King Crimson - Epitaph Lyric Video REACTION

[@davidcandelaria4411]

Greg Lake, what a voice! RIP Greg

[@tarbuck1]

The fate of all mankind I see - is in the hands of fools - Jeez, what a lyric - Written in 1969 - - I fear tomorrow I'll be crying - More than relevant today.

[@bukeksiansu2112]

Knowledge is a deadly friend If no one sets the rules The fate of all mankind, I see Is in the hands of fools I feel it's today situation

[@submandave1125]

This has ever been the situation, but the thorny question is who will have the power to "set the rules?" I think a good working definition of tyranny is a desire to legitimize more power when you are in control than you are willing to see wielded by your political opponents when they are in control.

[@charlesmyers8150]

Can't believe Greg Lake and Keith Emerson are gone. They were a huge part of my music experience in the early 70s. Saw them twice in concert then too. 50+ years seemed to suddenly go by so fast when you are 70 like me.

[@jlkoenig4377]

I'm 70 now too, feeling the same. The world doesn't feel right with "family" like Greg and Keith gone... that voice, energy, charisma, gone forever now. Hopefully not forgotten in generations to come.

[@drum2drum3]

@@jlkoenig4377 i'm 70 also, and the world has a hole in it with Greg GONE. there is also a big hole in my heart. MISSING HIS DEEP EMOTIONAL LYRICS AND FULL SPECTRUM SOUND OF HIS MAGICAL, SPIRITUAL, ONE OF A KIND VOICE. RIP GREG ❤🎶🎸❤‍🩹 WE MISS YOU

[@joseangelmartinez9402]

Su majestad. King Crimson!

[@BritIronRebel]

I purchased tickets for a concert in the Winter of 1969. The "warm up band" was King Crimson. I'd never heard of them. To this day I can't remember who the top billed band was... I was so blown away by KC!

[@ThatsMrPencilneck2U]

Somebody from Yes said they, the whole band, went to a King Crimson concert and when they came out, they decided that they needed to practice more.

[@BritIronRebel]

@@ThatsMrPencilneck2U Hahaha... That's funny! Sounds like something Rick Wakeman would say! Have you ever seen the video of Wakeman's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame acceptance speech? He's absolutely hilarious!

[@ThatsMrPencilneck2U]

@@BritIronRebel What was better was when Wakeman narrated behind the scenes of a media show. He pretended it was a practice session, but the band was just killing time, waiting to open the show.

[@1234schiele]

You were so lucky. It’s a bit like when I saw Creame and on the empty stage before it started and I saw about two and a half drum kits and thought no one can use all those . Oh yeh, Ginger could

[@Scottlp2]

@@ThatsMrPencilneck2Uthat’s even more funny because at one point there was discussion about Fripp becoming leader of Yes.

[@robertglisson6319]

It's gratifying to see younger generations being fans of King Crimson, ELP and the classic progressive rock of the 70s that is being forgotten today. The matchless, immortal voice of Greg Lake still gives me chills. As for the meaning of the lyrics, you pretty much nailed it. It is about confusion and fear for the future.

[@ulfingvar1]

Forgotten? By who? Not by the tens of millions of older fans still alive, that's for sure.

[@marvinc9994]

"gratifying" Ah, so THAT's the word I've been looking for! You are 100% correct!😀

[@franciscodiaz183]

The unique voice of Greg Lake. Rest in peace. As you mention, Greg joined with Keith Emerson to form what would become "Emerson, Lake and Palmer" and Peter Sinfield also worked with them as a lyric writer for several of their songs.

[@martinduner1844]

The original is even more emotional imho. One of three Crimson tracks that can bring tears to my eyes. The other two being Starless & Sailor's Tale.

[@BlizzardSeeker]

Yes, the original version cannot be replicated, even by King Crimson.

