They released only one album, The Cheerful Insanity of Giles, Giles and Fripp in 1968 by Deram Records.
In 2002 a second release came out, The Brondesbury Tapes, featuring various recordings throughout 1968, with the group augmented by Ian McDonald on saxophone and flute, and Judy Dyble on vocals.
Michael Giles, Fripp and McDonald went on to form the first King Crimson line-up, rounded out by bassist/vocalist Greg Lake and lyricist Peter Sinfield. Peter Giles would go on to appear on the second Crimson album In the Wake of Poseidon in 1970, and more recently joined with 21st Century Schizoid Band. Judy Dyble came from Fairport Convention and would go on to join Trader Horne.
How Do They Know
Giles Giles & Fripp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And they all say, "Follow me!"
How do they know?
So you follow on and stumble and fall
And a voice says, "Ah, who's he?"
How do they know? How do they know?
The first will not be the last
Ask them please not to go so fast
'Cause the dust is sucking your eyes
Dust is sucking your eyes
Tear yourself away and sit for a while
And the band goes marching on
How do they know? How do they know?
Now you're beginning to realise
The first will not be the last
Ask them please not to go so fast
'Cause the dust is sucking your eyes
Dust is sucking your eyes
When you stop and ask, "Which way do we go?"
And they all say, "Follow me!"
How do they know?
So you follow on and stumble and fall
And a voice says, "Ah, who's he?"
How do they know? How do they know?
How do they know? How do they know?
The lyrics of Giles Giles & Fripp's song "How Do They Know" revolve around the central theme of questioning authority and the power dynamics at play when being led by others. The song begins with the singer asking for directions, and the response being a unanimous "Follow me!". However, the singer remains skeptical and starts to question the validity of blindly following someone without questioning their motives or desire for control. As they continue to follow, they stumble and fall, and a voice questions their worthiness or ability to keep up.
The singer then realizes that this is a never-ending cycle, and the first person they follow will not be the last. They ask the leaders to slow down, as they begin to feel the physical effects of following blindly. The repetition of the line "How do they know?" emphasizes the singer's doubt and lack of trust in those in power or authority.
The final stanza reiterates the original question of "Which way do we go?" and the response of "Follow me!" while leaving the listener to ponder the implications of blindly following and questioning the motives of those in control.
Line by Line Meaning
When you stop and ask, "Which way do we go?"
When you're unsure which path to take and seek guidance from others.
And they all say, "Follow me!"
When everyone gives the same advice to follow them.
How do they know?
Questioning how they know the right way to go.
So you follow on and stumble and fall
Continuing on the path advised by others but encountering obstacles.
And a voice says, "Ah, who's he?"
Someone questioning your presence or authority.
How do they know? How do they know?
Still questioning how others know the right way.
Now you're beginning to realise
Realizing that the initial advice may not be the best.
The first will not be the last
The initial advice may not be the best, and there will be more stumbling blocks to overcome.
Ask them please not to go so fast
Requesting guidance from others not to rush or push too hard.
'Cause the dust is sucking your eyes
The chaos and confusion are causing distraction and discomfort.
Tear yourself away and sit for a while
Taking a break from the chaos to reflect and rest.
And the band goes marching on
Despite your pause, life continues moving forward.
When you stop and ask, "Which way do we go?"
Repeating the initial question seeking guidance.
And they all say, "Follow me!"
Hearing the same advice from before.
How do they know?
Questioning how the guidance is based.
How do they know? How do they know?
Repeatedly questioning how they know the right way.
Contributed by Sophie E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@laureanocarcamosixx6733
Giles Giles and Fripp were at the top.... such amazing music, so ahead of their time, so melodical and beautiful songs. Michael Giles is amazing...
@trfesok
Performed by King Crimson live in 1969. They adapted it into a song called "The Letters" in 1971. I put all 3 in my KC: live playlist. Thanks for the upload!
@craigdavis5407
Quelle Chris ~~~ Popeye!!!
@jimedenbaum2525
Fripp's solo features one of the most awesome guitar tones ever recorded...
@lordofleaves257
To be honest, bro It sounds like garbage but I respect him though So I let it slide this time.
@kazoofum168
but the "garbage" tone makes it sound even more pogniant@@lordofleaves257
@MOUBARRET
KING CRIMSON'S BEST DRUMMER....EVER
@alaincelos476
incredibly clean playing , far less gossipy than many ....
@therealdaveportnoy620
Bruford has it by a hair
@angelemendez7090
Truly a very fine drummer Peter Giles. Wonderful acoustic drumming style.