Garden Party

Marillion

About Garden Party

"Garden Party (The Great Cucumber Massacre)" is a song by the British neo-progressive rock band Marillion. It was the second single released from their debut album Script for a Jester's Tear. It reached number 16 in the UK Singles Chart in 1983, the band's biggest singles chart success prior to 1985. The song is a parody of social elitism and snobbery. The B-side is a live version of "Margaret" (recorded at Edinburgh Playhouse, 7 April 1983). The 12" single includes a live version of "Charting The Single" (recorded at Hammersmith Odeon, 18 April 1983). A CD replica of the single was also part of a collectors box-set released in July 2000 which contained Marillion's first twelve singles and was re-issued as a 3-CD set in 2009 (see The Singles '82-'88). 


Year:
1996
74 
#2

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Garden Party held today, invites call the debs to play,
Social climbers polish ladders, wayward sons again have fathers,
Edgy eggs and queing cumbers, rudely wakened from their slumber,
Time has come again for slaughter on the lawns by still Cam waters

Champagne corks are firing at the sun again
Swooping swallows chased by violins again

Straafed by Strauss they sulk in crumbling eaves again
Oh God not again, not again
Apertifs consumed en masse display their owners on the grass
Couples loiter in the cloisters, social leeches quoting Chaucer
Doctor's son a parson's daughter where why not and should they oughta

Please don't lie on the grass, unless accompanied by a fellow,
(May I be so bold as to suggest Othello)
Punting on the Cam is jolly fun they say
Beagling on the downs Oh please come they say
Rugger is the tops a game for men they say

(They say)
Thank God they say
I'm punting, I'm beagling, I'm wining, reclining, I'm rucking, I'm fucking 
So welcome, it's a party 

Angie chalks another blue, mother smiles she did it too
Chitters chat and gossips lash
Posers pose pressmen flash, flash, flash
Smiles polluted with false charm, locking onto Royal arms,
Society columns now ensured, return to mingle with the crowds
Oh what a crowd

Punting on the Cam, oh please do come they say 
Beagling on the downs, oh please so come they say 
Garden party held today they say 
Oh please do come, oh please do come, they say

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Marillion

Marillion are a British rock band, formed in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, England, in 1979. Their recorded studio output since 1982 is composed of seventeen albums generally regarded in two distinct eras, delineated by the departure of original frontman Fish in late 1988, and the subsequent arrival of replacement Steve Hogarth in early 1989. All four albums released with Fish were commercial successes, and the band released eleven Top 40 hits on the UK Singles Chart, including 1985's "Kayleigh", which reached No. 2 and became their biggest hit single. more »

2 fans

Written by: IAN MOSLEY, MARK KELLY, PETER TREWAVAS, STEVE HOGARTH, STEVE ROTHERY

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Creation Story
"Garden Party" is a song by the British rock band Marillion. The band claims it originated in a jam session during the recording of their debut album "Script for a Jester's Tear".
Popular Ranking
It was released as the second single off of the album in 1983. This single subsequently reached No. 16 on the UK Singles Chart, making it the band's second top 20 hit.
Lyrics Inspiration
The lyrics were inspired by lead singer Fish's experiences of the music industry parties at the time. The lyrics contain a thinly veiled snipe at the pretensions of the 'elitist' public school system in the UK.
The Keyboard Role
The song features a distinct keyboard riff from Mark Kelly, which is one of Marillion's most recognisable pieces of music.
Album Reception
While the album "Script for a Jester's Tear" received mixed reviews at the time, it's now seen as a classic of the neo-progressive rock genre and "Garden Party" is one of its standout tracks.
Verses Description
As for the song's construct, it is composed of several verses, each followed by a chorus, and two extended instrumental sections.
Song Lineup
The song was performed by the band's original lineup, which consisted of Fish (vocals), Steve Rothery (guitar), Pete Trewavas (bass), Mark Kelly (keyboards), and Mick Pointer (drums).
Live Performances
"Garden Party" became a concert staple for the band and is frequently performed at live shows.
Music Video
The music video for the song, like the band's other early videos, features Fish performing in mime makeup, in homage to the album's cover art.
Chart Position
Interestingly, despite reaching a higher chart position, "Garden Party" sold less than their debut single "Market Square Heroes".

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