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Porcupine Tree — Prodigal
Album: In Absentia
Avg rating:
7.4

Your rating:
Total ratings: 1449









Released: 2002
Length: 5:32
Plays (last 30 days): 0
I don't know whose side I'm on
I don't think that I belong 'round here
If I left the stage would that be wrong?

I tried to find myself a better way
I got religion but I went astray
They took my money and I lost my faith

Rain keeps crawling down the glass
The good times never seem to last
Close your eyes and let the thought pass

I tried the capsule and I tried the smoke
I tried to aid escape like normal folk
But I never seemed to get the joke

Rain keeps crawling down the glass
The good times never seem to last
Close your eyes and let the thought pass
(Close your eyes and let it pass)

These are my old clothes
This is a new low
This is my blood flow
This is my headstone

I spend the days with all my friends
They're the ones on whom my life depends
I'm gonna miss them when the series ends

Rain keeps crawling down the glass
(Pull yourself together)
The good times never seem to last
(You know it's not so bad)
Close your eyes and let the thought pass
(Close your eyes and let it pass)
Comments (170)add comment
2024-01-19, ~23:42 CST here in the US, Porcupine Tree "Prodigal" playing ... RP has been rocking out of its mind for at least 3-4 straight! It's something more than the usual high-quality fare.... not sure why, but the hair on the back of my neck is standing up!

Long live RP in all of its manifestations!
Gavin just lights it up in this one! The guitar-jamming is something truly next-level, as well! Outstanding stuff!
I'm not highly high on PT's 2022 sound.  It's great musicianship--Wilson guitars it, Gavin makes the drums WORK--but it's more lyric-free prog art instrumental and so far seems to lack any crescendos like this one, much less sonic tsunamis like Dark Matter.  That '90s into '00s sound was OFF. THE. CHARTS. ENGAGING.  The '22 output is less....intriguing.  
 wilsonlb wrote:


Love Porcupine Tree! But c'mon man - they are not better than Floyd

I love and own lots of PF but Wilson and PT's writing is better, the sonic scapes are just as or more original, the music is as tight, perhaps even tighter, the full range genres is more interesting.  

I prefer Wilson's lyrics on average and prefer his more relaxed political attitude.
Calling Relayer.

Porcupine Tree is BAAACK!
 westslope wrote:

LOL!   

Sounds nothing like Pink Floyd.  Porcupine Tree is better.


Love Porcupine Tree! But c'mon man - they are not better than Floyd
“ spend the days with all my friends They're the ones on whom my life depends I'm gonna miss them when the series ends” What perfect lyrics for this pandemic, streaming world we now live in…
 adib wrote:

Weird, this came with a previous of '4' from me.  There's no way I would have knowingly given it a '4'.  Now corrected to '8', where it belongs


Try 10.
 bizon wrote:

"The lunatic is on the grass..." Someone's certainly wearing their Pink Floyd influence on their sleeve.


LOL!   

Sounds nothing like Pink Floyd.  Porcupine Tree is better.
 tinypriest wrote:

Public Service Announcement: Please pay for RP. Send them $5 a month or MORE. I give and we should all do so. Nothing stays free. Support Radio Paradise. (I'm not paid to say this, just a fan, who pays for you to enjoy).




I agree with tinypriest.  With the demise of progressive rock FM radio, there are few alternatives.  Bill's product is a GODSEND and we must support it.  I do.
Public Service Announcement: Please pay for RP. Send them $5 a month or MORE. I give and we should all do so. Nothing stays free. Support Radio Paradise. (I'm not paid to say this, just a fan, who pays for you to enjoy).
timeless
This song just gets better and better the more I hear it.
I tried purchasing this song via the MP3 link on the RP site, but it took me to an Amazon page where it said it wasn't available. Just posting this to let Bill know.
 Stodoroff wrote:
Bad. And I detect a Kashmir rip-off.
 

Uh, I’m not sure that’s a thing we’re worried about. Agree with the “bad” part.
 Stodoroff wrote:
Bad. And I detect a Kashmir rip-off.
 
