Epitaph

King Crimson's 'Epitaph' is a song that delves into the existential fears and uncertainties of the human condition, particularly in the face of technological advancement and the potential for self-destruction. The lyrics, rich with metaphor and imagery, paint a picture of a world on the brink of collapse, where the wisdom of the past is being ignored, and the future is uncertain.

The opening lines speak of a wall where prophets wrote, which is now cracking, symbolizing the breakdown of society's foundational truths and moral compass. The 'instruments of death' could refer to the weapons of war, and the sunlight gleaming on them suggests a perverse beauty in destruction. The song questions whether anyone will remember or honor the fallen when the world is overwhelmed by chaos and silence. The recurring theme of confusion as the singer's epitaph suggests a personal struggle to find meaning and direction in a world that seems to be spiraling out of control.

The second verse introduces the 'iron gates of fate' and the 'seeds of time,' indicating that the course of history is determined by the actions of those with knowledge and power. However, the song warns that knowledge without wisdom or ethical guidance can lead to disastrous consequences. The phrase 'the fate of all mankind I see is in the hands of fools' is a stark reminder of the potential for human folly to lead to our collective downfall. The song's haunting refrain, expressing fear of crying tomorrow, captures the anxiety of living in a world where the future is fraught with uncertainty and the potential for tragedy.