The band's onetime stated aim was to "expand the frontiers of contemporary popular music at the risk of becoming very unpopular," although this stance was to alter significantly with time. While never achieving the commercial heights of progressive rock contemporaries such as Jethro Tull, Genesis, Yes or Emerson, Lake & Palmer, Gentle Giant was considered to be one of the most experimental bands in the genre (as well as one of the most experimental rock bands of the 1970s).
Gentle Giant's music was considered complex even by progressive rock standards, drawing on a broad swathe of music including folk, soul, jazz, and classical music. Unlike many of their progressive rock contemporaries, their "classical" influences ranged beyond the Romantic and incorporated mediaeval, baroque, and modernist chamber music elements. The band also had a taste for broad themes for their lyrics, drawing inspiration not only from personal events but from philosophy and the works of both François Rabelais and R. D. Laing.
Band members:
Members of classic lineup listed in bold.
Derek Shulman - lead vocals, saxophone, recorder, keyboards, bass, drums, percussion, "Shulberry" (3-string custom electric ukulele) (1970-1980)
Ray Shulman - bass, trumpet, violin, vocals, viola, drums, percussion, recorder, guitar (1970-1980)
Kerry Minnear - keyboards, lead vocals (on recordings only), cello, vibraphone, xylophone, recorder, guitar, bass, drums (1970-1980)
Gary Green - guitar, mandolin, vocals, recorder, bass, drums, xylophone (1970-1980)
John Weathers - drums, percussion, vibraphone, xylophone, vocals, guitar (1972-1980)
Phil Shulman - lead vocals, saxophone, trumpet, clarinet, recorder, percussion (1970–72)
Martin Smith - drums, percussion (1970–1971)
Malcolm Mortimore - drums, percussion (1971–1972)
Mister Class and Quality?
Gentle Giant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Working hard to build my life and plan the way I`m going
House and car and pretty wife, they've all been won by knowing
All been won by knowing
All been won by knowing.
Paperwork, white collared shirts, where would we be without
Them
Choose my friends for my own ends.
You can`t succeed without them
Can`t succeed without them
Can`t succeed without them.
Middleman sees straight ahead and never crosses borders
Never understood the artist or the lazy workers
The world needs steady men like me to give and take the orders
Give and take the orders
Give and take the orders.
The lyrics to "Mister Class and Quality" by Gentle Giant tell the story of a man who has built his life around the idea of success and achievement through knowing the right people, whether that be in his professional or personal life. He takes pride in his material possessions, such as his home, car, and attractive wife, and believes that his success is a result of his hard work and calculated planning. The singer is portrayed as a man of class and quality, someone who is refined and sophisticated, and understands the importance of networking and socializing to achieve his goals.
The lyrics also touch on the idea of middlemen in society and the role they play in keeping the world stable and functioning. The singer sees himself as one of these steady men, who are needed to give and take orders, and keep everything running smoothly. He values order and stability over creativity and individuality, dismissing the artist and the lazy workers as people he doesn't understand or need in his life.
Overall, the song can be seen as a commentary on the pursuit of success and the sacrifices that people make in order to achieve it. It highlights the importance of networking and social connections, but also raises questions about the value of material possessions and the role of conformity in society.
Line by Line Meaning
Look around my rooms and see the prizes I have showing
I have worked hard and accumulated material possessions that I am proud of, and I want others to acknowledge my success.
Working hard to build my life and plan the way I`m going
I have a clear goal in mind, and I have put in a lot of effort to improve my life and achieve success.
House and car and pretty wife, they've all been won by knowing
Through my social connections, intelligence, and ability to make calculated decisions, I have acquired a desirable home, car, and spouse.
All been won by knowing
My successes and achievements are a result of my intelligence, ability to network, and strategic planning.
Paperwork, white collared shirts, where would we be without them
Professional attire and the ability to complete necessary paperwork are crucial in my line of work.
Man of class and quality, I never shout about them
I am a sophisticated and high-quality individual, but I don't feel the need to constantly boast or brag about myself.
Choose my friends for my own ends
I am selective in my choice of friends, and often seek out relationships that will benefit me in some way.
You can`t succeed without them
Networking and strategic connections are vital for personal success in my industry.
Middleman sees straight ahead and never crosses borders
I am a reliable and predictable businessman who operates within the confines of traditional practices and boundaries.
Never understood the artist or the lazy workers
I don't have much patience or appreciation for those who don't share my work ethic or values.
The world needs steady men like me to give and take the orders
I believe that people like me, who are reliable, organized, and able to take charge, are essential for maintaining order and success in the world.
Give and take the orders
Being able to give and take orders, and operate within a hierarchy, is an important part of my job and overall approach to life.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DEREK VICTOR SHULMAN, KERRY CHURCHILL MINNEAR, PHILIP ARTHUR SHULMAN, RAY SHULMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Amu111
Humanity did something incredibly right here when Gentle Giant got together and created this music. No words needed really. Just, holy Mola!
@nicolasaloni4282
This whole record is something out of this world, absolutely astonishing
@cesarpontual7514
Uma das melhores bandas de todos os tempos e a que não teve o devido reconhecimento merecido.
Saudações do Brasil. 🇧🇷
@dbc7772011
These lyrics are so accurate and timeless. Gentle Giant Geniuses!
@guillermogronemeyer3774
Uno de mis álbumes favoritos de la vida. Gracias y saludos desde Chile
@fjodorgarrincha6584
GG was never only typical "Prog"-Rock, like ELP or YES or Genesis.
They were developping a kind of free music, which unfortunately did not find any followers since.
@BlueNightZX
Gentle giant is World class and quality!
@grueso1972
Muy bueno!! 💪 Unos genios!!
@grahamwilson8234
Still so fresh, wonderful
@JohnjEichler-ow7fl
This is what progressive rock sounds like.