Formation
In early 1993, guitarist and singer Roine Stolt had written material for his third solo album The Flower King and sought for musicians to perform it. He had wanted to release a progressive rock-style album for a while and felt the time was right to pursue the project. The album features Stolt on vocals, guitar, bass and keyboards, Jaime Salazar on drums, and Hasse Fröberg on vocals, and was recorded in Sweden between May 1993 and January 1994.
In preparation for Stolt's concert tour to support the album's release, Stolt, Salazar, and Fröberg were joined by Stolt's brother Michael on bass and Tomas Bodin on keyboards. The five performed their first gig on 20 August 1994 at an outdoor festival in Uppsala, Stolt's hometown and the city where The Flower King was recorded. After they decided to become a full time band, they officially adopted the name The Flower Kings, named after Stolt's album. Stolt had produced a list of potential titles for the record, one of which was "The Flower King", and chose it because of its positive meaning and its reference to the hippie era of the 1960s.
Activity
After performing a series of concerts through 1994, the band entered the studio in December 1994 to record their debut album, Back in the World of Adventures. The recording process was gradual, finishing in September 1995.
In 2000, Michael Stolt was replaced by Jonas Reingold. Two years later, Salazar was replaced by Zoltan Csörsz. Daniel Gildenlöw of Pain of Salvation joined the band the same year as a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist.
Other contributors have included Hasse Bruniusson (percussion) and Ulf Wallander (saxophone).
Stolt has written the vast majority of the material the band has recorded, with Bodin contributing most of the rest. The music is best described as symphonic progressive rock, bearing a strong resemblance to the music of Yes, King Crimson, Gentle Giant, and early Genesis, with jazz fusion and blues influences. The band's lyrics are almost uniformly positive and uplifting, affirming such values as love, peace, and spirituality, and furthering their association with Yes.
Their 1999 album Flower Power contains the eighteen-section, almost 60-minute "Garden of Dreams".
In June 2007, they released The Road Back Home, a compilation of remixed songs from 1994 to 2006, plus "Little Deceiver" (a previously unreleased track) and the full version of their cover of "The Cinema Show" by Genesis.
Zoltan Csörsz was replaced by new drummer Marcus Liliequist for one album, but returned for the 2007 album, The Sum of No Evil. He was subsequently replaced by Erik Hammarström in 2008.
In 2008, Ola Heden, previously of Reingold's side project Karmakanic, joined on guitar, vocals and keyboards.
In November 2008, the band were the opening act of the Ecco Prog Fest in Moscow.
After touring in 2008, The Flower Kings were inactive for four years. Stolt felt the band had varied levels of focus in their direction and had started to feel lost. They reunited in 2011 to work on new material after Stolt felt it was the right time and sensed eagerness from the other members to work together. This marked the arrival of German drummer Felix Lehrmann. Banks of Eden, the group's eleventh album, was released in June 2012 and was recorded with analogue recording techniques and styles reminiscent of the height of vinyl records. This was followed by Desolation Rose in October 2013.
The line up of Stolt, Bodin, Reingold, Fröberg and Lehrmann played together for the last time in 2015. 2016 and 2017 saw the bandmembers busy with other engagements.
In December 2017, the first part of a career-spanning box set titled A Kingdom of Colours was released. This first box, with 10 discs, covers the period from 1995 to 2002 and includes the studio albums from Back in the World of Adventures to Unfold the Future. The second box set, titled A Kingdom of Colours 2 and covering the albums Adam & Eve through to Desolation Rose, was released in June 2018.
In September 2018, Stolt announced a new album named Manifesto of an Alchemist. The album did not feature long-time keyboardist Tomas Bodin, and as such it is credited to "Roine Stolt's The Flower King" rather than "The Flower Kings"
In August the same year Roine Stolt presented a new band called "Roine Stolt and friends play The Flower Kings". The band featured Stolt, Fröberg and Reingold with new keyboard player Zach Kamins and new drummer Mirko De Maio. Roine Stolt stated that he was done being in a group and wanted to tour as a solo artist like Roger Waters or Steven Wilson. Tomas Bodin was not a part of this group and made his displeasure quite public. The band toured with Spock’s Beard in November and December 2018 and continued to do shows in 2019, this time under the name "The Flower Kings Revisited".
In July 2019, "Revisited" was removed from the band name, making it clear that this line up was now "The Flower Kings". The band went on to release the double albums Waiting for Miracles in 2019 and Islands in 2020, the latter having been recorded entirely remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic.
On 24 March 2021, Roine Stolt announced two big projects. The Flower Kings are working on a brand new album "in the same innocence" of Stardust We Are. On 19 April 2021, Roine officially teases that Stardust We Are is getting a brand new vinyl remaster.
On April 8th 2022, InsideOut and Roine Stolt announced that Back in the World of Adventures and Retropolis were getting "remastered and partly remixed". The release date for both was placed on May 27th 2022. Also Stardust We Are and Flower Power are getting remixes and remastered in June.
Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Flower_Kings
Studio albums
The Flower King (1994)
Back in the World of Adventures (1995)
Retropolis (1996)
Stardust We Are (1997)
Flower Power (1999)
Space Revolver (2000)
The Rainmaker (2001)
Unfold the Future (2002)
Adam & Eve (2004)
Paradox Hotel (2006)
The Sum of No Evil (2007)
Banks of Eden (2012)
Desolation Rose (2013)
Manifesto of an Alchemist (2018)
Waiting for Miracles (2019)
Islands (2020)
By Royal Decree (2022)
Numbers
The Flower Kings Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Look inside her)
Leaving the world material
(Can't hide her)
Tripping the world imperial
(Look inside her)
Leaving the world material
(Can't hide her)
You look at the riverbanks
She's looking behind you
The black clouds they fall hard and heavy
As Eden will astound you
So hail to those who give their lives
Who don't stand back when evil rises
It's not a matter of King or Country
So you think it is over
Do you think it is really over?
Look up that skyline
There's a bad moon rising
You may not like it
but that's the lizard you're riding
The smiles & suits on TV news they feed us all
She's the greatest of liars
The stupid bird who dares to speak the naked truth
soon lies flat on the wire
So you think it is over
Do you think it is really over?
Look up that skyline
There's a bad moon rising
You may not like it
but that's the lizard you're riding
We're all just the same old sinner
Fighting for a piece of nothing
Same mistakes go round again - same stupid men
Covering up his bloody trail
Cain he came back emptyhanded
With no fathers blessing and no holy grail
Look around you - take it in before your day is done
When I found you - I was cold and all my lovin' gone
Live inside her - Like a spiral
Sending lifelines from the ground
When I found her - she was cold - still in her wedding gown
Look inside her
And now that she's gone - she brought the darkness down
She brought the darkness down
Trees surround you - they say your body is the garden of your soul
Lights will blind you - and all these roads they say they lead to Rome
Eyes have found her - but you say you're better off alone
You plead forgiveness for a soul that's bad beyond the bone
There's truth in numbers
There's truth in scales
There's truth in science
and truth in sales
And when the sweetness comes to an end
You try to bargain to live again
There's truth in progress
There's truth in fame
There's truth in healing
and the truth remains
And when the sweetness comes to an end
You try to bargain to live again
You look around for the brightest minds
or just a few simple words of kindness
A world gone shallow, cold and mean
It's like a wasteland void of dreams
Hoping and praying that we'll find our way back home
There's truth in numbers
There's truth in scales
There's truth in science
and truth in sales
And when the sweetness comes to an end
You try to bargain to live again
You look around for the brightest minds
or just a few simple words of kindness
A world gone shallow, cold and mean
It's like a wasteland void of dreams
Hoping and praying that we'll find our way back home
And then the numbers may not come up right
and the artifacts are more than frightening
Between the bible and eternal question
There's an ocean of fear and we're sinking faster
And then the numbers may not come up right
and the artifacts are more than frightening
Between the bible and eternal question
There's an ocean of fear and we're sinking faster
And then the numbers may not come up right
and the artifacts are more than frightening
Between the bible and eternal question
There's an ocean of fear and we're sinking faster
Look up that skyline
There's a bad moon rising
You may not like it
but that's the lizard you're riding
Look up that skyline
There's a bad moon rising
You may not like it
but that's the lizard you're riding
The Flower Kings's song "Numbers" is a thought-provoking piece that touches on a variety of subjects, from politics to spirituality. The lyrics suggest that there is more to the world than meets the eye and humanity has a tendency to hide behind material possessions rather than face the truth. The song begins by highlighting the impermanence of the material world, urging the listener to look beyond its superficialities. The riverbanks represent the flow of life, and the black clouds falling heavily symbolize the weight of evil in the world. The idea of Eden astounds us as we witness the chaos in the world around us. The lyricist speaks about the importance of standing up against evil, even if it means putting their lives on the line. The use of the phrase "king or country" emphasizes that the power of the people is more important than the power of the state.
In the second half of the song, the focus shifts to the idea of finding truth amongst the darkness. The "bad moon rising" is a metaphor for the challenges that the listener may face in their journey to find meaning. The lizard represents the concept of being uncomfortable and uneasy in one's life. The lyrics suggest that it is better to face these challenges than to ignore them. The idea of being a sinner highlights the human condition and our inability to escape the cycle of suffering. The phrase "same stupid men" highlights the idea that history often repeats itself. The song concludes with a plea to find our way back home, suggesting that the final truth is found in returning to a place of spiritual accord.
Line by Line Meaning
Tripping the world imperial
Experiencing the imperial aspects of the world
(Look inside her)
Encouraging introspection and exploration within oneself
Leaving the world material
Moving away from materialistic aspects of the world
(Can't hide her)
Acknowledging that one cannot hide from oneself
You look at the riverbanks
Observing the surrounding scenery
She's looking behind you
A metaphor for the past affecting the present
The black clouds they fall hard and heavy
Dark times are imminent
As Eden will astound you
Alluding to the Fall of Man in the Garden of Eden and the unexpected consequences that follow
So hail to those who give their lives
Saluting those who make sacrifices for others
Who don't stand back when evil rises
Commending those who fight against evil or wrongdoing
It's not a matter of King or Country
Declaring that one's loyalty should lie with justice rather than political entities or leaders
So you think it is over
Questioning whether a situation has truly concluded
Do you think it is really over?
Reiterating the uncertainty of the previous line
Look up that skyline
Looking towards the future
There's a bad moon rising
Predicting impending misfortune
You may not like it
Imploring the listener to prepare for unpleasantness
but that's the lizard you're riding
Comparing the situation to a dangerous or treacherous creature
The smiles & suits on TV news they feed us all
Commenting on the superficiality of mainstream news
She's the greatest of liars
Referring to a deceptive or dishonest entity
The stupid bird who dares to speak the naked truth
A metaphor for those who bravely speak the truth, despite the risk of backlash
soon lies flat on the wire
Suggesting that those who speak the truth may face consequences
We're all just the same old sinner
Acknowledging the collective human condition of imperfection or wrongdoing
Fighting for a piece of nothing
Questioning the value of striving after material gain
Same mistakes go round again - same stupid men
Bemoaning the repetition of mistakes and the lack of progress
Covering up his bloody trail
Alluding to hiding evidence or history of wrongdoing
Cain he came back emptyhanded
Referring to the biblical story of Cain and Abel and Cain's failure to bring an acceptable sacrifice to God
With no fathers blessing and no holy grail
Highlighting Cain's lack of success or divine favor
Look around you - take it in before your day is done
Encouraging present-moment awareness and appreciation
When I found you - I was cold and all my lovin' gone
Describing a past emotional state and how it was improved by finding someone
Live inside her - Like a spiral
Describing a deep connection with someone
Sending lifelines from the ground
Alluding to helping or supporting someone
And now that she's gone - she brought the darkness down
Referring to how the loss of the aforementioned person left a negative impact
Trees surround you - they say your body is the garden of your soul
Alluding to the interconnectedness of nature and the human experience
Lights will blind you - and all these roads they say they lead to Rome
Commenting on the potential for distraction and misdirection
Eyes have found her - but you say you're better off alone
Referring to a person who may resist connection or intimacy
You plead forgiveness for a soul that's bad beyond the bone
Describing a sense of guilt or wrongdoing that feels beyond redemption
There's truth in numbers
Acknowledging the value of data and statistics
There's truth in scales
Emphasizing the importance of balance and measurement
There's truth in science
Highlighting the role of scientific inquiry in uncovering the truth
and truth in sales
Commenting on the efficacy of persuasive or convincing communication
And when the sweetness comes to an end
Acknowledging the temporary nature of positive experiences
You try to bargain to live again
Describing a natural human impulse to prolong good experiences
You look around for the brightest minds
Searching for intelligent or inspired guidance
or just a few simple words of kindness
Being comforted by a small act of kindness or empathy
A world gone shallow, cold and mean
Commenting on the perceived decline of genuine human connection and concern
It's like a wasteland void of dreams
Describing a sense of hopelessness or despair
Hoping and praying that we'll find our way back home
Expressing a longing for connection and care
And then the numbers may not come up right
Alluding to the unpredictability and possibility of error in quantitative analysis
and the artifacts are more than frightening
Suggesting a sense of fear or unease with tangible evidence
Between the bible and eternal question
Alluding to deep philosophical and religious inquiries
There's an ocean of fear and we're sinking faster
Describing a pervasive sense of fear and uncertainty
Contributed by Eva E. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Daniël Gerards
Best album of 2012, and one of the best progressive rock albums ever!
Gatot Widayanto
The best epic from TFK so far!! Never get bored listening to this epic many many times .... Great!!!
Danny Stiles
My least favorite Flower Kings epic, except for probably "Devil's Playground."
Jose Andrade
I love this band for more than ten years, I have all of their cds, most of the side projects of their members, and I regret all the years that passed me through without knowing they existed. Last friday I bought Roine Stolt's Manifesto of an Alchemist, and you know what? Magnificent! My life is so much better because of them...
OzricAurora
19:17 - 21:14 gives me chills. so powerful and emotional!
Jin Y.
This is my favorite TFK epic. Extremely sophisticated and beautiful song. Love it.
Tintop
ok out of all TFK epics you choose Numbers?.. What about "Garden of Dreams" or "The Truth will set you free" or "Devil's Playground" or "The Big Puzzle" etc... just curious..
oldchannel
I bought the album. Terrific, absolutely worth every dime. Possibly one of their bests. I will say that I think this song sort of towers over the album like a few people have said, but I do think the last song, and "pandemonium" Are fantastic.
Diego Inostroza
Magistral banda de rock progresivo proveniente de Suecia. Soy músico y es un verdadero agrado escuchar música de tan buen nivel. Gracias, Carla
Carlos Rojas
si no me equivoco el baterista es Chileno