Lyrics
Oh, the streets of Rome are filled with rubble
Describes the state of the streets in Rome, suggesting chaos or destruction.
Ancient footprints are everywhere
Highlights the historical presence with ancient footprints scattered everywhere.
You can almost think that you're seein' double
Suggests a sense of disorientation or confusion, as if seeing double.
On a cold, dark night on the Spanish Stairs
Sets the scene of a cold, dark night on the Spanish Stairs, creating a vivid atmosphere.
Got to hurry on back to my hotel room
The singer needs to return to their hotel room, creating a sense of urgency.
Where I got me a date
Indicates a planned meeting or rendezvous at the hotel.
With a pretty little girl from Greece
Introduces a romantic interest, a girl from Greece.
She promised she'd be there with me
Confirms the girl's promise to be with the singer when they paint their masterpiece.
When I paint my masterpiece
The central theme, expressing anticipation for a significant creative achievement.
Oh, the hours we'd spend inside the Coliseum
Recalls spending time inside the Coliseum, evoking a sense of history and adventure.
Dodging lions and wastin' time
Describes the experience of avoiding danger and wasting time, possibly reflecting on life's challenges.
Oh, those mighty kings of the jungle
Refers to powerful figures in authority, possibly symbolizing obstacles.
I could hardly stand to see 'em
Expresses discomfort or unease at the sight of these mighty figures.
Yes, it sure has been a long, hard climb
Reflects on the difficulty and length of the journey or life's struggles.
Train wheels are runnin' through the back of my memory
Introduces the metaphor of train wheels running through memory, possibly indicating the passage of time.
When I ran on the hilltop
Recalls a moment from the past, running on a hilltop.
Following a pack of wild geese
Metaphorically follows a pack of wild geese, suggesting a pursuit of freedom or individuality.
Someday, everything is gonna sound like a rhapsody
Expresses optimism that everything will eventually become harmonious or beautiful like a rhapsody.
When I paint my masterpiece
Reiterates the anticipation of achieving greatness when painting the masterpiece.
Sailing 'round the world in a dirty gondola
Describes sailing in a dirty gondola, perhaps symbolizing a less glamorous journey.
Oh, to be back in the land of Coca Cola
Expresses a desire to return to a familiar and comforting place, the land of Coca Cola.
Well, I left Rome and landed in Brussels
Details the journey from Rome to Brussels, emphasizing the challenging plane ride.
On a plane ride so bumpy that I almost cried
Describes the emotional impact of the bumpy ride, almost bringing the singer to tears.
Clergymen in uniform and young girls pullin' muscles
Introduces the scene of clergy and young girls, adding a layer of complexity or contrast.
Everyone was there to greet me when I stepped inside
Highlights a warm welcome upon arriving, creating a contrast to the earlier challenges.
Newspapermen eating candy
Depicts newspapermen eating candy, possibly commenting on media distractions.
Had to be held down by big police
Suggests a need for restraint, with big police holding down the newspapermen.
But someday, everything is gonna be diff'rent
Expresses hope for a different future, emphasizing change.
When I paint that masterpiece
Reiterates the anticipation of a transformative masterpiece, tying back to the central theme.
Comment