Founded in 1969 by guitarist Frank Bornemann, the band has endured several line-up changes, with Bornemann being the only consistent member of the group. In the 1980s, after a series of major splits (like in 1984 although reformed in 1988) in the group, Bornemann pursued a more commercial direction. Despite attracting a large following, the band never gained popularity in the United States.
However, in later years, former members of the band re-joined, and in 1998 fans delighted in hearing Ocean 2, a return to the classic symphonic progressive genre that the band was so well known for. A sequel to the 1977's original, it is commonly thought among fans that it successfully recaptures the spirit of the band, and is a worthy follow-up to the much beloved classic.
Of the band's numerous records, fans generally consider Inside, Floating, Dawn, Ocean, Silent Cries & Mighty Echoes, Planets and Ocean 2 to be the superior albums.
Despite their nationality, the band is not generally considered krautrock due to their sound which has much more in common with English progressive groups such as Pink Floyd and Yes.
In 2009 after a decade of hiatus Frank Bornemann released a DVD celebrating their 40th anniversary and a new album called Visionairy.
In the following period he worked on a concept double album about the life of the Maid of Orleans, Jeanne d'Arc. The album The Vision, the Sword and the Pyre, Pt. 1 was released in 2017, followed by The Vision, the Sword and the Pyre, Pt. 2 in 2019.
Current Line-up:
Frank Bornemann
Klaus-Peter Matziol
Hannes Arkona
Hannes Folberth
Bodo Schopf
Nightriders
Eloy Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
At night the streets become their sole domain
There's no escape no matter how you try
Motorcycle, flaming eyes
That's the law now a badge and a gun
Once they were there to defend and to serve
Now controlling everyone
Law enforcement soldiers men made for war
We warn our children of the nightriders
You might not see them but they're always there
Don't make mistakes for they don't understand
Look into their eyes
You'll be caught now you're trying to run
See an escape but you won't get away
They ask no questions they reach for the gun
Law enforcement soldiers men made for war
What was once called justice stands unopposed as the law
From my roof I am watching the scene
See the beams of their lights in the dark
Nightriders patrolling our dreams
Law enforcement soldiers men made for war
What was once called justice stands unopposed as the law
Law enforcement soldiers men made for war
What was once called justice stands unopposed as the law
The lyrics of Eloy's song "Nightriders" appear to be a commentary on the militarization of law enforcement and the erosion of civil liberties in society. The nightriders are depicted as a menacing force that takes over the streets at night and wields their power without question or mercy. The lines "Good and bad watch out for nightriders" and "We warn our children of the nightriders" suggest that the nightriders are feared and their presence is a danger to everyone, regardless of their innocence or guilt.
The lyrics also highlight the shift in the role of law enforcement from defenders and protectors to agents of control and oppression. The lines "Once they were there to defend and to serve, now controlling everyone" and "Law enforcement soldiers men made for war" suggest that the nightriders have become a tool of the state to enforce its will on the populace. The repeated refrain "What was once called justice stands unopposed as the law" underscores the loss of freedom and justice in society.
The final stanza of the song describes the singer watching the nightriders from the safety of his roof, suggesting a sense of helplessness and resignation in the face of their power. The "beams of their lights in the dark" evoke an image of surveillance and monitoring, further highlighting the loss of privacy and autonomy in society.
Overall, "Nightriders" is a powerful commentary on the dangers of militarized law enforcement and the erosion of civil liberties in society.
Line by Line Meaning
Good and bad watch out for nightriders
Beware of nightriders, whether you are good or bad.
At night the streets become their sole domain
At night, the nightriders take over the streets completely.
There's no escape no matter how you try
It is impossible to escape from the nightriders, no matter how hard you try.
Motorcycle, flaming eyes
The nightriders ride motorcycles and have fiery eyes.
That's the law now a badge and a gun
The nightriders have turned into law enforcement, armed with a badge and a gun.
Once they were there to defend and to serve
The nightriders used to protect and serve, but not anymore.
Now controlling everyone
The nightriders now control everyone, without any opposition.
Law enforcement soldiers men made for war
The nightriders have become soldiers, trained to fight and command.
What was once called justice stands unopposed as the law
The concept of justice has been replaced by the nightriders, without any opposition.
We warn our children of the nightriders
We caution our children to be careful of the nightriders.
You might not see them but they're always there
The nightriders are always present, even if you cannot see them.
Don't make mistakes for they don't understand
The nightriders are unforgiving and do not tolerate mistakes.
Look into their eyes
Pay attention to their glaring eyes.
You'll be caught now you're trying to run
If you try to escape, you will be caught by the nightriders.
See an escape but you won't get away
Although you may see a way out, you cannot escape from the nightriders.
They ask no questions they reach for the gun
The nightriders shoot without any questions asked.
From my roof I am watching the scene
I am observing the activities of the nightriders from my rooftop.
See the beams of their lights in the dark
I can see the beams of light from the nightriders' motorcycles in the darkness.
Nightriders patrolling our dreams
The nightriders are taking over our thoughts and dreams.
Law enforcement soldiers men made for war
The nightriders have transformed into soldiers, trained to fight and command.
What was once called justice stands unopposed as the law
The concept of justice has been replaced by the nightriders' law, without any opposition.
Lyrics © Melodie Der Welt GmbH
Written by: FRANK BORNEMANN, HANNES FOLBERTH, HANS-JUERGEN ARKONA, KLAUS-PETER MATZIOL
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
geisterbahn1
this could have been written today 2010 ,never ind 30 yearsago. I likeEloy .underrated prog rock ,one of the best
David Ferman
One of the truly great rock songs
David Ferman
One of the great rock songs in history
Raymond Legrasse
Even if i very much love and enjoy Eloy, this is imo the best song (among 3, tops) of a non good album.Particulalry the more heaviness is a welcome thing.Production for the time being standards was good, but the drums sound is so dry, and the keys are very much in front.Still not the worst of the 80's period (Performance, Ra,Time To Turn).Amazing artwork also.
RONNIE WALL
LOOK ON MY PLAYLIST.
luizmelo
MUITO ESPECIAL SUPER BANDA .......
Dan Stiver
Thank you Dan, This is real music!
Canti Atomsk
I'm here from the Grump Bump! Nice recommendation.
nictoonie
Number Xer0 Here from Grumps also but then I forgot the name of the band and song and just found the episode where Dan mentioned them after searching for almost two years! I will never forget Eloy again!
aazhie
agreed, this is pretty badass, totally going to add this group to some playlists :D