinctive vocal harmonies that define their sound. As part of their broader discography, the song captures the introspective mood often found in their recordings, balancing melancholy with an underlying sense of movement. This work remains a key example of the band's contribution to alternative music, demonstrating how their compositions continue to resonate with listeners through their timeless arrangement and evocative atmosphere.