Social Commentary in Prog-Rock
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URL: http://www.progarchives.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=124777
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Topic: Social Commentary in Prog-Rock
Posted By: Heart of the Matter
Subject: Social Commentary in Prog-Rock
Date Posted: December 06 2020 at 08:23
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There's a place for Social Commentary in Prog? I, for example, think I can hear it on Genesis' Harold The Barrel & Get'em Out By Friday, and that mades the listening even more interesting to me. You are kindly invited to debate, to contribute examples (or counter-examples), and, of course, personal opinion is in order too. 
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Replies:
Posted By: Tapfret
Date Posted: December 06 2020 at 09:28
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When is it not, at least metaphorically, some sort of social commentary? Other than instrumentals. ------------- https://www.last.fm/user/Tapfret" rel="nofollow">  https://bandcamp.com/tapfret" rel="nofollow - Bandcamp |
Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: December 06 2020 at 09:52
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The excrement bubbles, the century's slime decays, And the brainwashing government lackeys would have us say It's under control and we'll soon be on our way To a grand year for babies and quiz panel games Of the hot hungry millions you'll be sure to remain. The natural resources are dwindling and no one grows old And those with no homes to go to, please pick yourself holes. There's any number of Tull songs with political statements/social commentary included, from the anti-clerical, anti-religious sentiments of Aqualung and A Passion Play, and the environmentalism of Heavy Horses and Storm Watch.
------------- ...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology... |
Posted By: Manuel
Date Posted: December 06 2020 at 11:03
| Pink Floyd’s music, specially the songs written by Roger Waters, have a high content of social commentaries, and as mentioned before, Jethro Tull’s music had a lot too, including criticisms to the religious influence on British society. |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: December 06 2020 at 11:05
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Definitely was thinking of Jethro Tull as a prime example of this. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: AFlowerKingCrimson
Date Posted: December 06 2020 at 11:09
| Selling England comes to mind. The Trees by Rush is another good example but they have others I'm sure. |
Posted By: dougmcauliffe
Date Posted: December 06 2020 at 11:20
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King Gizzard has really dabbled in it with their two 2019 releases. I love Infest the Rats Nest, more of a Thrash Metal/Stoner Metal album with some prog elements though. Based on global warming, pollution, headbanging and the rich fleeing to mars The Great Debate by Dream Theater is another good one ------------- The sun has left the sky... ...Now you can close your eyes |
Posted By: Awesoreno
Date Posted: December 06 2020 at 12:32
| Zappa. 'Nuff said. |
Posted By: octopus-4
Date Posted: December 06 2020 at 13:01
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Featured in RPI but unfortunately with lyrics in Italian: Fabrizio De Andre' is the best example. He was a sort of poet and it's a pity that his lyrics can't have the same strength when translated into English. Even what is apparently a mainstream love song: "La Canzone di Marinella" (Marinella's song) Is about a prostitute found killed into a canal. He sang about war years before Roger Waters, his anti-religious invective is in the concept album "La Buona Novella", released before Aqualung. He sang about the French rebellion of the '68 in "Storia Di Un Impiegato e Di Un Non So", another concept album is "Non Al Denaro, Non All'Amore Ne' Al Cielo", based on Edgar Lee Masters book "Anthology Of Spoon River". There are songs like "River Sand Creek" about the Massacree of Native Americans. So I suggest grabbing a translation and listen to the albums. The two live albums with PFM added good prog arrangements to his singer-songwriter material. ------------- I stand with Roger Waters, I stand with Joan Baez, I stand with Victor Jara, I stand with Woody Guthrie. Music is revolution |
Posted By: lazland
Date Posted: December 06 2020 at 13:41
