The main characteristics of Symphonic are the ones that defined all Progressive Rock: (There's nothing 100% new under the sun) which among others are:
* Mixture of elements from different genres.
* Complex time signatures.
* Lush keyboards.
* Exploratory and intelligent lyrics, in some cases close to fantasy literature, Sci-Fi and even political issues.
* Non commercial approach
* Longer format of songs
In this specific case the main characteristic is the influence of Classical music (understood as Orchestral works created from the late Gothic to Modern Classical) using normally more complex structure than other related sub-genres like Neo Progressive (That's why sometimes the borderline that divides Symphonic from Neo is so unclear being that is based mostly in a degree of complexity rather than in an evident structural difference)..It is easy to find long keyboard solos reminiscent of Johan Sebastian Bach or melodic works that could have been written by Handel.
As in any other genre, different Symphonic bands had different approaches to Classical music, for example Yes and Genesis are mainly influenced by the Baroque and Classical periods, while Emerson, Lake & Palmer has a predilection for post Romantic and modern authors like Mussorgsky, Rimsky Korsakov, Bartok or Ginastera, being that their sound is less melodic and more aggressive.
The peak of the genre starts in 1969 and lasts until the mid/late 70's (more precisely until the release of A Trick of the Tail), when the genre begins to blend more mainstream influences that took to the birth of Neo Progressive (a new approach for a new decade).
It is important to remember that even though the creative peak of Symphonic Progressive ended before the 80's, we can find a second birth in the 90's coming from the Scandinavian countries (specially Sweden with Anglagard or Par Lindh Project) and even bands that still in the 21st Century recreate music from this period like Spock's Beard or Echolyn.
Before ending this short description, it's necessary to say (In order to be strictly accurate) that the term Symphonic is not 100% exact, because these bands very rarely played symphonies and was probably used because the music that influenced the genre was performed by Symphony Orchestras, but it is so widely accepted by the Progressive Rock community that would be absurd and futile for anybody to attempt a change after so much time.
I Wouldn't Want to be Like You
The Alan Parsons Project Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I wouldn't want to think like you
And if I had time to
I wouldn't want to talk to you, oho-oh
I don't care
What you do
I wouldn't want to be like you, yeah
If I was high class
I wouldn't need a buck to pass
And if I was a fall guy
I wouldn't need no alibi
I don't care
What you do
I wouldn't want to be like you, oh, oh, oh
Back on the bottom line
Diggin' for a lousy dime, yeah
If I hit a mother lode
I'd cover anything that showed, oh-oh
I don't care
What you do
I wouldn't want to be like you, oho-oh
I don't care
What you do
I wouldn't wanna
I wouldn't want to be like you
I wouldn't want to be like you
Yeah, uh, yeah, oh
The Alan Parsons Project's "I Wouldn't Want to be Like You" is a sarcastic commentary on mainstream society and the focus on materialism and conformity. The lyrics express a sense of disdain towards those who prioritize wealth and social status over authenticity and independent thought. The line "If I had a mind to, I wouldn't want to think like you" highlights the singer's desire to think for themselves rather than conforming to societal expectations. The following line-"And if I had time to, I wouldn't want to talk to you"- indicates a sense of superiority or an unwillingness to engage with those who they perceive as shallow or fake.
The second verse continues this theme, with the singer stating that they wouldn't need money or an alibi if they were in a high class or lowly position. The chorus, "I don't care what you do, I wouldn't want to be like you", serves as a declaration of individualism and a rejection of mainstream ideals. The final verse touches on the concept of wealth- the singer notes that they wouldn't flaunt newfound riches and would remain true to themselves regardless of their financial standing.
Overall, "I Wouldn't Want to be Like You" is a critique of society's obsession with wealth and materialism, urging listeners to prioritize authenticity and independent thought over harmful societal norms.
Line by Line Meaning
If I had a mind to
If I possessed the same thought process as you
I wouldn't want to think like you
I would never wish to be similar in thinking to you
And if I had time to
And even if I were given the opportunity
I wouldn't want to talk to you, oho-oh
I would still never want to communicate with you
I don't care
I have no interest whatsoever
What you do
In the actions that you partake in
I wouldn't want to be like you, yeah
I would never wish to embody the qualities that you possess
If I was high class
Even if I had a higher social standing
I wouldn't need a buck to pass
I would not need to rely on cheap tactics to get by
And if I was a fall guy
Even if I were blamed for something that was not my fault
I wouldn't need no alibi
I would not require evidence to prove my innocence
Back on the bottom line
Returned to a state of financial insecurity
Diggin' for a lousy dime, yeah
Searching for small amounts of money with great difficulty
If I hit a mother lode
If I stumbled upon a large amount of valuable resources
I'd cover anything that showed, oh-oh
I would do whatever it takes to conceal my newfound wealth
I wouldn't wanna
I would not desire to
I wouldn't want to be like you
I would never wish to emulate you
Yeah, uh, yeah, oh
Expressing disdain and disapproval
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Capitol CMG Publishing
Written by: Alan Parsons, Eric Woolfson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@roburry
One of the best guitar solos ever recorded. Short, sweet and to the point. Anyone else think so?
@supercrazy03
I was thiking the same thing about the solo in Games People Play.. must’ve been something they we’re aiming for in some way.. amazing solos that’s for sure
@roburry
@@supercrazy03 - Yes, the solo on Games People Play is definitely a good one. The last half is a pretty good walk around the fretboard. The first half definitely seems to have some influence from the boys in (the band) Boston. Definitely a very Tom Scholz double harmony lead vibe.
@stevenscharmer1765
Actually, his solo on Nothing Left To Lose (in the Turn Of a Friendly Card suite) is not only my favorite of his, but one of my all-time favorite solos period.
@jeffreyharper6493
Yeah. It's up there. It's simple. It's cool. It's good. I do agree that it's one of the catchier licks. Definitely jammin'. One of the best? I don't know about that. Top 50. I'll give it that.
@rjkubr
The sax solo in Don't Answer Me is also great.
@soberek
Inclusion of this song in GTA V is genius. Now countless millions of younger generation players were exposed to this classic which they would probably never discover otherwise.
@maximilianodelrio
Exactly!
@som313ls
I’m one of them
@wyatt8740
I picked up "I Robot" in a record store just because the cover was striking to me (and I have a sort of sympathetic thing for robots). Some of us would have. :)
Very rare that I pick up a record out of the blue like that, but it was compelling. And I was not disappointed.