[@Tehownilator]

@@BlizzardSeeker this version sucks. And to see everyone reacting to it is so sad. It's literally the Karaoke version of the song. The original was a real song. God it's sickening, all I think because when the band broke up it was bad blood and there was conflict over ownership.

[@BlizzardSeeker]

@@Tehownilator I totally agree with you, Greg's timing seem off and the drums are non-representative of the origial...as you said it's Karaoke version.

[@scotcamero5119]

I would definitely add "Islands" (the song, not the album)

[@b1thearchitect401]

Yeah why the fuck is everyone reacting to this? The album version objectively shits on this

[@EdwardGregoryNYC]

One of King Crimson's greatest. Message-wise, nothing ever changes - does it?

[@Kevin6059]

Was thinking the same thing. Damn.

[@albouch]

Seems just as true today as it did in 1969. Almost as if the powers out there want it to sustain, eh?

[@Kevin6059]

@@albouch Exactly

[@anthonyhedberg6471]

You're very insightful. At the time when this was written, the world was facing the very real threat of nuclear annihilation...and it wasn't just paranoia. Gladly, we made it through. Peace! ✌😎

[@matthewroberts2081]

pmsl

[@derekdamms7380]

AN INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL SONG. FANTASTIC VOICE

[@EricZuber-z6l]

My favorite line from the song, "...Knowledge is a deadly friend If no one sets the rules The fate of all mankind I see Is in the hands of fools..."

[@kingscairn]

Sooo pertinent today - AI, Algorythms, Digital world and the WEF, WHO, DAVOS , GLOBALISTS and The One World Order Progressives want to alter HUMANITIES DNA, your childrens minds to delete your past, present and future - Ruled by insanity - Epitaph

[@quentinmichel7581]

The great vocals and bass of Greg Lake. When he left King Crimson after their next/second album to form a new band .. a keyboard based trio. That was 1970 and I never regretted the move - and to this day Emerson, Lake & Palmer is my #1 band. RIP Greg and Keith. As someone else mentioned, Greg DID stay with King Crimson for their second album, IN THE WAKE OF POSEIDON.

[@tobytanzer]

This was written during the Cold War. Fear of a nuclear war was very common. The instruments of death were the ICBMs brightly gleaming. After the fall of the Soviet Union I thought we had made it! I sat back and laughed! Perhaps prematurely...

[@marcelliott1111]

Based on the lyrics : the walls on which the prophets wrote are cracking at the seams... I always pictured Epitaph to be about the middle east. I guess it can work both ways.

[@littlestevey4172]

And now we're all living through it again today sadly!. 😢 F Iran F Russia, etc

[@RalphMcrae-t2v]

You forgot f America the real merchant of evil in the world today.

[@giorgiogaleazzi7111]

Non c'è da stupirci, le musiche dei king Crimson sono di quanto più innovativo che la musica ci ha donato negli ultimi anni, dal loro primo LP In the Court of the Crimson king a tutti gli altri prodotti come Red. La loro musica per grandezza sei contenuti può essere accostata alla classica, operistica, jazz, ne sono testimoni i numerosi concerti a loro dedicati. Di grande livello oltre a quello musicale il contenuto dei messaggi culturali che hanno trasmesso nella loro longeva evoluzione. Grazie siete fantastici

[@1183newman]

Amazing song from an amazing album that helped create a musical genre.

[@rzogheb]

This song is timeless. And especially relevant in our time

[@sanzalure6091]

Tomorrow is now, and effectively, I'm crying.

[@drum2drum3]

GREG LAKE Has a resonance to his voice that is unmatched by anyone. EPITAPH is generously putting emotions into song, not only with voice but genius mellotron sounds and a fantastic arrangement. GREG you are missed by all hearts whom you have touched. R.I.P.

[@chrishopkins4962]

I can listen to this track endlessly and not get tired of hearing it. It is simply the perfect recording.

