21st Century Schizoid Man

Before a live performance of the song on December 14, 1969, Robert Fripp said that the song was dedicated to "an American political personality whom we all know and love dearly. His name is Spiro Agnew." Agnew was the thirty-ninth Vice President of the United States (and the first Greek American to serve in that capacity), serving under President Richard Nixon, and the 55th Governor of Maryland. He was also the first Greek American governor in United States history.

"Schizoid" is a personality disorder. It's often associated with multiple personalities, but the medical definition is extreme social withdrawal and trouble forming personal relationships. The lyrics, which were written by Pete Sinfield, take us inside the mind of a troubled individual with dark imagery and references to the Vietnam War ("innocents raped with napalm fire"). Sinfield, who started out as the band's roadie/lighting director, was their lyricist. Along with Keith Reid of Procol Harum, he's the most prominent member of a major band who did not sing or play an instrument with the act. Sinfield has said that the lyrics of this song are about "justice and injustice."

After extensive rehearsal, the band recorded the basic track in one take, with all four members playing together at the same time. Greg Lake (later the guitarist for Emerson, Lake & Palmer) was on bass and added the vocals, and Robert Fripp played guitar. These two grew up together and had the same guitar teacher, so by the time they formed King Crimson they were very much in sync. Ian McDonald played saxophone on the track, and Michael Giles was on drums. Lake and McDonald came up with the distinctive riff for the song, although all four players are credited for composing the music.