21st Century Schizoid Man

Album: In the Court of the Crimson King (1969)
Play Video
  • Cat's foot iron claw
    Neurosurgeons scream for more
    At paranoia's poison door
    Twenty first century schizoid man

    Blood rack, barbed wire
    Politicians' funeral pyre
    Innocents raped with napalm fire
    Twenty first century schizoid man

    Death seed blind man's greed
    Poets starving, children bleed
    Nothing he's got he really needs
    Twenty first century schizoid man Writer/s: Greg Lake, Ian Mcdonald, Michael Rex Giles, Peter John Sinfield, Robert Fripp
    Publisher: Universal Music Publishing Group
    Lyrics licensed and provided by LyricFind

Comments: 9

  • Suedeaunym from Nawth Jawja". . . the band recorded this song in one take, with all four members playing together at the same time." Um, well, that's misleading. McDonald's reed solo in Mirrors (starting at 3:27) sounds like a great many overdubs. And the horns in the main riff sound multitracked, too. But, perhaps the main tracks were laid down in the 1st take.
  • Bippo Mckoolaid from Los AngelesLots of different misinformation! Great to know that the youtube clip released by King Crimson of 1969 Hyde Park isn't King Crimson. I wonder what other band in 1969 has Greg Lake as a singer and plays 21st century Schizoid band and posts it on this site? Innocents raped by napalm Fire, Politians funeral pyre. Can't see why that would be dedicated to Agnew, that's show business! Fripp was lying and putting on a show once again! April Wine's muzak version of the song is good but maybe not better than the original. April posted that comment himself. Luv ya Frippy Do, even if your 69 version is lame, big fan!!
  • Hugh from Phoenix, AzI love the mix of jazz, psychedelia, heavy metal, and progressive rock. The musicianship is just mesmerizing. It is also one of the spookiest rock songs ever recorded.
  • Robert from Luray, VaThey were atleast 30 years ahead of their time and this song proves it.In the court of a crimson king is a masterpiece and KC is lame without Greg Lake.e one of the bestvocalists ever.
  • Michael from Fuquay-varina, NcThe best versions of "21st Century Schizoid Man" are the live versions featuring the power trio or quartet versions of King Crimson, not the extra-large version from the first album - for instance, the saxaphone does not improve the song at all. Hearing Fripp/Bruford/Wetton kicking out the jams in Amsterdam makes the original studio version sound almost lame, especially the noisy way the original ends. I say this as an "Ultimate Crimson Fan" for many years - love the song, but the original version is NOT the best. Luv ya Mr. Fripp!!
  • Michael from Fuquay-varina, NcInteresting true facts about Agnew (leaving out his resigning the Vice Presidency in scandel and disgrace), but there is no possiblity that this song refers to Spiro Agnew. When Fripp said he was "dedicating" the song to Agnew, he was just performing to the audience - lots of performers, from the smallest club to the biggest arena, will say or sing stuff that they know isn't true, or that they don't believe in, or even understand, just to play to the audience. Ever hear a Radio DJ play a song "By Special Request"? Often nobody requested that song, he's just "putting on a show" while playing whatever the Program Director has up on rotation. It's the same thing. That's why they call it "Show Business".
  • Lester from New York City, NyReg, gotta disagree. I really like the song. April Wine does a version that's not as good, but has a very good guitar break.
  • Reg from Kemptville, On, -In my opinion, it's a shame this song is include on this otherwise fantastic album. I don't think I've ever been able to listen to it all the way through. Even as a teen way back when.
  • Alex from Milwaukee, WiVisitors please note, that is NOT King Crimson performing in the YouTube clip!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Tom Keifer of Cinderella

Tom Keifer of CinderellaSongwriter Interviews

Tom talks about the evolution of Cinderella's songs through their first three albums, and how he writes as a solo artist.

Keith Reid of Procol Harum

Keith Reid of Procol HarumSongwriter Interviews

As Procol Harum's lyricist, Keith wrote the words to "A Whiter Shade Of Pale." We delve into that song and find out how you can form a band when you don't sing or play an instrument.

Graham Nash

Graham NashSongwriter Interviews

Graham Nash tells the stories behind some of his famous songs and photos, and is asked about "yacht rock" for the first time.

80s Video Director Jay Dubin

80s Video Director Jay DubinSong Writing

Billy Joel and Hall & Oates hated making videos, so they chose a director with similar contempt for the medium. That was Jay Dubin, and he has a lot to say on the subject.

Edwin McCain

Edwin McCainSongwriter Interviews

"I'll Be" was what Edwin called his "Hail Mary" song. He says it proves "intention of the songwriter is 180 degrees from potential interpretation by an audience."

Dino Cazares of Fear Factory

Dino Cazares of Fear FactorySongwriter Interviews

The guitarist/songwriter explains how he came up with his signature sound, and deconstructs some classic Fear Factory songs.