This is a big fan favorite, one which is often played as the last song of the evening in concerts, so most of the live versions on YT contain languid instrumentals in the background while Hogarth acknowledges the members of the band and sings a "thank-you" to the fans as if it was another version of the chorus from TSE. Hogarth is always better viewed and heard live, but I've always felt the band introductions and thank-you hurt the flow of the song. I've tried to introduce non-fans to Marillion with this song, and gotten some comments like "I'm just not interested in some guy telling me about his childhood and family." I think you have to make a leap into your own memories of your own childhood and your relationship with your parents, and into trying to understand you own blood diamond, this puzzle, that Strange Engine within your own chest, to develop a true love for this epic. The e-bow sounding guitar solo is simply beautiful and hypnotic, one of Rothery's best. In live performances, he gets a fan ovation as the last note of the solo lingers. Thanks for selecting this song, and for reacting to Marillion. More people need to hear their music. BTW, tix for the 2022 Marillion Weekend in Montreal are currently on sale, July 1-3. If your catalog of reactions includes a lot of dead guys and defunct bands, here's a chance to see a great band, with what by now amounts to all its original members, and still making great and highly relevant music. New CD to be released on March 4.
Such a pity you didn't get one of the live performances of this song, it's much more 'beefier' when played live. The lyrics are autobiographical, following the early years of singer Steve Hogarth, with a few bits of artistic licence (his dad had a BSA not a Triumph and they were wasps, not bees that attacked him). Thanks for listening, it's not for everyone is this song
Hmm, I'm a Fish fan. Your first analysis was assassin. For me that was a lesser album. Script for a jester's tear, misplaced childhood are the best. Clutching at straws was more "commercial" but has great songs. Fish has/had a really recognisable sound/voice. Hogarth has a great voice but is too mainstream. It doesn't set Marillion apart. It's mainstream symphonic rock, prog rock or whatever. But hey, who am I?
Useless information by 'some bloke': I tried reading the Silmarillion during highschool days once, but it gave me a hard time due to its deliberately archaic style, I think I made it halfway through.
Another bloke’s take: The Silmarillion has to be approached the same way that you’d approach the Bible. It’s archaic, different, contains poems and songs… but after you finish it, you “get” the whole Tolkien universe.
