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)
Playing the Game
Gentle Giant Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
of the world I feel my
Hand touching bounds never had before.
I can view the power of my position and my
eyes can see more than anyone in any place,
I'll play the game and never ever lose.
I'm the king in fighting competition
are there for my art and my tactics now.
All my games are won before they're played for
I have planned that no opposition can stage a fight
I'll play the game and never ever lose.
My thoughts never spoken only the
visions inside my head the truth never broken
within my silent words left unsaid.
I will steer the helm of all the nation
as the captain
take my rewards for all the good I'm doing now,
and no words that I'm the knave will alter my
philosophy for if any are heard, the games started
again I'll never ever lose.
The lyrics of Gentle Giant's "Playing the Game" explore the themes of power, control, and competition. The song begins with the perspective of someone who holds the key to the back door of the world - they feel a sense of superiority and can see more than anyone else. The power of their position is highlighted, and they see themselves as playing a game where they will never lose. This feeling of superiority is echoed in the next verse, where the singer sees themselves as the king in fighting competition, with the other pieces there merely for their art and tactics.
The lyrics continue to paint a picture of someone who believes in their own invincibility, with all their games won before they're even played. The singer sees themselves as being able to steer the helm of all the nation, taking rewards for all the good they're doing. However, they also acknowledge the potential for opposition, admitting that if any words are heard, the game starts again. The overall impression is of someone who sees themselves as being above everyone else, able to control the world around them and always come out on top.
Overall, the lyrics of "Playing the Game" paint a vivid picture of someone who is obsessed with power and control, using their position to win at all costs. Their arrogance and sense of superiority are palpable, making for a fascinating character study.
Line by Line Meaning
As I hold the key to the back door
I have access to things others do not.
of the world I feel my
My power is vast.
Hand touching bounds never had before.
I am experiencing new levels of influence.
I can view the power of my position and my
I understand the scope of my power.
eyes can see more than anyone in any place,
I am more perceptive than anyone.
I'll play the game and never ever lose.
I will always win.
I'm the king in fighting competition
I am the top of my game.
and the other pieces
Others are below me.
are there for my art and my tactics now.
They exist to serve me.
All my games are won before they're played for
I plan for victory in advance.
I have planned that no opposition can stage a fight
I have considered every obstacle.
I'll play the game and never ever lose.
Again, I will always win.
My thoughts never spoken only the
I keep my plans hidden.
visions inside my head the truth never broken
I maintain a clear perspective.
within my silent words left unsaid.
My intentions remain unspoken.
I will steer the helm of all the nation
I hold great political power.
as the captain
I am in control.
take my rewards for all the good I'm doing now,
I expect to be rewarded for my deeds.
and no words that I'm the knave will alter my
Negative opinions will not dissuade me.
philosophy for if any are heard, the games started
Criticism means the game has begun again.
again I'll never ever lose.
And, as before, I will always win.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: DEREK VICTOR SHULMAN, KERRY CHURCHILL MINNEAR, RAY SHULMAN
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@franciscojavierrodriguez8236
As I hold the key to the back door
Of the world I feel my
Hand touching bounds never had before
I can view the power of my position and my
Eyes can see more than anyone in any place
I'll play the game and never ever lose
I'm the king in fighting competition
And the other pieces
Are there for my art and my tactics now
All my games are won before they're played for
I have planned that no opposition can stage a fight
I'll play the game and never ever lose
My thoughts never spoken only the
Visions inside my head the truth never broken
Within my silent words left unsaid
I will steer the helm of all the nation
As the captain
Take my rewards for all the good I'm doing now
And no words that I'm the knave will alter my
Philosophy for if any are heard, the games started
Again I'll never ever lose
@mikereiss4216
Standard rock music goes down the path everyone knows. Progressive rock takes a turn and goes down a different path that few know about.
@bradstensland506
the lucky few
@michaelfuria4257
well said..
@wetbeans7957
Prog still sounds fresh tho unlike dad rock
@eddiew.6485
And changes 9 times during the song……..
@WocklessGamingforAnimeMoms
Idk tbh quite a bit of Garage Style Rock and Punk especially Hardcore seems wildly creative even if it's in Pop Time or whatever.
@haeuptlingaberja4927
50 years on, and still as fresh as when I first heard it. Very, very few bands can lay claim to such a legacy.
@kurthill1223
Glad to hear Derek Shulman name this as his favorite album, I feel it doesn’t get as much love from the fans. This track is so good!
@tbuts5859
Yes. Arguably their best album.
@bradwooldidge6979
It’s my favorite. I bought this album in 1974. I still have it!