Forum Home Forum Home > Progressive Music Lounges > Prog Music Lounge
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Best and Worst prog lyrics
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Best and Worst prog lyrics
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <1 2345>
Author
Message Reverse Sort Order
  Topic Search Topic Search  Topic Options Topic Options
mathman0806 View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: June 06 2014
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 6848 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote mathman0806 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 18:42
I often don't pay much attention to lyrics, but the good lyrics quoted for Rush do stand out. I like the lyrics from Between the Wheels:

You know how that rabbit feels
Going under your speeding wheels
Bright images flashing by
Like windshields towards a fly
Frozen in the fatal climb
But the wheels of time
Just pass you by
Wheels can take you around
Wheels can cut you down

And I have a hard time with the lyrics in Dog Years:

In the dog days
People look to Sirius
Dogs cry for the moon
But those connections are mysterious

It seems to me
While it's true that every dog will have his day
When all the bones are buried
There is barely time to go outside and play

Dog years, it's the season of the itch
Dog years, with every scratch it reappears
Dog years, for every sad son of a bitch
Dog years, with his tail between his ears
Back to Top
Frets N Worries View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: April 30 2023
Location: Your Basement
Status: Offline
Points: 4261 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Frets N Worries Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 18:15
Pink Floyd:
Worst: I though I though of everything

Best: just the entirety of 'Time'
The Wheel of Time Turns, and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the shadow.

Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time...
Back to Top
AFlowerKingCrimson View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: October 02 2016
Location: Philly burbs
Status: Offline
Points: 19250 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AFlowerKingCrimson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 18:07
The ELP ladder thing has some other deeper significance. I don't remember the details but if you google it it might pop up.
Back to Top
AFlowerKingCrimson View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: October 02 2016
Location: Philly burbs
Status: Offline
Points: 19250 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote AFlowerKingCrimson Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 18:05
Rush (both from the song territories with the last one from the Manhatten project):

Best: "A whole wide world an endless universe yet we keep looking through the eye glass in reverse. Don't feed the people but we feed the machines. Can't really say what international means.

Worst (and from the same song): "Better people better food better beer."

Also from same album:  "All the brightest boys to play with the biggest toys."


Edited by AFlowerKingCrimson - September 17 2023 at 18:08
Back to Top
cstack3 View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar
VIP Member

Joined: July 20 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
Status: Offline
Points: 7493 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote cstack3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 17:43
Originally posted by Psychedelic Paul Psychedelic Paul wrote:

The best and the worst lyrics all in one song....

ELP - Still You Turn Me On

Every day a little sadder
A little madder
Someone get me a ladder 

Yeah, that one always struck me as pretty damn bad!!  LOL

He could have used "puff adder" (One of the most widespread venomous snakes, puff adders are native to Africa and parts of the Saudi Arabian peninsula),  "bladder,"  "fatter" (certainly applied to Greg Lake) and so forth.  Those all would have been better than "ladder." 
I am not a Robot, I'm a FREE MAN!!
Back to Top
JD View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: February 07 2009
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 18446 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 16:13
Originally posted by Grumpyprogfan Grumpyprogfan wrote:

Originally posted by cstack3 cstack3 wrote:

Why do so many prog-critics complain about lyrics regarding "Fairies," "Elves" etc.??

I'm hard-pressed to think of any prog music with those lyrics! 
Neal Morse sings about his imaginary friend a lot. Similar to fairies and elves to me.   
LOLLOL   Classic, Richard Dawkins would be proud of you for that one !

Edited by JD - September 17 2023 at 16:13
Thank you for supporting independently produced music
Back to Top
Psychedelic Paul View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: September 16 2019
Location: Nottingham, U.K
Status: Online
Points: 45060 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Psychedelic Paul Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 16:12
The best and the worst lyrics all in one song....

ELP - Still You Turn Me On

Every day a little sadder
A little madder
Someone get me a ladder 
Back to Top
Hrychu View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: November 03 2013
Location: poland?
Status: Offline
Points: 5908 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Hrychu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 15:18
Originally posted by Grumpyprogfan Grumpyprogfan wrote:

Originally posted by cstack3 cstack3 wrote:

Why do so many prog-critics complain about lyrics regarding "Fairies," "Elves" etc.??

I'm hard-pressed to think of any prog music with those lyrics! 
Neal Morse sings about his imaginary friend a lot. Similar to fairies and elves to me.   


Comparing Neal Morse's friend to fairies and elves is like comparing homepathy to magic. :)

Anyway, if you want some real prog fantasty shіt there's always Three Magicians Suite Part 1 by Banzai.


Edited by Hrychu - September 17 2023 at 15:19
Back to Top
Grumpyprogfan View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: July 09 2019
Location: KC
Status: Offline
Points: 12781 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Grumpyprogfan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 12:51
Originally posted by cstack3 cstack3 wrote:

Why do so many prog-critics complain about lyrics regarding "Fairies," "Elves" etc.??

I'm hard-pressed to think of any prog music with those lyrics! 
Neal Morse sings about his imaginary friend a lot. Similar to fairies and elves to me.   
Back to Top
Logan View Drop Down
Forum & Site Admin Group
Forum & Site Admin Group
Avatar
Site Admin

Joined: April 05 2006
Location: Vancouver, BC
Status: Offline
Points: 38394 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Logan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 11:36
Originally posted by cstack3 cstack3 wrote:

Why do so many prog-critics complain about lyrics regarding "Fairies," "Elves" etc.??

I'm hard-pressed to think of any prog music with those lyrics! 


Because nothing screams Prog as much as Blind Guardian.

