Pride of Man

Quicksilver Messenger Service

About Pride of Man

"Pride of Man" is a 1964 song by Hamilton Camp. It is Camp's best-known composition. Rife with apocalyptic imagery and religious language ("Can't you see that flash of fire / Ten times brighter than the day... Shout a warning to the nations that the sword of God is raised / On Babylon that mighty city, rich in treasure, wide in fame... Oh God, the pride of man, broken in the dust again"), the song was written shortly after Camp's initiation into the Subud spiritual movement."Pride of Man" debuted on Camp's 1964 album Paths Of Victory, but achieved more notice when covered by Gordon Lightfoot on his 1966 debut album Lightfoot!. "Pride of Man" was the opening track on Quicksilver Messenger Service's eponymous 1968 debut album and was released as a single on the B side of "Dino's Song"; Rolling Stone described this version as having been "carr[ied] off admirably". Quicksilver Messenger Service regularly performed the song in concert. Gram Parsons' cover was included on the album Another Side of This Life: The Lost Recordings of Gram Parsons, released in 2000 but recorded in 1965 and 1966. The song has been covered by other musicians, such as Tony Rice on Church Street Blues (1983) and Ted Quinn on Help Wanted. Camp's version of the song was re-released on the 2006 five-disc compilation album Forever Changing — The Golden Age Of Elektra Records - 1963-1973 


Year:
1992
413 
#1

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Turn around,
Go back down,
Back the way you came,
Can't you see that flash of fire ten times brighter than the day?

And behold a mighty city broken in the dust again,
Oh God, Pride of Man, broken in the dust again.
Turn around,
Go back down,

Back the way you came,
Babylon is laid to waste, Egypt's buried in her shame,
The mighty men are all beaten down, their kings are fallen in the ways,
Oh God, Pride of Man, broken in the dust again.

Turn around,
Go back down,
Back the way you came,
Terror is on every side, lo our leaders are dismayed.

For theose who place their faith in fire, their faith in fire shall be
Repayed,
Oh God, Pride of Man, broken in the dust again.
Turn around,

Go back down,
Back the way you came,
And shout a warning unto the nation that the sword of God is raised.
Yes, Babylon, that mighty city, rich in treasures, wide in fame,

Oh God, Pride of Man, broken in the dust again.
The meek shall cause your tower to fall, make a new pyre of flame,
Oh you who dwell on many waters, rich in treasures, wide in fame.
You bow unto your God of gold, your pride of might shall be a shame,

For only God can lead His people back unto the Earth again.
Oh God, Pride of Man, broken in the dust again.
A Holy mountain be restored, and mercy on that people, that people...

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Quicksilver Messenger Service

Quicksilver Messenger Service is an American psychedelic rock band formed in 1965 in San Francisco. They were most famous for the single "Fresh Air," from the album Just for Love, which was their biggest hit, reaching No. 49 in 1970. more »

2 fans

Written by: HAMILTON CAMP

Lyrics © Warner Chappell Music, Inc.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


14 facts about this song

Pride of Man" Original Artist
The song "Pride of Man" was originally performed by folk musician Hamilton Camp.
Release Date
"Pride of Man” was first released by Hamilton Camp in 1964.
Hamilton Camp's Influence
Hamilton Camp was a significant personality in the 1960s folk revival.
Camp's Other Works
Besides being a musician, Camp was also an actor known for his performances in film and television.
Song's Popularity
Despite its striking lyrics and powerful message, the song did not gain widespread recognition until it was covered by other artists.
Quicksilver Messenger Service
A San Francisco-based psychedelic rock band, the Quicksilver Messenger Service, is one of the most famous bands to cover Hamilton Camp's "Pride of Man."
Quicksilver Version's Release Date
The band's version of "Pride of Man" was included in their debut studio album, released in 1968.
Song Modification
When performing "Pride of Man," the Quicksilver Messenger Service made slight changes to the lyrics and delivery, giving it a psychedelic rock twist.
Song’s Popularity Boost
The Quicksilver Messenger Service's version of the song gave "Pride of Man" a new lease of life, making it popular among a different audience.
Album’s Success
The Quicksilver Messenger Service's debut album, featuring "Pride of Man," was well received and is often considered one of the best psychedelic albums from the San Francisco scene.
Message of the Song
"Pride of Man" is a cautionary song about hubris and the potential downfall of civilization as a result of human arrogance and recklessness.
Continued Influence
Over the years, the song has been covered by other artists and bands, attesting to its enduring appeal and influence.
Live Performances
Quicksilver Messenger Service often performed "Pride of Man" in their live shows, further enhancing the song's popularity.
Song's Endurance
Over half a century since its initial release, "Pride of Man" remains a beloved and relevant song among fans of folk and rock music.

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