The Incredible String Band were a psychedelic folk band from England, most active in the 1960’s and 70’s. They are one of Genesis Breyer P-Orridge’s bands of that sort (having served in a mime troupe that collaborated with the Band on occasion) and one of mine. They boast the largest quantity of overtly occult themed lyrics of any group to have achieved some modicum of mainstream recognition and done it without boasting of the fact. At a certain point they unfortunately lapsed into Scientology – in fact Beck has mentioned ISB founder Robin Williamson being a regular visitor to the Hansen home during his childhood. BUT before that happened, they spun out tons of lovely, mysticism soaked songs. In my opinion they were partial to the Golden Dawn and Gardnerian Wicca. Here’s a cute song called “The Juggler’s Song” from their album “U”
Gather round friends and I’ll show you what I made,
Something in my bag that’ll surprise you all
It’s a secret, don’t push, I’m not ready
Something to dazzle your eyes-o
Something to blow your mind away,
Something that I made today
The first little ball is red and green
Oh it’s pretty
Yes I know what you mean
I call it Substance, do dio dio do
And what it will do I just don’t know
But the trees may whisper and the hills may grow
While it’s changing
The first and only juggler, I must be the best
I love to see the rings spin, never at rest
Up in the air and back to me
What it will do I just can’t see
Something to blow your mind away,
Something that I made today
The next little ball is silver and black
See it chase the first one forward and back
I call it Space, do dio dio do
What it will do I just don’t know
But it seems to make a difference just to have it so
While it’s changing
The next little ball is too hot to hold
I have to keep tossing it and I hope it gets cold
I call it Power do dio dio dio
What it will do I just don’t know
But it seems to make the whole thingummywhojemyflippery rattle and go
While it’s changing
Something to blow your mind away,
Something that I made today
The next little ball is orange and blue
I can’t juggle four so I’ll toss it to you
And I call it Time…
