Touch And Go

Emerson Lake and Palmer's song 'Touch And Go' delves into the chaotic and often unforgiving nature of modern life. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a man constantly on the move, with no time to rest or enjoy the finer things in life, symbolized by the reference to 'no Patek Phillippe,' a luxury watch brand. This relentless pace is likened to 'running with the devil,' suggesting a dangerous and high-stakes existence where every moment is precarious and uncertain.

The song also explores themes of societal pressure and the feeling of being trapped. The line 'They're leaving you nothing nowhere to go' reflects a sense of entrapment and lack of options, while 'put you in the corner like an old banjo' evokes the image of being discarded and undervalued. The breaking strings of the banjo symbolize the wear and tear of constant pressure, yet the inability to say no highlights the struggle to break free from these constraints.

Furthermore, 'Touch And Go' critiques the superficiality and materialism prevalent in society. The woman 'drippin' in diamonds from head to toe' on a TV show represents the false ideals and unattainable standards that media often promotes. This imagery underscores the song's message about the deceptive nature of appearances and the hollow pursuit of status. The recurring motif of 'running with the devil' ties all these elements together, emphasizing the perilous and unpredictable nature of navigating through life's challenges.