If one analyses the progressive movement just before 1980, then some albums which heavily influenced the Neo-Prog movement easily come to mind: Steve Hackett - Spectral Mornings, Genesis - Wind & Wuthering, Genesis - And Then There Were Three, Genesis - Seconds Out, Saga - Saga, all the Camel albums between Breathless and The Single Factor included, and some Eloy's albums, especially Silent Cries And Mighty Echoes.
This new form of progressive rock originated in the UK, and is most strongly associated with bands such as Marillion, Pendragon and IQ; and while theatrical stage antics were a part of the live performances of many artists exploring this subset of the progressive rock genre it's the musical elements that are key to the genre; typified by the use of atmospheric guitar and synth soloing with symphonic leanings, with a tendency towards floating synth layers and dreamy soloing. An additional trait is the use of modern synths rather than vintage analogue synths and keyboards. The main reasons for Neo-Progressive artists to be separated from the ones exploring Symphonic Prog in the first place are the above, as well as a heavier emphasis on song-form and melody than some of their earlier symphonic counterparts.
As time went by other artists appeared that also deviated from the norms created by the classic wave of progressive rock artists in the 70's. The late 70's had given the world punk music; the 80's gave the world new wave; and the 90's grunge. These, as well as other forms, had a tremendous amount of influence outside of the progressive rock realm. The advent of the modern synth also inspired artists like Tomita, Vangelis and Kitaro to explore dreamier musical works.
These and other forms of more or less newly made musical genres influenced artists exploring progressive rock as well. Although many artists did so within the framework of 70's progressive rock, more and more artists developed a sound and style so heavily influenced by these more recent musical developments that categorizing them within the existing subgenres of progressive rock became increasingly difficult.
While the Neo-Progressive genre initially consisted of artists exploring a modernized version of Symphonic Prog, these days artists coined as Neo-Progressive cover a multitude of musical expressions, where the common denominator is the inclusion - within a progressive rock framework - of musical elements developed just prior to and after 1980. The Neo-Progressive genre in it's refined form thus covers a vast musical territory, to some extent covering all existing subsets of progressive rock and also searching out towards genres as different as new age on one side and punk and metal on the other.
Opening paragraphs written by Stonebeard, Cygnus X-2, Greenback
Revised, edited and refined April 2009 by windhawk, The Doctor and E-Dub
Prismism
Battles Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
But I don't want to talk about it
I'm saying my goodbyes
Though we haven't begun to party
Oh baby, it's all a catastrophe
Oh lover, it's not how it used to be
I'm just a man who's battling with his mind
(I'm just a man who's battling with his mind)
One hundred and eight battles within the mind
Minds forever changing what you began
Life's a waste of time
It's just a waste of time
Minds forever changing what you began
Battle with your mind
There's magic in my eyes
But I don't want to look into it
There's thunder in the skies and
I'm frightened of what it's doin'
Oh baby, it's all a catastrophe
Oh lover, it's not how it used to be
I'm just a man who's battling with his mind
(I'm just a man who's battling with his mind)
One hundred and eight battles within the mind
Minds forever changing what you began
Life's a waste of time
It's just a waste of time
Minds forever changing what you began
Battle with your mind, ha haa
Oh baby, it's all a catastrophe
Oh lover, it's not how it used to be
I'm just a man who's battling with his mind
(I'm just a man who's battling with his mind)
One hundred and eight battles within the mind
(Within the mind)
Haa
There is somebody out there
Please I want you to help me
The lyrics to Battles's song Prismism explore the internal struggles of a man who is battling with his mind. He has something on his mind that he doesn't want to talk about, and although he's saying goodbye, they haven't even started to party yet. The chorus repeats the phrase "I'm just a man who's battling with his mind" and acknowledges the 108 battles within the mind. The lyrics also touch on the idea of how life can sometimes feel like a waste of time, especially when one's mind is constantly changing, and there's always a battle within oneself.
There's an underlying sense of desperation in the lyrics, especially in the last line where the singer pleads for somebody to help him. This suggests that the internal battle has become too difficult to fight alone, and he needs external support to overcome it. The use of phrases like "magic in my eyes" and "thunder in the skies" creates an almost mystical or otherworldly tone to the song, emphasizing the intensity of the emotions being experienced.
Overall, the song Prismism is a powerful exploration of mental health struggles, and the difficulties of dealing with one's own mind. Through the use of metaphorical language and a sense of urgency, it highlights the importance of reaching out for help and support when needed.
Line by Line Meaning
There's something on my mind
I have something troubling me
But I don't want to talk about it
I don't want to express my fears
I'm saying my goodbyes
I'm preparing to leave despite not having started anything
Though we haven't begun to party
We haven't even started enjoying ourselves
Oh baby, it's all a catastrophe
My situation is disastrous
Oh lover, it's not how it used to be
Things between us have changed
I'm just a man who's battling with his mind
I'm struggling with my thoughts and emotions
(I'm just a man who's battling with his mind)
(I'm just a man fighting against myself)
One hundred and eight battles within the mind
I'm experiencing many internal conflicts
Minds forever changing what you began
Our thoughts are always altering what we set out to do
Life's a waste of time
Life is meaningless
It's just a waste of time
It's pointless
Battle with your mind
Fight against your own thoughts
There's magic in my eyes
I have a certain captivating quality
But I don't want to look into it
But I'm afraid to see what it truly is
There's thunder in the skies and
A sense of danger looms overhead
I'm frightened of what it's doin'
I am scared of what it may cause
(Within the mind)
(Internalized)
Haa
There is somebody out there
I need someone's help
Please I want you to help me
I am begging you for assistance
Lyrics © WARP MUSIC LIMITED
Written by: TYONDAI BRAXTON, DAVID KONOPKA, JOHN D JR STANIER, IAN WILLIAMS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind