Thinking politically / socially-engaged songs (2) - Progressive Rock Music Forum

Yes, Crimso, Genesis.

Jethro Tull, King Crimson, Genesis, PFM, Yes.

Isn't "Wind Up" more of a religious themed song?

Grumpyprogfan wrote:

Isn't "Wind Up" more of a religious themed song?

Religions are one of the uglier sides of politics.

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

mellotronwave wrote:

Ange : Les longues nuits d'Isaac

Being Belgian (Walloon) of french expression , I think that the text of this song does not refer to any form of political or social criticism.
The best way to give our english speakers an idea of the content of this text is to consult a reliable translation.
The texts, poems of Francis Décamps are not easy to decipher (it is to say that more than a literal translation is needed), even for us francophone amateurs of Ange.

This is the translation provided in the Political Prog thread:

"English translation

Blood of your fathers, adultery in anger!

Tie your earth to the flesh of your fingers!

Blood of your fathers, adultery in anger!

Get your land out of the false king's greenhouse!

Oh, night! You who envelop me in your cloth on a silver night

Oh, night! You who take me away from the gaping craters

Oh, night! You who dream of me on a ruby paper strike

Oh, night! You are the one who forces me to remember the last cry.

Have you seen the man in the pointed hat who weaves with his eyes the universal weft?

Oh, night! Tell me who I am under your scarf of truth.

Oh, night! Tell me who I am before you leave.

Oh, night! Tell me, I dream about a ruby-paper strike.

Oh, night! Tell me, can I finally let go of this latest scream?

Blood of your fathers, adultery in anger!

Tie your earth to the flesh of your fingers!

Blood of your fathers, adultery in anger!

Get your land out of the false king's greenhouse!"

Edited by David_D - August 24 2024 at 16:29

quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

mellotronwave wrote:

Thanks DD
Hard to find a political/socila meaning isn't ?

This is the interpretation given in the Political Prog thread:

"While Ange is primarily known for their symphonic prog-rock sound and their poetry inspired by medieval texts, they did incorporate elements of political commentary into some of their songs.

The lyrics of these two songs, although not overtly political, could be a commentary on social injustice and rebellion against tyranny."

quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

mellotronwave wrote:

Ange : Les longues nuits d'Isaac

Being Belgian (Walloon) of french expression , I think that the text of this song does not refer to any form of political or social criticism.
The best way to give our english speakers an idea of the content of this text is to consult a reliable translation.
The texts, poems of Francis Décamps are not easy to decipher (it is to say that more than a literal translation is needed), even for us francophone amateurs of Ange.

read Christian Décamps who was the main lyricist , his brother Francis (main keyboards) wrote some lyrics also

mellotronwave wrote:

Hi,agree with the thread definition and... still thinking that 'Les longues nuits d'Isaac' was not a pertinent example.

Well, I find the interpretation given as quite probable or at least enough valid to qualify the song for this poll; while I guess that the definition of political I use is mostly recognized by leftists and others who want democracy to embrace the whole society.

quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

The gates Of Delirium from Yes.

"PROG IS MY FERRARI".
Jem Godfrey (Frost*)

Triana's "Rumor" has got this splendid post in the Political Prog thread:

Antoni wrote:

Spanish symphonic prog band Triana's notable song with political undertones is "Rumour" from 1977. The lyrics of the song reflect the turbulent political climate in Spain during that time, marked by the transition from the Francoist dictatorship (1936–1975) to democracy.

English translation

One day, I came out of silence.

On the echo of a voice

And it got spread like the wind.

Which reaches the heart

The guitar talked to me this morning

About freedom.

Coming out of his thoughts

Things that won't to shut up

At the streets and the roads

At early morning

comes back

The guitar talked to the morning

About freedom.

A rumour is heard at the corners

Which announces that will arrive

The day when all the men

Be able to walk together

The guitar talked to me in the morning

About freedom.

Coming out from his thoughts

Things that he won't to shut up

At the streets and the roads

And until the path of the sea

The guitar talked to me in the morning

About freedom.

It's definitely a good song with engaged, touching lyrics, and it gets one of my votes too.

Edited by David_D - August 27 2024 at 08:54

quality over quantity, and all kind of PopcoRn almost beyond

Poll Question: Which of these political / socially-engaged songs are your favourites?
Poll Choice	Votes	Poll Statistics
Ange - "Les Longues Nuits D'Isaac" (1974)	4	[5.48%]
Area - "Gioia e Rivoluzione" (1975)	2	[2.74%]
Eloy - "Plastic Girl" (1974)	1	[1.37%]
Genesis - "The Knife" (1970)	11	[15.07%]
Hawkwind - "Urban Guerrilla" (1972)	1	[1.37%]
Jethro Tull - "Wind-Up" (1971)	8	[10.96%]
King Crimson - "21st Century Schizoid Man" (1969)	15	[20.55%]
Marillion - "White Russian" (1987)	1	[1.37%]
PFM - "Mr. 9 'till 5" (1973)	5	[6.85%]
Triana - "Rumor" (1977)	2	[2.74%]
Wigwam - "Pedagogue" (1974)	1	[1.37%]
Yes - The Gates of Delirium (1974)	22	[30.14%]
You can not vote in this poll

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