Explanation of Song Elements

Explanations Of Song Elements

Preface: As a companion for Marillion fans, the explanations collected here are designed to help the listener to understand some of the finer points of Marillion that may well be missed without assistance. Marillion’s lyrics, particularly those of Fish have always been characterised by their rich use of imagery. This often means literary, historical, mythological, British references. Not missing these subtle but crucial points helps you get the most out of Marillion. By knowing the background of the songs, enjoyment is much increased.

Explanations can be broken down into several categories:

1. British references: There are several terms which only someone with a good knowledge of the Queen's English could be expected to understand -- using words and expressions unknown to the rest of the world. There are also several terms which only someone with a good knowledge of Scotland could be expected to understand - using words and expressions unknown to the rest of the world.

2. Allusions to history, mythology, and literature: Marillion songs have a wealth of allusions to just about everything in classical Western culture, modern culture, and everything in between! We have tried to catalogue as many of these as possible.

3. Miscellaneous: things which do not exactly explain anything, but which clear up common misconceptions and give a background to the songs.

Interpretation of the songs, i.e. telling "what they mean", is not the goal of this document, although Torch has given interpretations which I’ve left largely intact. These are very roughly in chronological order by the albums, but b sides are dealt with after each parent album.

There has been no direct input from band members, unless from printed material or conversations with Freaks, and it should not be assumed that any information contained within this document has the sanction of anyone connected with Marillion. Much of the information here has been taken from Pears Cyclopedia 1995-1996 (pub. 1995, Pelham Books) and Brewer’s Dictionary Phrase and Fable (pub. 1996, Helicon Publishing), to which we are indebted. Buy these fine reference works and you too can spend your life nit-picking!

Some people may be tempted to find a similarity between this work and that of Scott McMahan’s Genesis Discography. There is a simple explanation of this: We copied his idea. We hereby admit that we stole the whole concept from him, because, frankly, we couldn’t have done a better job ourselves. If he gets half as much enjoyment from this as we got from his discography, then we’ll have had twice the enjoyment as he’s had. Thanks for the idea, Scott!

Any additions or submissions would be gratefully received, and fully credited.
Please email me (Fraser Marshall) privately on james_fraser.marshall@virgin.net and put ‘MARIL - ELEMENTS’ in your subject header. We reserve the right to edit any submissions.

The pages (and more) are also available at Fraser Marshall's own site now: http://freespace.virgin.net/james_fraser.marshall/Marillion/Firstpage.htm

It may well be anally retentive, but it’s fun.

Slaìnte Mhath

Fraser Marshall & Matthew Anderson,
Editors