?
Bad. And I detect a Kashmir rip-off.
 bizon wrote:
"The lunatic is on the grass..." Someone's certainly wearing their Pink Floyd influence on their sleeve.
 

Lay Lady, Lay.
Weird, this came with a previous of '4' from me.  There's no way I would have knowingly given it a '4'.  Now corrected to '8', where it belongs
 chinaski wrote:
he mentioned that PT had run it's course, served it's purpose and that he and his colleagues are now on to other artistic endeavors.
 
I have heard the same from SW, and it always disappoints me.  His solo work is amazing, but I love the stronger prog direction that he took with PT.  With the last album, he is further distancing himself from Prog, but still doing an exceptional job of writing. 
 westslope wrote:

In passing, is there anybody here that believes that Wilson could crank the work he does while stoned on weed, heavily drinking and experimenting with a bunch of other drugs?


While some have argued in the past that mind altering drugs can be creative, I think that SW may have experimented, and used that inspiration to write but music, but not that he experimented with drugs to create music.  I don't even know if what I said there makes sense.  :)

I tried the capsule and I tried the smoke
I tried to aid escape like normal folk
But I never seemed to get the joke
The lyrics are auto-biographical.  This one of many Steven Wilson anti-blotto statements if you pay attention carefully.  He devoted an entire album to that theme, two albums after this one.  

In passing, is there anybody here that believes that Wilson could crank the work he does while stoned on weed, heavily drinking and experimenting with a bunch of other drugs?

Rain keeps crawling down the glass
The good times never seem to last
Close your eyes and let the thought pass
(Close your eyes and let it pass)
These are my old clothes
This is a new low
This is my blood flow
This is my headstone

Any activity like performing, political activism or journalism in a war zone can generate super highs followed by super lows.  PTSD-like symptoms can be caused by good experiences, not just bad ones.  In my view, this is what Wilson is going on about. 


Steven Wilson is on tour - he'll be at the Fillmore in San Francisco on May 11th. Should get an RP contingent together. {#Dancingbanana_2}{#Guitarist}
I bought this CD several times over - I was always giving it to people I knew would like it. Instant hit - especially among my prog-loving friends from college days.
Often posted here regarding PT is the question as to whether there will ever be another PT album or tour. I saw Steven Wilson's Hand Cannot Erase tour when it came to Dallas November of 2016 and in the course of audience dialogue between songs and sets he mentioned that PT had run it's course, served it's purpose and that he and his colleagues are now on to other artistic endeavors. That satisfied my own curiosity and considering his ongoing output and that of his associates I have no regret. I fondly recall my first exposure to PT years ago which was right here on RP when a track from Deadwing was playing and I was roped right in. Thank you Bill and RadioParadise for keeping PT in rotation. Some commenters remark that PT is overplayed on RP. Hm. Naaaaaah.
 westslope wrote:

I have no idea how you get that message out of this song.

It must be the me, myself and I mood that surrounds you in DC.   You know the:  "How many American lives can we afford to sacrifice for land and water in the Mid-East"  attitude.  

Remember:  Ask not what you can do for your country, but rather what your fellow Americans can sacrifice for narrow special-interest goals.  

 
Hm not sure if you understood what was meant to say?
{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}
{#Music}
 rdo wrote:
Anti social——-I like it!
 
I have no idea how you get that message out of this song.

It must be the me, myself and I mood that surrounds you in DC.   You know the:  "How many American lives can we afford to sacrifice for land and water in the Mid-East"  attitude.  

Remember:  Ask not what you can do for your country, but rather what your fellow Americans can sacrifice for narrow special-interest goals.  

I tried the capsule and I tried the smoke
I tried to aid escape like normal folk
But I never seemed to get the joke

Maybe this is is not an anti-drug message but rather an anti-blotto message. 


