King Crimson is a British rock band known for starting the progressive rock style in the late 1960s. Their first album, In the Court of the Crimson King, came out in 1969 and changed rock music with its bold mix of rock, jazz, and classical sounds.
Led by guitarist Robert Fripp, the band continually changed members and styles, yet always remained ahead of its time.
About the Song
The Court of the Crimson King is a song by King Crimson from their first album. The song paints a picture of a strange, dream-like kingdom ruled by the mysterious Crimson King, who may represent authority, chaos, or even the darker side of human nature.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Released Date | October 10, 1969 |
| Album | The Condensed 21st Century Guide to King Crimson |
| Writers | Peter Sinfield & Ian McDonald |
| Producer | King Crimson |
The Court of the Crimson King Lyrics
Verse 1
The rusted chains of prison moons
Are shattered by the sun
I walk a road, horizons change
The tournament’s begun
The purple piper plays his tune
The choir softly sing
Three lullabies in an ancient tongue
Refrain
For the court of the crimson king, aah
Aah, aah
Verse 2
The keeper of the city keys
Put shutters on the dreams
I wait outside the pilgrim’s door
With insufficient schemes
The black queen chants the funeral march
The cracked brass bells will ring
To summon back the fire witch
Refrain
To the court of the crimson king, aah
Aah, aah
Instrumental Bridge
Aah, aah
Aah, aah
Verse 3
The gardener plants an evergreen
Whilst trampling on a flower
I chase the wind of a prism ship
To taste the sweet and sour
The pattern juggler lifts his hand
The orchestra begin
As slowly turns the grinding wheel
Refrain
In the court of the crimson king, aah
Aah, aah
Flute Solo: “The Return of the Fire Witch”
Verse 4
On soft gray mornings widows cry
The wise men share a joke
I run to grasp divining signs
To satisfy the hoax
The yellow jester does not play
But gently pulls the strings
And smiles as the puppets dance
Refrain
In the court of the crimson king, aah
Aah, aah
Aah, aah
Instrumental Outro: “The Dance of the Puppets”
Similar Songs Like The Court of the Crimson King
Here are a few songs by the band that carry a similar spirit, like The Court of the Crimson King, and each brings its own special feeling, sound, and style:
- Epitaph: This song feels heavy and sad, with strong words about fear and change. It mixes soft singing and loud music with great insight.
- Starless: A long and slow piece that builds over time, starting gently and ending in loud guitar sounds. It feels dreamy and emotional.
- Islands: Peaceful and soft, this song sounds like quiet water. It has slow horns, smooth singing, and feels calm and warm inside.
- Larks’ Tongues in Aspic, Part I: Starts with quiet sounds and then bursts into wild noise. It mixes metal, jazz, and silence in a strange, exciting way.
Similar Artists Like King Crimson
If you enjoy King Crimson’s sound, you might also like these other great progressive rock bands from the same era:
- Yes
Genre: Progressive Rock
Top Albums: Fragile (1971), Close to the Edge (1972) - Genesis
Genre: Progressive Rock
Top Albums: Foxtrot (1972), The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974) - Emerson, Lake & Palmer
Genre: Progressive Rock
Top Albums: Trilogy (1972), Brain Salad Surgery (1973) - Van der Graaf Generator
Genre: Progressive Rock
Top Albums: Pawn Hearts (1971), Still Life (1976) - Gentle Giant
Genre: Progressive Rock
Top Albums: Octopus (1972), Free Hand (1975)
Behind the Scenes
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes the Song’s The Court of the Crimson King Sound So Unique?
Its mix of orchestral sounds and shifting moods creates a rich experience unlike typical rock songs.
Why is the Mellotron so Important in The Court of the Crimson King?
The mellotron’s haunting tones add a grand orchestral feel that defines the song’s powerful atmosphere.
