Song Meaning

This archaic advice warns against reckless haste, framing it as a direct threat to one's life. The opening lines suggest that pausing and being mindful, symbolized by 'putting forth a hand,' can extend one's time on earth. Even with immense good fortune, 'overtaking at corners' – a metaphor for impulsive, dangerous maneuvers – leads to an inevitable, fatal end. The core tension lies between the allure of speed and the stark reality of mortality. The lyrics emphasize that main roads, representing established paths or perhaps life's general flow, disregard the caution needed for side roads, which could be interpreted as unexpected dangers or critical junctures. This highlights the need for constant vigilance, advising the listener to 'slow and to blow' – to decelerate and be aware – when entering such perilous situations. The final couplet offers a more specific, yet still metaphorical, caution about consumption and its consequences. 'Drink as thou canst hold it' suggests moderation, but the latter part, 'after is best,' implies that excessive indulgence leads to trouble. The phrase 'Drink with men's Driving makes Crowners to Quest' points to how intoxication, combined with the actions of others or the general chaos of life ('men's Driving'), can result in fatal accidents, prompting coroners to investigate. Ultimately, the effectiveness of these lyrics stems from their stark, almost fatalistic, pronouncements delivered with a sense of ancient wisdom. The imagery of 'overtaking at corners' and 'Crowners to Quest' creates a visceral sense of impending doom, urging a profound respect for caution and self-control as the keys to survival.