Selling England is most definitely social commentary, an entire album dedicated to an England (it was England, not Britain) quickly disappearing in every social sense. It was not political at all. Others here have mentioned Floyd with Waters as the main protagonist lyrically, but his lyrics were primarily political, not social. I have commentated on my Floyd reviews, especially Animals, how much he influenced me politically for many years, but, in all honesty, I find it tiresome as I have gotten older, especially his anti-Israel rants. Ironically, the Genesis lyrics on their social commentary influences me far more politically now as a middle aged man. Another exceptional example, btw, is Martin Orford’s exceptional lyrics (and music) on The Old Road, especially the title track and The Endgame. Jim Garten provided this site with the finest interview we have seen when he questioned Martin about the events which led to his retirement from the music industry, and whether you agreed with him, or not, you feel intrinsically bound to him when listening to the lyrics on this fine work. ------------- Enhance your life. Get down to www.lazland.org Now also broadcasting on www.progzilla.com Every Saturday, 4.00 p.m. UK time! |
AFlowerKingCrimson wrote:Posted By: dr wu23
Date Posted: December 06 2020 at 14:00
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Lots of songs here and there but 2 that come quickly to mind are 21st Century Schizoid Man and Epitaph from KC's first LP.... ------------- One does nothing yet nothing is left undone. Haquin |
Posted By: MortSahlFan
Date Posted: December 06 2020 at 14:27
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Pink Floyd (tons) The Doors - Five to One
------------- https://www.youtube.com/c/LoyalOpposition https://www.scribd.com/document/382737647/MortSahlFan-Song-List |
Posted By: Snicolette
Date Posted: December 06 2020 at 14:29
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Strawbs, with "New World," "Part of the Union," and even "The Hangman and the Papist," those three come to mind right off, with them. And yes, to Zappa! One of the best and brightest. ------------- "Into every rain, a little life must fall." ~Tom Rapp |
Posted By: octopus-4
Date Posted: December 07 2020 at 03:54
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What about Marillion? Clutching At Straws and Brave. Also the first solo by Fish has Big Wedge and Family Business ------------- I stand with Roger Waters, I stand with Joan Baez, I stand with Victor Jara, I stand with Woody Guthrie. Music is revolution |
Posted By: Ronstein
Date Posted: December 07 2020 at 03:58
The Old Road is probably one of my favorite albums of all time.
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Posted By: Frenetic Zetetic
Date Posted: December 07 2020 at 04:20
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Selling England by The Pound in general, Gentle Giant's Proclamation, Zappa in general, Captain Beefheart had ome very unique off the cuff commentary on social and political happenings. ------------- "I am so prog, I listen to concept albums on shuffle." -KMac2021 |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: December 07 2020 at 05:42
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Tbh, the social commentaries themselves do little for me. I've heard it all before in various guises of folk and folk rock. What I do like about it is that it forces the artists to create music as dramatic and moving as the lyrics. Just look at the usual suspects like Epitaph from KC and New World from the Strawbs. Moving songs that were custom made for the mellotron.
------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |
Posted By: Heart of the Matter
Date Posted: December 07 2020 at 14:48
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The lyrics of The Court Of The Crimson King seems to represent well several of the apects pointed out until now: it's metaphoric, establishing some sort of parallel between that elusive medieval society and ours, it's acid with criticism, but also omitting any political/revolutionary agenda, and it works as motivation for the huge dramatic scope of the music (with the help of mellotron, of course). Playing now the advocate of the devil, I propose a counter-example: Genesis' "Visions of Angels" doesn't adress any social issue, does it? It's more about a romantic perception of nature, perhaps. |
Posted By: The Dark Elf
Date Posted: December 07 2020 at 16:56
Actually, there is metaphor and allegory throughout The Court of the Crimson King, but the poem by Peter Sinfield is about Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and his long antagonistic relationship with Popes Innocent III and Gregory IX, interspersed with allusions to Frederick's own writings regarding alchemy, religion and his acquaintance with Thomas Aquinas, along with other 14th century concerns. For instance, the line "The Gardener plants an evergreen whilst trampling on a flower" is a reference to St. Francis of Assisi, the "Little Flower" whose ideals of charity and poverty were trampled by the pope and the Church. If you've ever read Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose, the Spiritual Franciscans who advocated poverty as a Christlike ideal were supported by Emperor Frederick against the papal forces who were far more interested in the wealth and power of the Church in the 14th century.