[@marcelliott1111]

Thanks for playing it, but i should have specified the version from the album Court of the crimson king(with the screaming face artwork) if this version made you emotional , the use of the melotron and Moog synthesizers will devastate you (its just a better version , imo) Also if you like this , there is a mash-up of the song epitaph mixed with Nuclear by Mike Oldfield, there are 2 versions , both are good. 👍

[@hmichaelr1]

My first time hearing this version. I like it almost equally with the album version, but both are surely better when heard through the lens of mind-altering drugs

[@801greg]

With the exception of Greg Lake's voice, this isn't even King Crimson. It's like a midi reproduction made by a fan. I hate that this version has been reposted all over the Internet. The music doesn't even sync up with Greg Lake's vocals properly.

[@deepdivemusicreactions]

haven't thought of Nuclear, but you are right! fits so well together

[@Asymmatrix]

Yes this is a strange alternate version. She should listen to the original.

[@DarkeningSkies1]

100 % agree but just FYI there are no synthesizers on the ItCotCK album. Mellotron, piano and electric harpsichord were the only keys. 👍🏻

[@peterthompson8014]

Greg Lake at his finest

[@brucebrown73]

He was at his very best in Closer to Believing on Works Volume 1

[@JOESOLDROCK]

I appreciate your reaction to the music I listened to when I was you age. Yours is the best reaction so far to this amazing song. Many of our artists are leaving this realm and discovering an infinite supply of inspiration. If only these wonderful souls could return just long enough to sing once more. I have subscribed and will offer a few songs I think you may enjoy. Peace!

[@PumpkinO-rq2be]

When all songs get older But this song is getting newer and newer

[@ralphhathaway-coley5460]

That is the saddest part!

[@submandave1125]

I fell in love with this album the first time I heard it. In sixth grade we did a project where we compiled and discussed of our favorite poems, and I included the lyrics to "Epitaph" as well as "21st Century Schizoid Man."

[@scottpiranian-gr5iw]

Stumbled upon you when I saw that you were reacting to my favorite KC song. The (funeral dirge) melody and lyrics are equally haunting and amazing. Greg Lake’s voice is unmistakable and beautiful. Great choice! Thanks for playing it and thanks for the great reaction. I’m now a subscriber and I look forward to more of your content. RIP Greg and Keith.❤

[@vicprovost2561]

Great album and song, you should do the title track next, In the Court of the Crimson King. They have a long and varied career in various types of prog rock, Robert Fripp, guitar is the only constant member since the beginning and his vision drives the band. One of my top 5 Prog Rock Bands ever, they are glorious! Enjoy. 🎵🎸🎤🎹🎶

[@gilgamesch9272]

Questa canzone è una sorta di epopea fatta con una musica eccezionale e un testo più che mai attuale.Straordinari.complimenti a te per il tuo canale.ciao dall'Italia🇮🇹

[@MrFrikkenfrakken]

This was a bit of a remix, check out the title track of the album but the album version. Robert Fripp playing the mellotron here and Lake's voice is always great. Nice reaction!

[@seph4667]

Robert Fripp, the most gifted of all musicians, created Masterpieces that do not age. Such is the fruit of pure genius, unfettered.

[@vasantiago3038]

RIP: Ian McDonald, Greg Lake. .

[@festeradams3972]

Many of us were around in 68' and know how much closer "Tomorrow" is. I would add an additional observation as well. Music that many of us grew up with in the 60's-70's had its sillier moments, but this is only one example of music that held deep meaning and was superb in its production and performance. It still amazes me (old timer now, late 60's), that although young themselves, something in them knew what aging and loss would be. Give a listen to Simon & Garfunkels "Old Friends" and "Bookends", especially "Bookends". So much is said in so few words....

[@infowarriorone]

King Crimson is the brainchild of Robert Fripp, if you look into him and his influence on modern music then you will find endless reward.

[@peterthompson8014]

Peter Sinfield was a master lyricist.

[@charlieknowlton7003]

If you go from this to an ELP song like From the Beginning or Take a Pebble, you'll imediately catch Greg Lakes voice.

[@johndenny2407]

This generation of musicians, were the kids you see playing in the rubble in the aftermath of World War 2. Yes, most of their music relates to war and destruction, they grew up in it.

[@sveinunglidsheim5828]

Lovely to see young people being interested in early progressive music/art rock. Keeping it alive.

[@montbob100]

great review.one of my favorite K.C songs.In the court of the crimson king is one of the best albums of all time.many years ahead of the time people started realiing it.that album is like an historical prophecy.Also in the wake of poseidon album is great with Greg Lake.

[@gillesgadbois8894]

60's and 70's were the best music years meaning somethings!

[@gbluemoon70]

This is a stunning piece of music… I am glad you have started to explore the world of progressive rock in more detail… try some Uriah Heep as well.

[@MarvLloyd-xt7ut]

Check out Peter Sinfields album called ," Still " he wrote Epitaph ! Glad to hear someone is still listening !❤

[@albouch]

Glad you played the original. Remember this from 1969 - we played this album 2, 3 times a week. Still find it maybe more poinment (sp?) now than then.

[@terencebernard2337]

Another master peice from an English progressive rock band

[@stefanjohansson-cw1ro]

Too bad it isn´t the original album version.

[@ronnie6613]

Absolutely Brilliant 👍... Keep Rockin'🎸 RONNIE Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🙂

[@bsb320]

Great songgggg yepppp great job laurie

[@kevinogracia1615]

Very few songs can emote as this. BTW - Greg Lake worked on KC's second album, too. And... The music is the music and sometimes a cigar is a cigar. Peace on earth.

[@jeffelliott7353]

I don't remember which song, but on ELP's triple live album, they add the chorus of this song onto the end of it. The crowd was quite appreciative.

[@kingscairn]

Way ahead of it's time - BUT - what goes on now - went on then - the same deadly men - controlling our deadly friend - knowledge

[@mikermer8284]

I still can't hold back my tears when I listen to this song.

[@eddieR-yy3sy]

So appropriate right now.

[@michaelgodbold6247]

The fate of all mankind is in the hands of fools,more appt today than in 1969

[@fewwiggle]

The embedded video is "King Crimson - Epitaph (1969) Lyrics Video" from the channel 'Poisons of Rock' -- apparently an early version/mix of the song, not the original album version

[@richardjames7905]

Pete Sinfield was a great lyricist and although Epitaph is apocalyptic he had a more topical range than you have been lead to believe. He was also the lyricist for early Premiata Forneria Marconi aka PFM who recorded on Greg Lake’s Manticore label. He also had a star studded solo album called Still. On this particular track I loved the drumming provided by Michael Giles. This is one of the high points of the Prog Rock ere of the late 60’s and the early 70’s.

[@johnirwin3276]

Remember...... The lyrics, the music, the intention of their moment then... was 1969. Does it match the days we now live in? All aspects of a timeless creation.

[@ThatsMrPencilneck2U]

What made Greg Lake's voice so unusual is that he used no gimmick. He had a perfectly normal tenor's voice, except that it had no flaw, and he could not only do falsetto, but relax his vocal chords to go down to lower registers that men cannot normally perform, see ELP "Living Sin."

[@mickthemerciless9694]

Ànd Greg did not adopt an American accent.John Wetton and Peter Gabriel, Ian Anderson,were the same.

[@TheRKae]

Check out Greg's solo song "Haunted." It's stunning! He goes from way down in the basement to soaring up to the top of his register - totally clean! It's an amazing vocal performance.

[@GreyDabbler]

Thanks so much for this video. Amazing song. I really recommend the original album version. It may just be because I have heard that version 1000 times but I like the vocal pacing better.

[@masudashizue777]

That album cover made a powerful impression on me and I immediately set out to find one. However, King Crimson was quite popular among the military crowd and I had to buy a Japanese pressing off-base.

