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)
Pantagruel's Nativity
Gentle Giant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
When my mind is sorely torn?
Badabec had to die
Fair Pantagruel is born
Shall I weep, yes, for why?
Then laugh and show my scorn
Born with a strength untold
Set in Gargantuan mould,
Joyful laugh, yet quick to rage
Princely wisdom, habits bold;
Power, glory, lauded sage
Pantagruel born, the earth was dry and burning
In Paradise dear Badabec prays for him
Pantagruel born, the earth was dry and burning
In Paradise dear Badabec prays for him.
Pantagruel born, the earth was dry and burning
In Paradise dear Badabec prays for him
How can I laugh or cry
When my mind is sorely torn?
Badabec had to die,
Fair Pantagruel is born
Shall I weep, yes, for why?
Then laugh and show my scorn.
The Gentle Giant's song "Pantagruel's Nativity" is a track from their 1970 album "Acquiring the Taste" and tells the story of Pantagruel's birth, a character from the novel "Gargantua and Pantagruel" by French writer François Rabelais. The lyrics are both celebratory and melancholic, showcasing the emotions surrounding the birth of Pantagruel, who was born after the death of his mother, Badabec.
The opening lines of "How can I laugh or cry when my mind is sorely torn?" express the complex and mixed feelings about the birth of Pantagruel. The death of Badabec is reason enough to feel sorrow, but the birth of Pantagruel, with his strength and potential for greatness, is cause for celebration. The last line of the first verse, "Then laugh and show my scorn," suggests that the singer is attempting to lift their spirits and find joy in Pantagruel's birth, despite the grief they feel for Badabec.
The second verse describes Pantagruel's physical and intellectual attributes, and the anticipation of greatness that accompanies his birth. The lines "Set in Gargantuan mould, joyful laugh yet quick to rage, princely wisdom, habits bold, power, glory, lauded sage" paint a portrait of a powerful and wise figure. The third verse repeats the refrain of the first two lines, emphasizing the conflicted feelings surrounding the birth of Pantagruel.
Line by Line Meaning
How can I laugh or cry
I am torn between emotions and can't decide whether to laugh or cry
When my mind is sorely torn?
My mind is in turmoil and I can't think straight
Badabec had to die
Badabec, the mother of Pantagruel, had to die giving birth to him
Fair Pantagruel is born
Pantagruel, the character of the epic novel, is born and is a symbol of hope
Shall I weep, yes, for why?
Should I cry for the death of Badabec or rejoice for the birth of Pantagruel?
Then laugh and show my scorn
I will choose to laugh and show my scorn for the situation
Born with a strength untold
Pantagruel was born with immense strength that no one has ever seen before
Foreseen to have great age
It was prophesized that Pantagruel would live a long life
Set in Gargantuan mold
Pantagruel was born into the same mold as his father, Gargantua
Joyful laugh, yet quick to rage
Pantagruel is known to have a good sense of humor but can easily become angry
Princely wisdom, habits bold;
Pantagruel possesses excellent judgment and leadership qualities
Power, glory, lauded sage
Pantagruel is a symbol of power, glory, and wisdom; he is highly respected and praised
Pantagruel born, the earth was dry and burning
Pantagruel was born during a dry and hot season
In Paradise dear Badabec prays for him
Badabec, in heaven, is praying for the safety and prosperity of her son, Pantagruel
Pantagruel born, the earth was dry and burning
Pantagruel's birth was an event that occurred during a tough period on earth
In Paradise dear Badabec prays for him.
Badabec is now in paradise praying for the well-being of Pantagruel
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DEREK SHULMAN, KERRY MINNEAR, PHILIP SHULMAN, RAYMOND SHULMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind