Black Hill Sanitarium

King Crimson · Other Songs - King Crimson

I have been in here for way too long

And as i walk the halls at night

I see the other inmates hiding from my eyes

This is for the mentally ill

For those who have lost the will



I have seen the sickness of all mankind

And as i walk the halls at night

I see the other inmates hiding from my eyes



This is for the mentally ill

For those who have lost the will



Black hill sanitarium... they're driving me crazy

Black hill sanitarium... they're driving me crazy here



Gotta get out of here... gotta erase the fear

Gotta get out of here... no more silent tears

Gotta get out of here... no more silent tears



Black hill sanitarium... they're driving me crazy



I am going down, deep into the black of my mind

I've had enough

Therapy in little rooms, i'm lying down in my cocoon

Nothing here could end too soon, i'm lying down

Oh god, i hate those men in white



Oh, those men in white, sticking needles in my mind



And as i walk the halls at night

I see the other inmates hiding from my eyes



This is for the mentally ill

For those who have lost the will



Black hill sanitarium... they're driving me crazy

Black hill sanitarium... they're driving me crazy here



Gotta get out of here... gotta erase the fear

Gotta get out of here... no more silent tears

Black Hill Sanitarium

King Crimson's "Black Hill Sanitarium" stands as a defining track within the band's progressive rock canon, exemplifying the group's signature fusion of complex jazz-influenced improvisation and intricate rhythmic structures. Released during the band's formative years, the recording showcases the ensemble's mastery of extended time signatures and atmospheric textures, characteristic of their work in the late 1960s. The piece serves as a testament to the band's commitment to pushing the boundaries of rock music, blending technical virtuosity with a moody, introspective tone that would influence countless subsequent artists in the progressive and fusion genres. Its enduring legacy lies in its demonstration of King Crimson's ability to create immersive sonic landscapes that challenge traditional song structures while maintaining a cohesive artistic vision.