The Minotaur's Song

Album: The Hangman's Beautiful Daughter (1968)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • In Greek mythology, the Minotaur was a creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull. This surreal music-hall parody is sung from the point of view of the mythical beast. The Incredible String Band's Mike Williamson recalled to Mojo in 2017:

    "The Minotaur's Song was inspired by Gilbert & Sullivan and it had a humorous quality, but it was about the war machine. The world was less troubling then. It was easier to be humorous about things like that."

Comments: 2

  • Charli from LondonMike Williamson? Mike Heron and / or Robin Williamson
  • Lasse Hinkkanen from Jyvaskyla FinlandTo my ears it sounds very much like Monty Python's Lumberjack Song.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Spooner Oldham

Spooner OldhamSongwriter Interviews

His keyboard work helped define the Muscle Shoals sound and make him an integral part of many Neil Young recordings. Spooner is also an accomplished songwriter, whose hits include "I'm Your Puppet" and "Cry Like A Baby."

Hawksley Workman

Hawksley WorkmanSongwriter Interviews

One of Canada's most popular and eclectic performers, Hawksley tells stories about his oldest songs, his plentiful side projects, and the ways that he keeps his songwriting fresh.

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo Lyric

Wherefore Art Thou Romeo LyricMusic Quiz

In this quiz, spot the artist who put Romeo into a song lyric.

Jon Anderson of Yes

Jon Anderson of YesSongwriter Interviews

From the lake in "Roundabout" to Sister Bluebird in "Starship Trooper," Jon Anderson talks about how nature and spirituality play into his lyrics for Yes.

Stan Ridgway

Stan RidgwaySongwriter Interviews

Go beyond the Wall of Voodoo with this cinematic songwriter.

The Real Nick Drake

The Real Nick DrakeSong Writing

The head of Drake's estate shares his insights on the late folk singer's life and music.