------------- ...a vigorous circular motion hitherto unknown to the people of this area, but destined to take the place of the mud shark in your mythology... |
Posted By: Catcher10
Date Posted: December 07 2020 at 17:25
I miss Jim's PA contributions... -------------   
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Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: December 07 2020 at 21:07
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Yes used to excel at this. "Don't Kill the Whale" is a prime example. Jon's latest social commentary is powerful music and commentary, doesn't get better than this! ------------- I am not a Robot, I'm a FREE MAN!! |
Posted By: Frenetic Zetetic
Date Posted: December 07 2020 at 23:28
I agree; it also doesn't help that something novel, innovative, and unique is done with the stances on war, famine, corruption, money, etc. It's always the same sh*t over and over, we get it, bands LOL  ."THIS WORLD'S NOT FOR LIVING! IT'S FOR FIGHTING! AND FOR WARS!" Go sit down and have some tea, Jon, lol. ------------- "I am so prog, I listen to concept albums on shuffle." -KMac2021 |
Posted By: Awesoreno
Date Posted: December 08 2020 at 01:28
| ^Well, maybe that's an indication that nothing's changed. It's still worthy when it's still relevant. If you're tired of it, guess we're all really to blame. |
Posted By: Heart of the Matter
Date Posted: December 08 2020 at 06:32
| ^^ Maybe we need new ways to say the things that matter? That was (and hopefully still is) a prime motivation for Prog. Cliches & repetition aren´t that enjoyable, that's for sure. |
Posted By: dr wu23
Date Posted: December 08 2020 at 07:34
You want social commentary....it doesn't get any better than this and Mr Harper has been commenting from the beginning... ------------- One does nothing yet nothing is left undone. Haquin |
Posted By: SteveG
Date Posted: December 08 2020 at 07:38
------------- This message was brought to you by a proud supporter of the Deep State. |
Posted By: HackettFan
Date Posted: December 11 2020 at 17:25
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Grand Parade of Lifeless Packaging Numerous Peter Gabriel solo tracks ------------- A curse upon the heads of those who seek their fortunes in a lie. The truth is always waiting when there's nothing left to try. - Colin Henson, Jade Warrior (Now) |
Posted By: cstack3
Date Posted: December 11 2020 at 21:35
Not to mention Genesis epics such as "Get 'em out by Friday!" ------------- I am not a Robot, I'm a FREE MAN!! |
Posted By: Heart of the Matter
Date Posted: December 12 2020 at 04:43
| ^^ "A Wonderful Day in a One-Way World" may be a good example on Peter's side. Even Genesis after Gabriel have some pearls, like "Blood On The Rooftops" |
Posted By: ExittheLemming
Date Posted: December 12 2020 at 07:41
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People singing about what they think is wrong with the world is a bit like lobbying the profoundly deaf to effect change. ------------- 
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Posted By: richardh
Date Posted: December 12 2020 at 08:14
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just a whole bunch of Rush 80's songs , too many to list but anyway a few of my faves Subdivisions Tom Sawyer Force Ten The Big Money |
Posted By: Sean Trane
Date Posted: December 12 2020 at 10:41
Zappa, Rush, Tull & Floyd are definitely carrying the medals - though not necessarily in that order. I would add Supertramp with some heavy social commentary in their lyrics (both Davies & Hodgson) Of course Genesis' Selling England is one hell of a social statement as well. ------------- let's just stay above the moral melee prefer the sink to the gutter keep our sand-castle virtues content to be a doer as well as a thinker, prefer lifting our pen rather than un-sheath our sword |
Posted By: friso
Date Posted: December 14 2020 at 01:18
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"We were born to serve your ALL OUR BLOODY LIVES" ------------- I'm guitarist and songwriter for the prog-related band Mother Bass. Find us at http://www.motherbass.com. I also enter stages throughout the Netherlands performing my poetry. |