Song meaning of (On Tuesdays She Used to Do) Yoga by Peter Hammill

The song "(On Tuesdays She Used to Do) Yoga" by Peter Hammill explores themes of regret, self-pity, and missed opportunities in a relationship. The lyrics paint a picture of a narrator who is complacent and self-absorbed, while his partner is engaged in self-improvement activities like yoga. The narrator feels superior, claiming to be an artist while belittling his partner's efforts.

As the song progresses, the narrator realizes that his self-centeredness and lack of ambition have driven his partner away. He reflects on his excessive pride and the fact that he prioritized cheating over honesty. It becomes clear that he failed to appreciate what truly mattered in the relationship.

The bridge highlights the narrator's remorse and desire to change, but he realizes it is too late to salvage the relationship. He confesses that his partner always had faith in him despite his shortcomings, indicating that she consistently believed he would eventually find his way.

In the later verses, the narrator attempts to make amends by engaging in yoga and exploring tantra, but it is portrayed as too little, too late. He laments the time wasted and the missed opportunities to do the things that truly mattered. The song ends with a poignant reminder that on Tuesdays, when his partner used to do yoga, she eventually left him.

Overall, the lyrics convey a message about the importance of valuing and nurturing relationships, prioritizing personal growth, and not taking loved ones for granted. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of self-centeredness and the inability to recognize and appreciate the meaningful moments in life.