"Sub-Rosa Subway" is a song by the Canadian rock band Klaatu, from their album 3:47 EST, describing the efforts of Alfred Ely Beach to create the Beach Pneumatic Transit, the New York City Subway's precursor. His work is described as secretive (hence sub rosa). The song peaked at No. 62 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1977.
Two minutes and fifty seconds into the song, a long message in Morse code plays in the background.The Sub-Rosa Subway Morse Code Message-Waynus of Uranus John Woloschuk, in an article in the fan magazine The Morning Sun, finally provided a translation of the code:
"From Alfred, heed thy sharpened ear — A message we do bring — Starship appears upon our sphere — Through London's sky come spring."The Morning Sun-7th Edition
The harpsichord sound on the song was created by recording a tack piano with the tape recorder running at half-normal speed.
Charts Chart (1977)PeakpositionU.S. Billboard Hot 10062U.S. Cash Box Top 10057U.S. Record World Singles Chart73
Personnel Album version John Woloschuk – lead vocals, backing vocals, keyboards, bass guitar, percussion Dee Long – backing vocals, electric guitar, synthesizer, telegraphy Terry Draper – drums Vern Dorge – chimes
Single version John Woloschuk – lead vocals, keyboards, bass guitar, maracas, bongos Dee Long – electric guitar, synthesizer, telegraphy
References
External links Klaatu's official website "Sub-Rosa Subway" lyrics "Klaatu Identities and Beatles Rumors"