[@johnhall1262]

Beautiful

[@alanhindmarch4483]

I am listening to “Epitaph” today 3rd November 2023, as the War in Israel and Palestine, The Holy Land / The Promised Land, Rages on. I feel the Song is very relevant today.

[@ys-m31]

one of greatest prog song

[@frankpentangeli7945]

I don't know what version this is, but it's definitely not the original. The timing and synchronicity between the vocals and instruments is way off. Sure sounds like Greg Lake singing, but the rest doesn't sound like King Crimson's studio version. And this was not the only King Crimson album on which Greg Lake played and sang ... he was also part of the group when they recorded their second album, In the Wake of Poseidon.

[@bmac1205]

There was no 'group' on the second album. Everyone except Fripp was a contractor. Lake was already in ELP when he was singing on this album in the recording studio. Lake did this for Fripp in exchange for KC's PA system for ELP to use and keep.

[@SemihSoysal09]

@@bmac1205is there syhnced version of this song, not talking about the original epitaph

[@KevinM2732]

Classic song

[@MisterWondrous]

Masterpiece of a song. This is a strange and different version though. Seems to be missing Fripp's guitar genius, and the vocals seem a little skewed. Check out the version from the album...which is even better. Then check out the title song and 21st century schizoid man. That album launched the progressive music era.

[@Logan-Wolverine]

10 ottobre 1969:inizia la storia del rock progressivo

[@fearlessfruge6445]

Having experienced the times when this album was released 1969, Vietnam War was ongoing. Epitah and 21 first schizoid man , were comments on war and greed of the times.

[@G-MAN1958]

🏆🏆🏆🏆!

[@ralphhathaway-coley5460]

Actually when you remember it was written in the UK in the 1960s it like most prog rock war songs (see Pink Floyd) are more specifically about the damage the two World Wars did to people who lived through one or both of them. London in the 60s still had bomb sites from the blitz and there were a lot of tramps in most cities living rough who had what would now be called PTSD due to WW2.

[@Newfie-zc7ug]

I know for King Crimson fans .....this sounds crazy but in the big picture of rock , I don't think these guys ever got the recognition they deserved. The early albums were 2nd to none in Rock ! JMHO . :)

[@texasredneckhippy]

Isolated acapella version is incredible...

[@montbob100]

Greg Lake was my the best version of King Crimson/,

[@ricklombardi631]

I own a Mellotron 400 - the same one originally used by Fripp and McDonald in EPITAPH. This version is not the best - if one was even used. The best most powerful version was the original version on "in the Court of the Crimson King" by far and the Mellotron sound fantastic on that recordings. Listen to THAT version. Its awesome.

[@onthatdirtroad]

The essential member of KC is Robert Fripp is playing an instrument in this song called the Mellotron. I believe this song is about the ravages of war.

[@RobertWilks-j1m]

robert fripp did not play the mellotron on this album ian mc donald played it

[@onthatdirtroad]

@@RobertWilks-j1m Thanks I stand corrected

[@JeffHopkins76]

timely

[@zambrana95]

Que canal más alegre.🇪🇸

[@ThePrion23]

The fate of all mankind, I see , is in the hand of fools.

[@nesrinkirbas624]

Gerçekten ölümsüz şarkı ve grek lake teşekkürler

[@epicurhyss4014]

One of my desert island pieces of music. As a commenter below mentions, the album version is better though I'm not sure it's on KZbin. There's a wonderful version as well which is mainly Greg Lake's magnificent vocals. Also check out and perhaps react to ELP's "C'est La Vie" and " Still You Turn Me On".

