This page features a video of the poem “Roadways”, prescribed under the Karnataka State Syllabus for 5th Standard English First Language. Along with its summary in three languages and transliterated songs. It serves as a valuable learning resource for students and parents, with each song accompanied by its respective lyrics for easy sing-along. The synchronized lyrics help learners follow and recite the song as it progresses, making memorization and learning by heart easier, more effective, and enjoyable.
Lyrics
English
One road leads to London,
One road leads to Wales,
My road leads me seawards
To the white dipping sails.
One road leads to the river,
And it goes singing slow;
My road leads to shipping,
Where the bronzed sailors go.
Leads me, lures me, calls me
To salt green tossing sea;
A road without earth’s road-dust
Is the right road for me.
A wet road heaving, shining,
And wild with seagulls’ cries,
A mad salt sea-wind blowing
The salt spray in my eyes.
My road calls me, lures me
West, east, south, and north;
Most roads lead men homewards,
My road leads me forth.
To add more miles to the tally
Of grey miles left behind,
In quest of that one beauty
God put me here to find.
One road leads to Wales,
My road leads me seawards
To the white dipping sails.
One road leads to the river,
And it goes singing slow;
My road leads to shipping,
Where the bronzed sailors go.
Leads me, lures me, calls me
To salt green tossing sea;
A road without earth’s road-dust
Is the right road for me.
A wet road heaving, shining,
And wild with seagulls’ cries,
A mad salt sea-wind blowing
The salt spray in my eyes.
My road calls me, lures me
West, east, south, and north;
Most roads lead men homewards,
My road leads me forth.
To add more miles to the tally
Of grey miles left behind,
In quest of that one beauty
God put me here to find.
Summary
The poem describes a road that leads the speaker toward the sea rather
than toward familiar destinations. The sea attracts the speaker with
ships, sailors, waves, wind, and the cry of seabirds. Unlike roads that
lead people home, this road leads the speaker outward toward adventure
and discovery. The journey is difficult and filled with salt spray, but
the speaker willingly follows it. The poem suggests that the speaker is
searching for a special beauty that God placed in the world for them to
discover.
than toward familiar destinations. The sea attracts the speaker with
ships, sailors, waves, wind, and the cry of seabirds. Unlike roads that
lead people home, this road leads the speaker outward toward adventure
and discovery. The journey is difficult and filled with salt spray, but
the speaker willingly follows it. The poem suggests that the speaker is
searching for a special beauty that God placed in the world for them to
discover.
Author