Tube Preamp Stage Question

Hi! I am a wicked amateur and I have a newbie question for something that is confusing me.

Currently replacing some blown resistors and old capacitors in and old jukebox and reviewing the schematic.

Between the phono preamp and EQ/balance controls and tube preamplifier, I am curious why the audio signal wouldn't just follow this red path I drew to ground, and why any signal would flow on the green path, which is must to function?

I am sure the answer is simple and obvious but my tiny brain just thinks shouldn't all the voltage just go to ground never to be seen at the inputs of the tubes?

Please help me understand?

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Thank you,
Dan