The Hollow Man
Marillion · Official Bootleg Box Set 2 [2010]
As I shine on the outside more these days
I can feel the outside feeding on my inside
Leaves a growing darkness in it's place
I think I have become one of the hollow men
I think I have become one of the lonely
Now that everybody talks to me
I feel I have become one of the empty
Hollow men can stop you with the twinkling of an eye
Hollow men can take you without even reaching out
Hollow men have got you long before you realise
The poison paralyses
I think I have become one of a pair of men
It's a feeling I've been having for some time
I look down upon myself and watch my movements
A blind eye sees the fragile vandalised
Watch this cold world dishing up these endless hollow men
Find us anywhere you look
Come and meet our friends
Stand us in our silly clothes
Put our batteries in
Line us up like fairground ducks
Watch us grin and grin
See the lies behind our eyes
See the will to win
We'll buy you and we'll sell you
But perhaps we'll save your skin
Sit quietly and listen to the breeze
The hollow and the lonely listen too
Sniff the air for something we can use
We're tin-hard and we rattle when we're shaken
The Hollow Man
Marillion's 'The Hollow Man' stands as a defining track from their progressive rock era, showcasing the band's signature blend of intricate guitar work and soaring vocals. Originally recorded during the late 1980s, the song exemplifies the group's ability to weave complex musical structures with emotional depth, a hallmark of their discography. Featured on the 'Official Bootleg Box Set 2 [2010]', this recording captures the raw energy and technical proficiency that characterized Marillion's live performances and studio output of that period. The composition reflects the band's commitment to pushing boundaries within the progressive rock genre, offering listeners a glimpse into their creative process and the atmospheric soundscapes they crafted during their most influential years.