Their first, eponymous album was released in April 1972, the bulk of which was composed by Wyatt himself, with the exception of the lush mellotron-laced "O Caroline" (a Dave Sinclair composition with lyrics by Wyatt about his recent breakup with girlfriend, Caroline Coon) and Phil Miller's "Part of the Dance". For their second album, Matching Mole's Little Red Record, released in November 1972 and produced by Robert Fripp, Sinclair was replaced by New Zealand-born keyboard player and composer Dave MacRae who had already played a guest role on the first album. This album was more of a team effort, with Wyatt concentrating on lyrics and vocal melodies and leaving the composing to his bandmates.
Matching Mole disbanded in late September 1972 immediately upon completion of a European tour supporting Soft Machine, with Sinclair and Miller going on to form the more successful Hatfield and the North. A new lineup consisting of Wyatt, MacCormick, ex-Curved Air keyboardist Francis Monkman, and jazz saxophonist Gary Windo - was due to record a third album in 1973, but this was cancelled when Wyatt fell from a window and was paralyzed from the waist down and was therefore unable to continue drumming. He later recovered and embarked on a celebrated solo career, but Matching Mole was no more. In early 2000's, Cuineform Records reissued some of the band's archived live recordings as two live albums, Smoke Signals (2001) and March (2002).
Gloria Gloom
Matching Mole Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I've got my doubts about how much to contribute
To the already rich among us...
How long can I pretend that music's more relevant
Than fighting for a socialist world?
Someone watching us - knows I'm bad
Black plastic along blue-black wall
Run along and see the prison bar
Throw a stone across an empty road
You and your friend will be found
Outside the daydream
I've woken up to watch you sleep...
The song Gloria Gloom by Matching Mole starts with the singer admitting to having doubts about contributing to the already rich among them. The lyrics express the struggle between the desire to make music and the need to fight for a socialist world. The singer is questioning if music has any relevance in a world where fighting for a cause is necessary. The lyrics convey a sense of guilt and confusion about not being able to contribute more towards a more just society.
The latter half of the lyrics portrays a surreal scene where the singer describes watching someone sleep. It could represent a moment of clarity or realization that they need to wake up from their daydream and take action towards their socialistic ideals. The reference to "Small square of places where dead men can look through" adds to the eerie and unsettling tone of the lyrics.
Overall, the lyrics of the song delve into the struggle between artistic pursuits and political activism. It also reflects on the conflicts and doubts that arise when one tries to balance both.
Line by Line Meaning
Like so many of you
Similar to many others, I too have uncertainties about how much I should contribute
I've got my doubts about how much to contribute
I am unsure about the extent to which I should provide support
To the already rich among us...
I am contemplating whether it's necessary to provide assistance to those who are already affluent
How long can I pretend that music's more relevant
I am questioning how much longer I can maintain the delusion that music is more important than fighting for a socialist world
Than fighting for a socialist world?
Instead of following my passion for music, should I prioritize my efforts towards achieving a socialist society?
Someone watching us - knows I'm bad
There is a presence observing us with the knowledge that I am flawed or inadequate
Black plastic along blue-black wall
A description of a dreary, depressing environment with black plastic lining a dark wall
Small square of places where dead men can look through
A small space where deceased individuals can peer through
Run along and see the prison bar
Hurry and observe the jail cell's barrier
Throw a stone across an empty road
Toss a rock across a deserted street
You and your friend will be found
You and your companion will be located
Outside the daydream
Awake and detached from the idyllic fantasy
I've woken up to watch you sleep...
I've become cognizant and attentive while you are in a state of slumber
Contributed by Muhammad V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Maria Diaz
Like so many of you
I've got my doubts about how much to contribute
To the already rich among us...
How long can I pretend that music's more relevant
Than fighting for a socialist world?
Someone watching us - knows I'm bad
Black plastic along blue-black wall
Small square of places where dead men can look through
Run along and see the prison bar
Throw a stone across an empty road
You and your friend will be found
Outside the daydream
I've woken up to watch you sleep...
Tovariš Strmoglavljen
from wikipedia:
For the BGO (Beat Goes On Records) CD edition Robert Wyatt asked that the album be rearranged so that Side 2 (of the vinyl album) came first as he thought in retrospect that this created a better flow to the album so it became:
"Gloria Gloom" (MacCormick, Wyatt) – 8:05
"God Song" (Miller, Wyatt) – 2:59
"Flora Fidgit" (MacCormick) – 3:27
"Smoke Signal" (MacRae) – 6:38
"Starting in the Middle of the Day We Can Drink Our Politics away" (MacRae, Wyatt) – 2:31
"Marchides" (MacRae) – 8:25
"Nan True's Hole" (Miller, Wyatt) – 3:37
"Righteous Rhumba" (aka "Lything and Gracing") (Miller, Wyatt) – 2:50
"Brandy as in Benj" (MacRae) - 4:24
StarsOnESP
One of the most haunting intros in avant-garde rock. Love this piece.
Boogie Meister
This is one of my fave albums, sounds so good
Bob Green
The first three minutes of this track are among my favourite passages in all of music.
zaidzaid72
Brian Eno
Syd bysyd
I wish I still had this album - yes the opening part is awesome.
Eric Armstrong
Absolutely puts the hook in you...
massimo marchesin
Grande brano !!!!! Ma anche la versione degli HENRY COW è straordinaria !!!!! Grandissime le interpretazioni sia di ROBERT WYATT nell' originale e di Dagmar Krause in quella degli HENRY COW !!!!!! Tratto dal secondo e ultimo album dei MATCHING MOLE LITTLE RED RECORD del 1973 .
Alex G.
Thank you Brian Eno for the wonderful intro on this one!
Udo Matthias drums
still love it!!
Bob Zero
A high school kid goes into David Jones department store in Parramatta in 1973. Heads for the music section with headphone booths, Mozambique herb in his head. Sees this in the rack ....has a listen ... Illuminated. Opened. Smiling.