[@Lightmane]

In my opinion, one of the greatest pieces of music ever written, along with Starless, also by King Crimson, and Close to the Edge by YES. Um, this isn't the original version. It's still good, but the original is better, I promise you : )

[@jamiethomas3122]

Wish you would have heard this version, it's alot better imo

[@antonioeasypiano]

"Epitaph" is so beautiful that even my easy piano cover sounds good, check it out!!! 💥🎹

[@Omnatten9]

Unfortunately this is not the original version but it's fascinating that even this version managed to make you emotional

[@greathornedowl1783]

A more relevant message than ever. It's clear this song is about nuclear war.

[@keithhassell3609]

Greg Lake, RIP

[@silvertube52]

Always, always, always go to the ORIGINAL studio recording for your first listen of anything!

[@MarvLloyd-xt7ut]

King Crimson making someone emotional join the club -but I think theres only some people that can hear it or get it ! Yeah the original album is much better !

[@joedouglas9217]

Michael Giles , please!

[@glennthompson1173]

Very underrated drummer.

[@holdencaulfield4230]

Genius drummer, underrated!

[@godbluffvdgg]

Greg Lake's vocals are always haunting...If you haven't heard Father Christmas, from ELP you'll enjoy it...But, Lake's timbre makes anything he sings poignant... This is Remastered, still sounds good but the rawness of the original studio version has more Depth...

[@SuperNevile]

The Father Christmas lyrics were also written by Pete Sinfield. I also like Greg's own 'Lucky Man' written when he was 12; his first song. How it did not find it's way onto the first Crimson Album has always been a mystery for me. There was room, and would have replaced the various noodlings and doodlings after Moonchild (8 minutes of The Illusion). A song fitting with the themes of the rest of the album about a vain-glorious death. But it wasn't included "for reasons". I would have liked to have heard the "Crimson treatment" of the song.

[@godbluffvdgg]

@@SuperNevile The simple reason it didn't make it on Court was because that's Bob Fripp's property...:)... It works great on the first ELP album though...:) I would have liked to have heard Crimso's interpretation too...I can tell you know your prog...What are your 5-10 Favorite albums?

[@SuperNevile]

@@godbluffvdgg WelI, I'm staying before '74 (Graduation): If you count the Moody Blues, they'd be top (1st Five Classics), followed by Crimson, (1st, M&G and 2nd) then Pink Floyd (1st and 2nd). That's 10. I would have included The Yardbirds' RTE. After that I'd struggle. I found ELP a bit overblown, but I have watched Emerson set fire to an organ from a few feet away when it was The Nice, and Gryphon played our college canteen during lunch break which was Nice.

[@VampeyMK]

Weird version. One of my favourite songs but not this version. Greg Lakes vocals are perfect though.

[@governmentflu81]

just a note, not the album version. there's a missing guitar.

[@arthurspencer4385]

Are you familiar with PLANET P PROJECT "PINK WORLD"? GREAT DOUBLE ALBUM.

[@montbob100]

research weird scenes inside Laurel canyon

[@gilles366]

Fear of a nuclear war.

[@Kick278]

Is this Greg Lake's vocal with a different band, (not Crimson?)

[@tonymammarella1526]

I see the war in Vietnam in the song.

[@mr.eggplant866]

It's about the possibility In the aftermath of nuclear war.

[@tonymammarella1526]

@@mr.eggplant866 like Morning dew

[@Newfie-zc7ug]

Shame on me but I've never seen this video either ?

[@thoru4367]

Please react to G-Ilde - My Bag

[@marcelodefranco6182]

Qué version es ésta? No es la original del album..

[@lesimprosdulezardvert1342]

what is this version ?

[@haveabarryniceday238]

I’m not sure I’m gonna do a reaction to the original version later today

[@zambrana95]

Yo te aseguro que no.😂🇪🇸

[@AP-sd1fl]

The original is much better.

[@zambrana95]

@@AP-sd1fl Para ti se que es así.Pero para mi no.Te ha quedado claro está vez.🎶🇪🇸🎶

[@jameslaforce8436]

wat is happing now ty ty ty