Meaning of "Down Where The Drunkards Roll" by Richard & Linda Thompson

"Down Where The Drunkards Roll" delves into the theme of escapism through alcohol and other vices as a coping mechanism for life's hardships. The repetitive chorus of "Down where the drunkards roll" highlights a cycle of reliance on substances to numb pain and escape reality. The lyrics depict a variety of characters who are facing different struggles, from the boys dressed up in green velvet trying to drown their sorrows in wine, to the troubled woman dreaming of a better life but ultimately returning to the same place where she feels in control. The song also touches on the idea of being lost and seeking some form of truth or salvation, whether through gambling, daydreaming of being a sailor, or even using religious imagery with the mention of Lord Jesus. Overall, the lyrics serve as a poignant commentary on the human condition, illustrating how individuals cope with their inner turmoil in different ways, but ultimately finding themselves in the same place where the drunkards roll.