The ELP sound is dominated by the Hammond organ and Moog synthesizer of the flamboyant Emerson. The band's compositions are heavily influenced by classical music in addition to jazz and – at least in their early years – hard rock. Many of their pieces are arrangements of, or contain quotations from, classical music, and they can be said to fit into the sub-genre of symphonic rock. However, Lake ensured that their albums contained a regular stream of simple, accessible acoustic ballads, many of which received heavy radio airplay. Lake, besides providing vocals, bass guitar, electric guitar and lyrics, also produced the band's first five albums.
On two occasions in 1969, The Nice (with Keith Emerson on keyboards) and King Crimson (with Greg Lake on vocals and bass) shared the same venue, first on 10th August 1969 at the 9th Jazz and Blues Pop Festival in Plumpton, England, and on 17th October 1969 at Fairfield Hall in Croydon, England. After playing at a few of the same concerts, Emerson and Lake tried working together and found their styles to be not only compatible but complementary. Emerson wanted to make the "best damned three-piece band in the world", and thought the line-up of The Nice (keyboard, bass, drums) was the way to go.
Before settling on drummer Carl Palmer (formerly Atomic Rooster, The Crazy World of Arthur Brown), they approached Mitch Mitchell of the Jimi Hendrix Experience; Mitchell was uninterested but passed the idea to Jimi Hendrix. Hendrix, tired of his band and wanting to try something different, expressed an interest in playing with the group; the British press, after hearing about this, speculated that such a supergroup would have been called "Hendrix, Emerson, Lake & Palmer", or HELP. Due to scheduling conflicts such plans were not immediately realised, but the initial three planned on a jam session with Hendrix after their début at the Isle of Wight Festival, with the possibility of him joining. Hendrix died shortly thereafter, so the three pressed on as Emerson, Lake and Palmer.
Their first four years were a creatively fertile period. Lake produced their first six albums, starting with Emerson, Lake and Palmer (1970), which contained the hit "Lucky Man" featuring Emerson's first experiments with Moog. Tarkus (1971) was their first successful concept album, described as a story about "reverse evolution". The March 1971 live recording (Newcastle, U.K.) of the band's interpretation of Modest Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition was issued as a low-priced record, the success of which contributed to the band's overall popularity. The 1972 album Trilogy contained ELP's best-selling single to date, the understated "From the Beginning".
In late 1973 Brain Salad Surgery, with an eye-catching sleeve designed by H.R. Giger, was released and became the band's best-known studio album. The lyrics were partly written by Peter Sinfield, who was the creator of the King Crimson concept and lyricist for their first four albums. The subsequent world tours were documented with a massive three-LP live recording, "Welcome Back My Friends to the Show That Never Ends".
Their best known early performance had been a relatively modest show at the August 1970 Isle of Wight Festival, one of the last of the great Woodstock-era festivals. At the end of their set, Emerson and Lake lit two cannons either side of the stage. By April 1974, ELP were joint headliners of the California Jam Festival, and completed the concert when co-stars Deep Purple elected to go on stage first. ELP's California Jam performance was broadcast nationwide in the US and is often seen as the summit of the band's career.
After taking a break, the band began working with an orchestra and released Works Volume 1 in 1977 to mixed reviews. The album contained the band's signature tune, "Fanfare for the Common Man", reaching number two in the British charts. However, punk rock had began influencing the music scene, and the progressive rock giants of the time were suffering as a result. Rifts within the band were beginning to show, and the following albums, Works Volume 2 and Love Beach (one released in 1977,the other in 1978) were mainly made to finish their record contract. They released Works Live in 1979 with the orchestra, but touring was overly expensive and so the orchestra were dropped half way through the tour.
The band split in 1979, with each member doing his own thing. Carl Palmer joined Asia and had commercial success. In 1985 Emerson and Lake wanted to reform, but with Palmer in Asia, they tried out other drummers such as Simon Phillips, but settled on Cozy Powell. Emerson, Lake & Powell released one self-titled album in 1986.
Since then the original ELP have reformed in 1991 and released two studio albums: Black Moon (1992) and In the Hot Seat (1994). Neither albums were critically acclaimed, but the band still managed to sell out venues as they toured the world. The band split again in 1998.
On 25 July 2010, ELP reunited for a single show to commemorate their 40th anniversary. But this reunion was only to celebrate their anniversary and after that show they split again in 2010.
Emerson died on 11 March 2016 in Santa Monica, California, of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. His body was found at his Santa Monica home. Following an autopsy, the medical examiner ruled Emerson's death a suicide, and concluded that he had also suffered from heart disease and from depression associated with alcohol. According to Emerson's girlfriend Mari Kawaguchi, Emerson had become "depressed, nervous and anxious" because nerve damage had hampered his playing, and he was worried that he would perform poorly at upcoming concerts and disappoint his fans.
