The Road To Hell ( Part Two)

Chris Rea's song 'The Road to Hell (Part Two)' paints a vivid and haunting picture of a world in decline. The opening lines set a grim scene, with the singer standing by a river that doesn't flow but instead boils with every imaginable poison. This imagery suggests a world corrupted and polluted, both literally and metaphorically. The streetlight, typically a symbol of safety and guidance, fails to bring joy, highlighting a pervasive sense of fear and despair. The 'perverted fear of violence' that 'chokes the smile on every face' underscores a society gripped by paranoia and aggression, where common sense is overshadowed by chaos and fear.

The song's chorus emphasizes that the current state of affairs is not a result of technological failure but a moral and societal breakdown. The roads jammed with credit symbolize a world obsessed with materialism and financial gain, where the pursuit of wealth leads to a dead end. The 'pieces of paper flying away' represent the fleeting and ultimately worthless nature of money and material possessions. Rea warns the world to take a hard look at the consequences of its actions, urging a swift and thorough understanding of the dire situation.

The repeated assertion that 'this is the road to hell' serves as a stark warning about the path humanity is on. The song suggests that the pursuit of progress and prosperity, without regard for ethical and environmental considerations, leads to destruction and despair. Rea's powerful lyrics and evocative imagery call for a reevaluation of values and priorities, emphasizing the need for a more conscientious and sustainable approach to life.