The band originally consisted of Robert Wyatt, Kevin Ayers, Daevid Allen and Mike Ratledge, most of whom were former members of The Wilde Flowers in 1966. Later members have included Hugh Hopper, Roy Babbington, Elton Dean, John Etheridge, Karl Jenkins, John Marshall, and Allan Holdsworth.
Soft Machine continued on in name, even after all the original founder members moved on; Mike Ratledge was the last to depart in 1976. Numerous offshoots and side projects have included "Soft" in their names: Soft Heap, Soft Head, Soft Works, and the band Matching Mole, a play on words for the French of Soft Machine ('machine molle'). As of 2005, Soft Machine Legacy is a working concern.
Other musicians in the band during the later period were bassists Percy Jones of Brand X and Steve Cook, saxophonists Alan Wakeman and Ray Warleigh, and violinist Ric Sanders. Their 1977 performances and record Alive and Well: Recorded in Paris were among the last for Soft Machine as a working band. The Soft Machine name was used for the 1981 record Land of Cockayne with Jack Bruce and Allan Holdsworth, plus Ray Warleigh and Dick Morrissey on saxes and John Taylor on electric piano, and for a final series of dates at London's Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club in the summer of 1984, featuring Jenkins and Marshall leading an ad-hoc line-up of Etheridge, Warleigh, pianist Dave MacRae and bassist Paul Carmichael.
Thank You Pierrot Lunaire
Soft Machine Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Knowing he must find the noisiest notes for you to hear
And when I know that he's found them
I feel so good... but I still can't see
Why people listen, instead of doing it themselves
But I'm grateful all the same
I don't mind if you just watch
In fact I'd welcome it, welcome it, welcome it...
The song Thank You Pierrot Lunaire by Soft Machine seems to be a song about a performer who is appreciative of their audience despite not understanding why they are being watched instead of participating. The opening lines of the song reference the organ solos being played by the performer, and how they are trying to find the noisiest notes for the audience to hear. The performer is seemingly putting a lot of effort into their performance in order to entertain the audience, which demonstrates their appreciation for their presence. Despite this, the performer still doesn't understand why people are content with simply watching performers instead of doing it themselves.
As the song progresses, the performer expresses how grateful they are towards their audience despite not being able to understand their fascination with watching someone perform as opposed to doing it themselves. The performer conveys their appreciation towards their audience by welcoming their presence and not blaming them for simply watching. The performer even goes further to say that they welcome the audience's presence, which shows how much they seem to value their relationship with their audience.
In summary, the song Thank You Pierrot Lunaire by Soft Machine appears to be about a performer who is grateful for their audience's presence, despite their lack of understanding as to why people prefer watching performances instead of participating. The performer values their audience and welcomes their presence, highlighting the importance of the relationship between the performer and the audience.
Line by Line Meaning
In his organ solos, he fills 'round the keyboards
While playing the organ, he skillfully fills the surrounding area with sound.
Knowing he must find the noisiest notes for you to hear
He understands that it's his duty to find the loudest, most impactful notes for the listener's enjoyment.
And when I know that he's found them
When he succeeds in finding the perfect notes, I feel a sense of satisfaction.
I feel so good... but I still can't see
Although I feel happy, I can't comprehend why others prefer to listen instead of playing themselves.
Why people listen, instead of doing it themselves
I can't understand why people choose to be passive listeners instead of actively creating music.
But I'm grateful all the same
Despite my confusion, I'm thankful for those who appreciate my music.
You're very kind and I don't blame you
You're generous and I don't hold any resentment towards you.
I don't mind if you just watch
I'm perfectly fine with you being a spectator and enjoying the music.
In fact I'd welcome it, welcome it, welcome it...
Actually, I'd be happy if you continue to enjoy the music and keep coming back for more.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: HUGH HOPPER
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@soarornor
I saw them on this tour in Chicago. It was an absolute mindblower. I was 15 and wide eyed. I had never heard of Soft Machine before. They played in total darkness with the band completely bathed in the illumination of a liquid light show projected upon them. At one point reflections bounced off the chrome on Kevin Ayers Rickenbacker bass back into the audience as he stared out at everyone. Robert was really something to see. One of the best drummers ever with a really unique voice. I fell in love with the band then and there and anxiously awaited their album releases.
Jimi and the Experience were amazing as well. It was like a dream to see. Thanks for posting this. I just so happen to be reading the book: Jimi Hendrix 👁The Ultimate Experience and a lot of people mention all the filming Jimi, Noel and Mitch were doing. I was wondering where all the footage ended up. This was a nice sampling of what must be a mountain of footage. Really nicely done and perfect music selection. This fires up my Soft Machine desires.
@oobenoob
You must be ancient. In fact I would be surprised if you’re still alive today. So RIP.🪦💀
@huxbeatley
Infinite Robert Wyatt in good vibe zone
@cobian2006
This song is a pure rush of bliss
@kennyblackbird2853
I know die hard fusion fan who've never heard of Soft Machine nor Coliseum ll , two pioneering jazz rock group. I'm digging the jazzy vocals to this song.
@Searchandpreserve
They were so incredibly unique.
@paulmeek5774
Saw them twice with The Experience on this '68 tour in Dallas. They were incredible!!!
@lucatripper
thank you jim for our exposure to the crowd...ohhh robert you are fucking amazing.
@thewoodentops.
wow, lyrically, musically, filmwise off the scale a one off!
@barryroot
This is quite something to come across. What a great piece, and great video to match. I was fortunate to see them on this tour, with Hendrix and a few other bands, in Atlanta. Must have been 1968.