Lake died in London on 7 December 2016, at the age of 69, after suffering from cancer. His manager announced the news on Twitter, describing Lake's battle with the illness as "long and stubborn". Numerous fellow musicians paid tribute, including Rick Wakeman, Steve Hackett, Ringo Starr, John Wetton, and ELP drummer Carl Palmer. With Lake's death and that of Keith Emerson earlier in 2016, Palmer is the last surviving member of the group.
Tarkus
Emerson Lake & Palmer Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Has the dawn ever seen your eyes?
Have the days made you so unwise?
Realize, you are.
Have you talked to the winds of time,
Then you'd know how the water rhyme.
Taste of wine,
How can you know where you've been?
And realize your sin.
Will you know how the seed is sown?
All your times have been overgrown,
Never known.
Have you walked on the stones of years?
When you speak, is it you that hears?
Are your ears full?
You can't hear anything at all.
II. MASS
The preacher said a prayer,
Save ev'ry single hair on his head.
He's dead.
The minister of hate had just arrived too late to be spared.
Who cared?
The weaver in the web that he made!
The pilgrim wandered in,
Commiting ev'ry sin that he could
So good...
The cardinal of grief was set in his belief he'd saved
From the grave
The weaver in the web that he made!
The high priest took a blade
To bless the ones that prayed,
And all obeyed.
The messenger of fear is slowly growing, nearer to the time,
A sign.
The weaver in the web that he made!
A Bishop rings a bell,
A cloak of darkness fell across the ground,
Without a sound!
The silent choir sing and in their silence,
Bring jaded sound, harmonic ground.
The weaver in the web that he made!
III. BATTLEFIELD
Clear the battlefield and let me see
All the profit from our victory.
You talk of freedom, starving children fall.
Are you deaf when you hear the season's call?
Were you there to watch the earth be scorched?
Did you stand beside the spectral torch?
Know the leaves of sorrow turned their face,
Scattered on the ashes of disgrace.
Every blade is sharp; the arrows fly
We're the victims of your armies lie,
Where the blades of grass and arrows rain
Then there will be no sorrow,
Be no pain.
Emerson Lake & Palmer's song Tarkus is a three-part suite that is meant to tell a story. The first part, "Stones of Years," addresses the theme of wisdom and self-awareness. The lyrics ask the listener whether they have seen the dawn, and whether they have been filled with so much knowledge that they have become unwise. The song reminds us that we are all fallible and have sinned, encouraging us to seek clarity and enlightenment. It also touches on the idea of overgrowth, suggesting that people's past experiences can lead to them being blinded to new ideas and possibilities.
The second part of the song, "Mass," offers a commentary on institutionalized religion and the dangers of blindly following authority. The lyrics describe a church hierarchy that is corrupt and motivated by power rather than faith. The various religious figures within the church are shown to be hypocrites, mistreating and exploiting those who are meant to be their flock. The weaver in the web is a metaphor for the intricate trap that organized religion can be, ensnaring its followers and controlling them with fear and guilt.
The final part, "Battlefield," is a scathing critique of war and its destructive effects. The lyrics highlight the hypocrisy of military leaders who speak of freedom while causing suffering for others. The idea of blades and arrows raining down suggests a violent attack, and the sorrow and ashes suggest that the aftermath of the conflict will linger long after the event. The final lines suggest that there can be a world without war and pain, offering an optimistic view that is tempered by the knowledge that such a state is difficult to achieve.
Line by Line Meaning
Has the dawn ever seen your eyes?
Have you ever truly experienced the beauty of sunrise and the promise of a new day?
Have the days made you so unwise?
Have the events and experiences in your life robbed you of common sense and good judgment?
Realize, you are.
Take a moment to understand that you are a living, breathing individual with a unique perspective on the world.
Have you talked to the winds of time,
Have you contemplated the fleeting nature of time and how it shapes human existence?
Then you'd know how the water rhyme.
By considering the rhythm and flow of time, you could understand the essence of the human experience and how it is constantly changing.
Taste of wine,
Take a moment to indulge in the pleasures of life and savor its many flavors.
How can you know where you've been?
Without reflecting on your past experiences and emotions, it is impossible to understand how they have shaped you as an individual.
In time you're gonna see the sign,
In time, the universe will reveal to you an omen or signal that provides insight into your purpose or destiny.
And realize your sin.
Reflecting on your past actions and choices can lead to the realization and acknowledgment of personal wrongdoing or transgressions.
Will you know how the seed is sown?
When considering your actions and impact on the world, do you understand the processes and consequences that follow?
All your times have been overgrown,
The experiences and memories of your past may have become distorted, buried, or overwhelmed by time and newer experiences.
Never known.
As an individual, you may realize that there are certain aspects of your past that you do not fully understand or remember.
Have you walked on the stones of years?
Have you traveled through time and experienced the full spectrum of human emotions and existence?
When you speak, is it you that hears?
When communicating with others or expressing yourself, are you actively listening to your inner voice and staying true to your authentic self?
Are your ears full?
Is your mind overwhelmed by the noise and distractions of everyday life, rendering you unable to attentively listen or truly hear?
You can't hear anything at all.
When distractions overpower conscious thought and introspection, there is a sense of being lost or disconnected from oneself and the world around them.