Prog, and I think Prog fans, have often been very associated with the fantasy genre generally by people. So you have things like Uriah Heep's Demons and Wizards, Hawkwind music, numerous references to Lord of The Rings (Camel with Nimrodel..., Rush with Rivendell...).

I heard someone once ask something like, "As you like Prog, does that men you are also into Dungeons & Dragons?" I think it's broad fantasy stereotype associated with Prog, and with kinds of heavy rock and power metal.... And I think the cape and costumes add to that fantasy image.

Edited by Logan - September 17 2023 at 11:38
Watching while most appreciating a sunset in the moment need not diminish all the glorious sunsets I observed before. It can be much like that with music for me; immersed in experiencing the moment.
Back to Top
cstack3 View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar
VIP Member

Joined: July 20 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
Status: Offline
Points: 7493 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cstack3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 11:23
Why do so many prog-critics complain about lyrics regarding "Fairies," "Elves" etc.??

I'm hard-pressed to think of any prog music with those lyrics! 
I am not a Robot, I'm a FREE MAN!!
Back to Top
Cristi View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Crossover / Prog Metal Teams

Joined: July 27 2006
Location: wonderland
Status: Online
Points: 46514 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cristi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 10:56
Originally posted by wiz_d_kidd wiz_d_kidd wrote:


LOL
this one never gets old LOL
Back to Top
wiz_d_kidd View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: January 13 2018
Location: EllicottCityMD
Status: Offline
Points: 1487 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote wiz_d_kidd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 10:56
"Instrumental music is an expression that words can never capture." -- Peter Baumann
Back to Top
Frets N Worries View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: April 30 2023
Location: Your Basement
Status: Offline
Points: 4261 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Frets N Worries Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 06:09
^Nothing Oasis did is worse than 'slowly walking down the hall, faster than a cannonball, where were you while we were getting high?"
The Wheel of Time Turns, and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the shadow.

Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time...
Back to Top
Hrychu View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: November 03 2013
Location: poland?
Status: Offline
Points: 5908 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Hrychu Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 02:42
Oasis
Best:
  • Cast No Shadow
  • Gas Panic
Worst:
  • Little James
  • Stop Crying Your Heart Out (the music is kickass but the lyrics are too vanilla and repetitive)
Back to Top
cstack3 View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar
VIP Member

Joined: July 20 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
Status: Offline
Points: 7493 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cstack3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 00:47
Originally posted by Frets N Worries Frets N Worries wrote:

^Lyrics aren't that bad, better than something I'd write

Thanks!  I'd LOVE to put stuff online, but it is all on cassette tapes, and I have to have them digitized etc. 

I play bass with Squire's technique, play Fripp-like fuzz tone guitar leads, and have a whiny, nasal Eno-esque voice!  It has made for hilarious music with my friends over the years!  Watch this space....
I am not a Robot, I'm a FREE MAN!!
Back to Top
Cristi View Drop Down
Special Collaborator
Special Collaborator
Avatar
Crossover / Prog Metal Teams

Joined: July 27 2006
Location: wonderland
Status: Online
Points: 46514 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Cristi Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 17 2023 at 00:17
Originally posted by JD JD wrote:


ELP Worst
Go down gently
With your face to the east
The sun may be rising
But we haven't finished the feast

I'm gonna love you
Like nobody ever loved you
Climb on my rocket
And we'll fly
Sick
Ok, we get it Greg, you're getting laid.


oh yeah, horrid, I hope the "taste of my love" does have the meaning many think it has. 
Back to Top
JD View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: February 07 2009
Location: Canada
Status: Offline
Points: 18446 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote JD Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 16 2023 at 21:09
I'll start with these...

ELP Best
Cold and misty morning, I heard a warning borne in the air
About an age of power where no one had an hour to spare,
Where the seeds have withered, silent children shivered, in the cold
Now their faces captured in the lenses of the jackals for gold.
Thumbs Up
Beautifully poetic

ELP Worst
Go down gently
With your face to the east
The sun may be rising
But we haven't finished the feast

I'm gonna love you
Like nobody ever loved you
Climb on my rocket
And we'll fly
Sick
Ok, we get it Greg, you're getting laid.



Edited by JD - September 16 2023 at 21:11
Thank you for supporting independently produced music
Back to Top
Frets N Worries View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar

Joined: April 30 2023
Location: Your Basement
Status: Offline
Points: 4261 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (1) Thanks(1)   Quote Frets N Worries Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 16 2023 at 20:29
^Lyrics aren't that bad, better than something I'd write
The Wheel of Time Turns, and Ages come and pass. What was, what will be, and what is, may yet fall under the shadow.

Let the Dragon ride again on the winds of time...
Back to Top
cstack3 View Drop Down
Forum Senior Member
Forum Senior Member
Avatar
VIP Member

Joined: July 20 2009
Location: Tucson, AZ USA
Status: Offline
Points: 7493 		Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote cstack3 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September 16 2023 at 18:27
Worst?  My own, hands down. 

From my non-hit, "Romanian Fluids"....

The Black Sea washes the broken shore
And the barrier shapes all around....
I cast my eyes on a blackened moon
That the shoreline police haven't found....
The air is so cold in the presence of these
Uncountable fluids I see.....
Their story relayed is retold in the waves
And the burden is now placed on me.....

(backstory - I visited Romania in 1979, when it was Communist and under the rule of Nicolae Ceaușescu.) 
The country was overrun with intimidating military police, carrying AK-47s.  It was a very interesting trip.  I did hear "Awaken" on Romania radio!


Edited by cstack3 - September 16 2023 at 18:45
I am not a Robot, I'm a FREE MAN!!
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  <1 2345>

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down



This page was generated in 0.164 seconds.
Donate monthly and keep PA fast-loading and ad-free forever.