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.
One In A Million
Giles Giles & Fripp Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
And a mortgage all around it
His little lady will be fifty-three on Monday
And his only son's in the Navy
But he doesn't shout about it
No, he doesn't shout about it
He's a one in a million
He runs a little shop with a room at the top
The advertisements surround it
He's very content with the things at the moment
Except the yellow line by the pavement
But he doesn't shout about it
No, he doesn't shout about it
He's a one in a million
He's a one in a million
He's lucky and happy
Just because the battle's not for him to fight
He doesn't have a cause
Perhaps he's wrong, perhaps he's right
He runs a little shop with a room at the top
And he parks his car behind it
He's insured for a couple of thousand
And he's almost due for a pension
But he doesn't shout about it
No, he doesn't shout about it
He's a one in a million
He's a one in a million
He's lucky and happy
Just because the battle's not for him to fight
He doesn't have a cause
Perhaps he's wrong, perhaps he's right
He runs a little shop with a room at the top
And a mortgage all around it
His little lady will be fifty-three on Monday
And his only son's in the Navy
But he doesn't shout about it
No, he doesn't shout about it
He's a one in a million
He's a one in a million
He's a one in a million
He's a one in a million
In "One in a Million," Giles Giles & Fripp tell the story of a man who runs a small shop with a room at the top, is married to a woman who is turning 53 soon, and has a son in the Navy. Despite his seemingly humdrum existence, the song insists that this man is "a one in a million" because he is content and happy with what he has rather than constantly striving for more. He doesn't complain about his situation, even though he has a mortgage and an annoying yellow line by the pavement, and he isn't looking to fight any battles or take on any causes. Instead, he's just grateful for what he has and the life he's been given.
The song seems to celebrate the idea of contentment and the idea that not everyone needs to be a big mover and shaker in order to have a meaningful life. The singer of this song is perfectly content with his simple existence, and the song suggests that we should all take inspiration from his inner peace and happiness.
Line by Line Meaning
He runs a little shop with a room at the top
He owns a small shop with an additional room on the upper floor.
And a mortgage all around it
He has taken a loan to purchase the shop and is paying it off.
His little lady will be fifty-three on Monday
His wife is turning 53 years old on Monday.
And his only son's in the Navy
His sole child has joined the Navy.
But he doesn't shout about it
He is not one to boast or brag about his circumstances.
No, he doesn't shout about it
He is humble and doesn't like to flaunt his achievements.
He's a one in a million
He is a rare and exceptional individual.
The advertisements surround it
The shop is surrounded by various ads and promotions.
He's very content with the things at the moment
He is satisfied with his current situation in life.
Except the yellow line by the pavement
He dislikes the yellow line painted on the sidewalk nearby.
He's lucky and happy
He feels fortunate and content with his life.
Just because the battle's not for him to fight
He doesn't have to struggle or fight for anything significant in his life.
He doesn't have a cause
He doesn't have a strong passion or cause that he fights for.
Perhaps he's wrong, perhaps he's right
Maybe he is right, or maybe he is wrong about not having any particular cause.
And he parks his car behind it
He usually parks his car behind the shop.
He's insured for a couple of thousand
He has an insurance policy that covers a few thousand dollars.
And he's almost due for a pension
He will soon qualify for a pension for all his years of hard work.
He's a one in a million
He is an extraordinary person who stands out from the rest.
Contributed by Zoe B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
@darksideofdonny
One of the best albums ever. It's pure genius really.
@Eggs_is_eggs
Michael Giles is one of the best drummers of all time. Too bad he only did 2 King Crimson albums and a few other bits here and there over the years.
@marcfedak
I was wondering what became of Michael Giles after Court of the Crimson King and Wake of Poseidon, as I too really like his unique drumming (his precision, light touch <compared to say John Bonham or Keith Moon, good musical taste and jazz sensibility).
@soggytom
@Marc Fedak Check out the KC spin-off group, McDonald and Giles https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMff9CM7yPU
@fenixpopper7162
@Marc Fedak he maker anyone songs with Ian Mcdonald too
@concienciametafisica
sencillamente genial, trio perfecto simple y espontaneo. me encanta este disco es muy fresco alegre y hasta satirico.
@ackomanah6486
Fripp is 100% insane in the best way!
@mkiswatoo
This is so Barrett-esque & just excellent!
@rmacfarland
Wow! That was great stuff back in the day.
@Sargebri
Hard to believe that from this band sprung King Crimson.lol. In fact, its weird hearing Fripp doing something so happy go lucky.