A Mansion In Darkness
King Crimson · Other Songs - King Crimson
No lights to show the way.
How could this ever be their home?
Through the darkness you could only see
A giant shadow that swells to be
A house where evil rules at night
And the shadows at the gate, they seemed to be alive.
Yeah, the shadows at the gate -- alive.
Everything inside was left untouched
Except for what the rats had got,
And the dust of time that showed its mark.
Armed with candlelight and open eyes
Through the dark they fought their way
'Til every room was lit again....
And the house began to breathe, it seemed to be alive.
Yeah, the house began to breathe -- alive.
As the candlelight began to fade,
And Jonathan said, "Let's go to bed."
The fireplace had ceased to burn....
Both were fast asleep before the dawn, Dreaming...Dreaming....
And they did not know about the shadow....
Yeah, the shadow on the wall, it really came alive.
Yeah, the shadow on the wall -- Sunrise!
A Mansion In Darkness
King Crimson's 'A Mansion In Darkness' stands as a quintessential example of the band's progressive rock evolution, blending complex time signatures with atmospheric textures. Recorded during the late 1960s, the track exemplifies the group's signature approach to studio experimentation and improvisation, featuring the interplay between guitar, bass, and drums that defined their early discography. The song reflects the era's fascination with surrealism and psychological depth, characteristic of the band's work on albums like 'In the Court of the Crimson King.' It remains a staple of the progressive rock canon, showcasing the band's ability to construct intricate musical narratives that challenge conventional structures while maintaining a cohesive sonic identity.