Chris Rea - The Road to Hell
"The Road to Hell" is one of the most famous and successful songs by the British musician Chris Rea.
It was released in 1989 on the album of the same name.
The story behind the song:
The idea for the song came to Chris Rea when he was stuck in a huge traffic jam on the M25 London Ring Road. This notorious road was so much of an experience for him that he compared it to "the road to hell".
Personal experience: Chris Rea was frustrated with the state of the world today, the commercial pressures and how it was affecting his family life. He often drove on the M25 on his way home from concerts, and the long traffic jams became a metaphor for a life filled with disappointment and routine.
The Mother Poem: The song originally had a long poetic introduction. Chris Rea wrote it after his mother's death in 1983. According to him, he imagined his mother's ghost appearing to him on the side of the road, warning him that he was on a "road to hell."
However, the producers deemed this introduction too dark and sentimental for radio, so only the second part of the song was used in the single and music video.
However, on the album "The Road to Hell," the song is divided into two parts: "Part 1" (the introduction with the poem) and "Part 2" (the main song).
The theme of the song: "The Road to Hell" is not just a song about traffic jams.
It is a song about social criticism, unrestrained consumption, environmental pollution ("the river boils with every poison you can think of"), and the loss of humanity in modern society. It expresses concern for the future and frustration with the pursuit of material success.
Success and Legacy:
Release and Popularity: The single was released on October 2, 1989, and quickly became Chris Rea's biggest hit in the UK, reaching number 10 on the charts. The self-titled album became the most successful of his career, reaching number 1 on the UK Albums Chart.
Cultural Impact: With its recognizable guitar riff, dark mood, and profound lyrics, the song became a cult classic. It is still one of Chris Rea's most popular songs, and it is often used in movies and TV shows.
Charity: In 2010, Chris Rea auctioned off a piece of paper on which he wrote the original lyrics of the song, and he donated the proceeds to the Teenage Cancer Trust, which fights cancer in teenagers and children.