Everything Steven Wilson touches gets gold! This is magic{#Daisy}!!!!!!!!!
On the one hand, I love the anti-social elements of their music...on the other hand, they seem like pretentious whiners...either way, it is solid music and this is my favorite song by them...
Well put Relayer.

PT is better than Pink Floyd.

Note the anti-drug sentiment.   
I've said it many times before; Porcupine Tree is the only band I see fit to inherit the Pink Floyd title of prog rock gods.  Concept albums, music experimentation, rejection of pop culture music, refusal to sell out, complex song writing, and stellar production.


If you ever saw PT or Steve Wilson's new band you will hear greatness.
Anti social-----I like it!
Good music is good music. And if it reminds of another, well, what has that other band done lately?
Sorry PT fans but I've got to agree with several of the other detractors - based on this track they just sound like a Floyd tribute act to me (although I haven't heard much of their other stuff)
This is a great song. 80's, 40's, 50's... who cares what era. Good is good.
80's sounding, but not in a good way...
Why do these guys get so much RP airplay when all sound they like is a rehash of 80's Yes?
11
I'm liking this alot.
 That_SOB wrote:
 When the last humanoid on earth talks of Pink Floyd in endearing 

tones, 

 
Humanoids? Well, at least we've finally figured out just exactly who constitute the bulk of Floyd fandom.

If I hear "Wish You Were Here" one more time, I will plotz. Never thought that would become a "button" song (ie, makes me reach for the "off" button) but there ya go. 
 Canlistener wrote:

Nah..something better than Pink Floyd.
 
Agree 100%.  

 Canlistener wrote:

Nah..something better than Pink Floyd.
  

 

Say WHAT ?? When the last humanoid on earth talks of Pink Floyd in endearing
tones, PT will have long been a lost memory. While I like PT , they just don't have
the genius of invention, creation, attraction, pioneering, and a merge of their music with
the minds of hundreds of millions of music loves all over the globe. PF is an institution and
a damn hard act  to follow .. So I'm giving your critique a 1, if you repent and purge yourself
of heresy there may be hope for you —-The gods of music are forgiving but their tolerance 
wears thin when words of a heathen smack like a kick to the shins. REPENT  I TELL YOU @!!{#Meditate}


One can hear a lot of influences in PT's music, but ultimately, they have forged their own unique sound.  Great stuff.
Hey, this is cool - love the guitar...
 bluedot wrote:
Pink Floyd 2?
 
Nah..something better than Pink Floyd.
Very nice!
Pink Floyd 2?
Prodigal definitely has a bittersweet edge to it   {#Yes}    (My fav used to always be Gravity Eyelids, but you know how favorites shift and shimmy). The guitar in this one is SO good...
There's a common theme to some of PT's music:  nostalgia — a celebration of a life well lived.  
 westslope wrote:
Ms. Deadwing!  What a pleasure to see you this fine sunny morning.{#Sunny}
 

Hiyas Slope!  /hugs old friend!!
Ms. Deadwing!  What a pleasure to see you this fine sunny morning.{#Sunny}
{#Music}  This is actually my favorite song off IA    gasp!!  The guitar is kickin!  =D

 peter_james_bond wrote:
OK enough of the PT love fest, they blew it on this one. {#Sad}

  Hello? Pete, is that really you? or has someone hacked your account?   I hope what happend to Congressman Weiner did not happen to you.

 rdo wrote:
When this song kicks it into gear, I want to start doing the Wayne's World air-guitar thing{#Guitarist} or the Beavis and Butthead head-bow with fist pump.
 
I'm right there with ya!

Love it!
Brilliant tune, band and drummer! Gavin Harrison you're untouchable.
Personally I dont get this band. It's an ok band, I actually got this and another one of their CD's (cant remember which one) and I've tried to do the "listen 20 times in a row and you'll get it" but no...to me there's something uhmmm..lame..about them. Maybe its the singer.
THIS ISN'T PARADISE
The tune that got me into PT.  Still think it's a great tune by any standards.
 h_in_bristol wrote:
I think this is my favorite PT album

{#Dancingbanana}
 
I KNOW this is my favorite PT album. Although they are all good, some are great, some are greater, and one is the best.

