"Sub-Rosa Subway" is a song written 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.<ref>The Sub-Rosa Subway Morse Code Message-Waynus of Uranus</ref> 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." <ref>The Morning Sun-7th Edition</ref>
The harpsichord sound on the song was created by recording a tack piano with the tape recorder running at half-normal speed.<ref name="klaatu.org">{{#invoke:citation/CS1|citation |CitationClass=web }}</ref>
ChartsEdit
| Chart (1977) | Peak position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Billboard Hot 100 <ref name="Whitburn">Template:Cite book</ref> | 62 |
| U.S. Cash Box Top 100 <ref name="Whitburn" /> | 57 |
| U.S. Record World Singles Chart <ref name="Whitburn" /> | 73 |
PersonnelEdit
- 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<ref name="klaatu.org" />