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

Cheerleaders In Music Videos

Cheerleaders In Music VideosSong Writing

It started with a bouncy MTV classic. Nirvana and MCR made them scary, then Gwen, Avril and Madonna put on the pom poms.

Shaun Morgan of Seether

Shaun Morgan of SeetherSongwriter Interviews

Shaun breaks down the Seether songs, including the one about his brother, the one about Ozzy, and the one that may or may not be about his ex-girlfriend Amy Lee.

Real or Spinal Tap

Real or Spinal TapMusic Quiz

They sang about pink torpedoes and rocking you tonight tonight, but some real lyrics are just as ridiculous. See if you can tell which lyrics are real and which are Spinal Tap in this lyrics quiz.

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull

Ian Anderson of Jethro TullSongwriter Interviews

The flautist frontman talks about touring with Led Zeppelin, his contribution to "Hotel California", and how he may have done the first MTV Unplugged.

Stan Ridgway

Stan RidgwaySongwriter Interviews

Go beyond the Wall of Voodoo with this cinematic songwriter.

Dar Williams

Dar WilliamsSongwriter Interviews

A popular contemporary folk singer, Williams still remembers the sticky note that changed her life in college.