The preacher said a prayer,
A figure of authority delivers a divine message or spiritual guidance in hopes of inspiring belief or transformation.
Save ev'ry single hair on his head.
The figure's irrational attachment to the physical self or material possessions undermines his supposed divine revelation.
He's dead.
For all his religious devotion and supposed authority, this figure remains as mortal and susceptible to mortality as anyone else.
The minister of hate had just arrived too late to be spared.
The embodiment of destructive, malicious thoughts and emotions arrives too late to avoid punishment or condemnation.
Who cared?
The fate of such a figure serves as little consequence or significance to the greater forces of the universe or humanity at large.
The weaver in the web that he made!
Such figures are architects and responsible parties of their own misfortunes or downfalls.
The pilgrim wandered in,
An individual embarks on a journey or search for spiritual fulfillment or meaning in one's life.
Commiting ev'ry sin that he could,
The individual, in search of understanding or enlightenment, succumbs to temptations and sinful or destructive behavior.
So good...
Despite their questionable actions or deviations from societal norms, such individuals feel a sense of liberation, fulfillment, or personal growth.
The cardinal of grief was set in his belief he'd saved
Influential or powerful figures believe their position or beliefs in the world will have a lasting or positive impact on future generations.
From the grave
Despite their supposed impact or influence, their ultimate demise and mortality undermines the significance of their actions or beliefs.
The high priest took a blade
Agents of power and authority will use force or aggression to enforce or maintain their positions of dominance.
To bless the ones that prayed,
Through a combination of faith, fear, or coercion, those who submit to such agents gain perceived spiritual benefits or divine blessings.
And all obeyed.
Due to a combination of fear, social coercion, or indoctrination, the masses follow the will of such agents blindly and without question.
The messenger of fear is slowly growing, nearer to the time,
During times of chaos or societal upheaval, forces of propaganda and fear mongering only worsen, heightening conflict and distraught amongst the populace.
A sign.
Such tumultuous times also provide a signal or omen of change, or the potential for positive transformation and growth.
A Bishop rings a bell,
A figure of religious authority or leadership signals a call to action or service, aimed at inspiring followers or guiding their spiritual journey.
A cloak of darkness fell across the ground,
However, in times of darkness and uncertainty, their spiritual guidance may lose its shine, and their followers may feel lost or powerless.
Without a sound!
In the great scheme of things, such human actions and beliefs hold little consequence or significance, leaving a quiet and unassuming legacy.
The silent choir sing and in their silence,
Despite the lack of significance placed on such human actions and beliefs, the simple act of existing and experiencing life holds beauty and power.
Bring jaded sound, harmonic ground.
Through the harsh reality of existence and perceived chaos, one can still find harmony and beauty in the mundane and the everyday.
Clear the battlefield and let me see
Amidst the chaos and destruction wrought by human conflict, destruction, and ambition, take a moment to pause and reflect upon the impact and consequence of one's actions and beliefs.
All the profit from our victory.
Even in situations of victory or supposed success, human conflict and ambition only yield temporary or superficial gains or benefits.
You talk of freedom, starving children fall.
Even while praising the virtues of liberty and freedom, human society still suffers from great inequalities and humanitarian crises that result in unnecessary suffering and hardship.
Are you deaf when you hear the season's call?
Despite the natural rhythms and cycles of the world, social and political forces often drive humans to ignore nature's call and enact great harm upon the environment.
Were you there to watch the earth be scorched?
In some cases, humans willfully engage in destructive behaviors or programs that harm the very foundation and essence of life on our planet.
Did you stand beside the spectral torch?
As human beings engage in actions and beliefs that undermine the planet and natural ecosystems, one can't help but wonder if all of it is for naught or if there exists a greater purpose or meaning behind our actions.
Know the leaves of sorrow turned their face,
Through human actions and folly, many forms of life have been pushed to the brink of extinction, and vast tracts of land have been left barren or poisoned.
Scattered on the ashes of disgrace.
Human greed, ambition, and manipulation have led to countless examples of suffering and hardship throughout the world, leaving a lasting legacy of shame and failure behind.
Every blade is sharp; the arrows fly
In the unending struggle for power, land, and resources, humanity has developed efficient and brutal forms of weaponry and conflict.
We're the victims of your armies lie,
As humans engage in conflict and war, the ordinary citizenry is often manipulated and misled into supporting such pursuits, resulting in unnecessary destruction and loss of life.
Where the blades of grass and arrows rain
Goals of power and control often come at the expense of the everyday people and natural systems that make life possible and worth living.
Then there will be no sorrow,
Human society must recognize the harm and destruction we cause and find ways of creating a more equitable and sustainable future that minimizes suffering and maximizes flourishing.
Be no pain.
Through collective action, reflection, and growth, humans can make a meaningful difference in the world and create a brighter future for all forms of life.
Lyrics © MUSIC SALES CORPORATION, BMG Rights Management
Written by: KEITH NOEL EMERSON, GREGORY LAKE
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind