King Crimson - Epitaph (1969) Lyrics Video

“Epitaph” is the third track on King Crimson’s October 1969 debut album, In the Court of the Crimson King. Noted for its heavy use of mellotron and Greg Lake’s emotional vocals, the lyrics were written by the band’s primary lyricist, Peter Sinfield, with additional contributions from Lake. Sinfield spoke of the song in a 2019 interview: ‘Epitaph’ was a poem that I’d written when I had my own band. It started with the words, and then it was very much a piece of ensemble writing. Ian McDonald would come up with an idea, then someone else. I think Greg came up with the idea: ‘But I fear tomorrow I’ll be crying’, which is very Greg-ish. The subtitle for this track is listed as “Including ‘March for No Reason’ and ‘Tomorrow and Tomorrow,’” though it’s not indicated which part is which. It’s likely that these subtitles were invented as a way of earning more royalties, suggested to the band by their management. The word epitaph has Greek origins and is a combination of the words “epi” (meaning “on”) and “taphos” (which means tomb). The translation regards something that is inscribed on a tombstone. Epitaphs are placed on tombs to honor the deceased person buried inside. Though sometimes chosen by a person other than the deceased, it is generally seen as representative of their final thoughts or a description of their life. [Instrumental Intro] [Verse 1] The wall on which the prophets wrote Is cracking at the seams Upon the instruments of death The sunlight brightly gleams When every man is torn apart With nightmares and with dreams Will no one lay the laurel wreath When silence drowns the screams? [Chorus] Confusion will be my epitaph As I crawl, a cracked and broken path If we make it, we can all sit back and laugh But I fear tomorrow I’ll be crying Yes, I fear tomorrow I’ll be crying Yes, I fear tomorrow I’ll be crying [Verse 2] Between the iron gates of fate The seeds of time were sown And watered by the deeds of those Who know and who are known; Knowledge is a deadly friend If no one sets the rules The fate of all mankind I see Is in the hands of fools [Instrumental: “March for No Reason”] [Verse 1] The wall on which the prophets wrote Is cracking at the seams Upon the instruments of death The sunlight brightly gleams When every man is torn apart With nightmares and with dreams Will no one lay the laurel wreath When silence drowns the screams? [Chorus] Confusion will be my epitaph As I crawl, a cracked and broken path If we make it, we can all sit back and laugh But I fear tomorrow I’ll be crying Yes, I fear tomorrow I’ll be crying Yes, I fear tomorrow I’ll be crying Crying… Crying… Yes, I fear tomorrow I’ll be crying Yes, I fear tomorrow I’ll be crying Yes, I fear tomorrow I’ll be crying Crying… [Outro: “Tomorrow and Tomorrow”] [Instrumental]