King's Lead Hat

Brian Eno

About King's Lead Hat

"King's Lead Hat" is a song written by Brian Eno, released in 1977 as the fifth track from his album Before and After Science. The title is an anagram of "Talking Heads". In 1978, a remixed version of the song was released as a single backed by "R. A. F.", a collaboration with Snatch. Rock critic Lester Bangs described the song "King's Lead Hat" as a track that emphasises "Eno's affinities with new wave in its rushed mechanical rhythms". Eno would later produce Talking Heads' second, third and fourth albums, including Remain in Light (1980).  


Year:
1993
3:55
114 
#1

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Dark alley (dark alley) black star
Four turkeys in a big black car
The road is shiny (bright shine) the wheels slide
Four turkeys going for a dangerous ride
The lacquer crackles (black tar) the engines roar
A ship was turning broadside to the shore
Splish splash I was raking in the cash
The biology of purpose keeps my nose above the surface (OOH)
King's lead hat put the innocence inside her, it will come, it will come, it will surely come
King's lead hat was a mother to desire, it will come, it will come, it will surely come
In New Delhi (smelly Delhi) and Hong Kong
They all know that it won't be long
I count my fingers (digit counter) as night falls
And draw bananas on the bathroom walls
The killer cycles (humdrum) the killer hertz
The passage of my life is measured out in shirts
Time and motion (motion carried) time and tide
All I know and all I have is time and time and tide is on my side
King's lead hat put the poker in the fire, it will come, it will come, it will surely come
King's lead hat was a mother to desire, it will come, it will come, it will surely come
The weapon's ready (ready Freddy) the guns purr
The satellite distorts his voice to a slur
He gives orders (finger pie) which no one hears
The king's hat fits over their ears
He takes his modicate (indecipherable) cold turpentine
He tries to dial out 999999999
He dials reception (moving finger) he's all alone
He's just a victim of the telephone
King's lead hat made the Amazon much wider, it will come, it will come, it will surely come
King's lead hat put the poker in the fire, it will come, it will come, it will surely come
King's lead hat was a mother to desire, it will come, it will come, it will surely come
King's lead hat put the innocence inside her, it will come, it will come, it will surely come
King's lead hat was a hammer to desire, it will come, it will come, it will surely come.

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Brian Eno

Brian Peter George St. John le Baptiste de la Salle Eno, RDI (born 15 May 1948 and originally christened Brian Peter George Eno), professionally known as Brian Eno or simply as Eno ( /ˈiːnoʊ/[citation needed]), is an English musician, composer, record producer, singer, and visual artist, known as one of the principal innovators of ambient music. more »

1 fan

Written by: BRIAN ENO

Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Anagram Fun
"King's Lead Hat" is an anagram of "Talking Heads", an American rock band Brian Eno admired and worked with.
Album Recognition
The song is a part of "Before and After Science", Brian Eno's fifth studio album, which was released in 1977.
Genre
The song has elements of new wave and post-punk, highlighting Brian Eno's versatility as a musician.
Inspiration
Brian Eno intended "King's Lead Hat" to be in the style of the band "Talking Heads", reflecting his desire to produce for them.
Collaborations
Robert Fripp, the guitarist from King Crimson, contributed to the guitar solo in "King's Lead Hat".
Live Performances
Despite its popularity, "King's Lead Hat" was never performed live by Brian Eno.
Music Video
Unlike many of Eno's songs, "King's Lead Hat" doesn't have an official music video.
Prominent Instruments
The song features prominent use of the drums and synthesizer, typical of Eno's style during the 1970s.
Failed Plans
Brian Eno originally aimed to have "Talking Heads" perform "King's Lead Hat", but due to scheduling conflicts, the plan didn't materialize.
Reception
Though not a commercial hit, "King's Lead Hat" has gained a cult following and is considered a standout track on "Before and After Science".
Songwriting Style
"King's Lead Hat" is a testament to Eno's unique songwriting approach, combining abstract experimental elements with accessible pop melodies.
Unusual title
The title of the song, like many of Eno's works, is unusual and cryptic, sparking curiosity and discussion among listeners.

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