Story Behind The Song
In early America, a small colony of English men and women began a new life on Roanoke Island, off the coast of North Carolina. Initially, it went well, but after years of neglect from England, the supply ships finally returned to find no trace of anyone there and only carved out words in a few of the trees. So the song is an analogy to that experience within a personal relationship.
Song Description
It is a mystery (like Roanoke Island) why his girl leaves him until he realizes what they had together and how he mishandled it.
| Song Length |
3:56 |
Genre |
Country - Alternative, Folk - Rock |
| Tempo |
Medium Fast (131 - 150) |
Lead Vocal |
Male Vocal |
| Mood |
Poignant, Troubled |
Subject |
Regret, Heartbreak |
| Similar Artists |
Wilco, Tracy Chapman |
Language |
English |
| Era |
2000 and later |
| |
Lyrics
Roanoke © 1994 Matthew Scharpf
Punished myself today at how we used to be
Walking Talking in the woods
Always meeting by our tree near the fence
I'd go back if I could
You were amazed at what I'd always want
For the little I'd rarely give.
You were the first pioneer on my heart's frontier
And if you say I never tried, how could you say I quit
Roanoke, Roanoke
Why'd you have to leave
Roanoke, Roanoke
Why you such a mystery
When I came back you had gone
But our tree still remains
The fence has rusted and now I burn
All I have is your carved out name
Roanoke, Roanoke
Why'd you have to leave
Roanoke, Roanoke
Why you such a mystery
Leaves have fallen from our tree
Snow crunches under my feet
Seasons changed but oh not I
All I know is you deserved a reply
Roanoke, Roanoke
Why'd you have to leave
Roanoke, Roanoke
Why you such a mystery
Roanoke, Roanoke
Why'd you have to leave
Roanoke, Roanoke
It's not such a mystery
It's not such a mystery
It's not such a mystery