Knife Edge
Emerson Lake & Palmer Lyrics

Just a step cried the sad man
The singer implies that the sad man is on the brink of serious harm, and that he is crying in hopeless despair, seeking attention and help.

Take a look down at the madman
The singer appeals to the audience to observe and contemplate the behavior of the madman, which could be symbolic of society at large.

Theater kings on silver wings
The singer appears to be referring to politicians and leaders who propagate grand ideals and promises, but lack substance or practicality. They are said to be soaring high on wings of momentary fame and grandiosity.

Fly beyond reason
The artist notes that these leaders are detached from reality, floating beyond the realms of reason, and may not be held accountable for their actions.

From the flight of the seagull
The artist compares the flight of the seagull to the metaphorical journey that people undertake in search of purpose and identity, often trying to fly high and free.

Come the spread claws of the eagle
The singer comments on the dangers and challenges that lie in wait for people who seek to soar high, with the eagle's claws symbolizing the risks and obstacles that must be overcome.

Only fear breaks the silence
The singer posits that people are too often paralyzed by fear, inhibiting them from acting in their best interests or speaking up against injustice. Fear is perceived as a major cause of silence and apathy.

As we all kneel pray for guidance
The artist suggests that people are looking for direction and guidance, often seeking refuge in religion, faith or other spiritual practices. There appears to be a sense of helplessness and dependence on external forces to provide meaning or direction in life.

Tread the road cross the abyss
The artist represents life as a perilous journey, with many obstacles and uncertainties, including a symbolic abyss that must be crossed. This encourages the audience to seek courage and determination to navigate these dangers.

Take a look down at the madness
The artist repeats the call to observe and reflect on the insanity and absurdity of human behavior, which may have become normalized and accepted.

On the streets of the city
The singer refers to urban life, which is often characterized by alienation, isolation, and despair. Society is represented as a chaotic and unpredictable place, where people have to contend with multiple pressures.

Only specters still have pity
The artist observes that even basic human empathy and compassion have eroded, with only ghosts or spirits capable of providing any real solace or understanding.

Patient queues for the gallows
The singer refers to the dark and oppressive forces that are threatening to take over and subjugate people, with gallows representing the ultimate symbol of powerlessness and defeat.

Sing the praises of the hallowed
Despite the challenges and the sense of resignation, some people still hold on to ideals and values that they consider sacred, and continue to celebrate them, almost as a rallying cry.

Our machines feed the furnace
The singer refers to the technology and power structures that are driving society, and suggests that people may have become mere cogs in the machine, serving the interests of the powerful few, often at the expense of the many.

If they take us they will burn us
The artist draws a grim conclusion that if things continue as they are, people will only face more persecution and oppression, leading to destruction and chaos.

Will you still know who you are
The artist reaches out to the audience, posing a question about the meaning and purpose of life, and wondering whether people will still be able to reflect on their identity and values amidst all the madness and confusion.

When you come to who you are
The singer suggests that eventually, people will have to confront the realities of their lives, and come to terms with who they truly are, regardless of the pretenses, illusions, or fears that may have been holding them back.