And this is the best. Seminal work.{#High-five}

{#Guitarist}{#Guitarist}{#Guitarist}

 

Am looking to capture the layered guitars effect.


When this song kicks it into gear, I want to start doing the Wayne's World air-guitar thing{#Guitarist} or the Beavis and Butthead head-bow with fist pump.
I think this is my favorite PT album

{#Dancingbanana}
 Jelani wrote:
Wow!. the first PT song I've heard that garners more than a 1.

I give it a 6.
 

How very generous
{#Guitarist}
prodigal son
{#Guitarist}
inindian wrote:

I feel that question has been asked before, also answered, probably by Deadwing, but I can't see where...anyway, jacket art by Lasse Hoile. I believe it is a photographic rendering of himself! Why? Why not!

Why? Probably because it was free.

Wow!. the first PT song I've heard that garners more than a 1.

I give it a 6.
 ScottFromWyoming wrote:

Ignoring all the extraneous hoo-ha re: me, I can definitely say that the ludicrous production certainly is a turnoff. Somewhere in there a James Taylor B-side is screaming to get out.



deadwing: re: my favorite bands: I am impressed by musicianship in the same way I am impressed by a good auto mechanic. Wish I could do that. It has no bearing on my opinion of the recordings. That is, I rarely judge a song higher or lower simply because the musicianship is great or amateurish.

 
My Dearest Scott From Wyoming-    How I have missed you...   Not really, but as always you provoke a response.  hehhehehehehehe   I understand your point-  as far as modern music goes, only Rap and Country leave me in the dust. I just absolutely despise either of those genres of "music".  Musicianship matters to me but it's not the only thing I factor in when evaluating a piece of music, ie- I love the B-52s (they play alarm clocks and toy pianos among other things) but really dislike Dream Theatre (noodly fret wankers). Go figure...

That IS Lasse Hoile   PTs long time collaborator on all things multi media. The band affectionately refers to him as the "Yeti". Apparently he is a big guy  hehehe...  I assure you, no Roman statuary was harmed in the photographing of this album cover.
 Stefen wrote:
What, and why, is that hideous picture?
 
I feel that question has been asked before, also answered, probably by Deadwing, but I can't see where...anyway, jacket art by Lasse Hoile. I believe it is a photographic rendering of himself! Why? Why not!
{#Eh} I wouldn't post anything with a scannable barcode on here. The chances of anyone printing out your tickets are remote... but still- If they get there before you they are going to get in and you will be sitting outside pissed as hell. You should delete it asap.   /hugs   PM sent as well

 bpbeinlich wrote:

Oh man Pyro and rtrudeau, I hate it when this happens, but I got ya both beat by a couple of years, and I love both these bands, too!

Cheers to RP, PT, and BF!!

 
I see by your ratings you have EXCELLENT taste.

Something about PT that differentiates them from others . . . landing an 8 currently without an extra step
 ScottFromWyoming wrote:

..... Somewhere in there a James Taylor B-side is screaming to get out. ....
 
Hilarious.

 westslope wrote:
Scott? I'm thinking just a regular guy. Drinkin' beer on the porch. Poppin' off the odd coyote with a scoped deer rifle. I think Scott just hears straight through all the 'production extra' that Wilson brings to bear. He probably spends too much time in the Wind River range scopin' critters on the slopes. Sigh. Guess I'm just plain lucky my hearing is so fuzzy.
 
Ignoring all the extraneous hoo-ha re: me, I can definitely say that the ludicrous production certainly is a turnoff. Somewhere in there a James Taylor B-side is screaming to get out.



deadwing: re: my favorite bands: I am impressed by musicianship in the same way I am impressed by a good auto mechanic. Wish I could do that. It has no bearing on my opinion of the recordings. That is, I rarely judge a song higher or lower simply because the musicianship is great or amateurish.

OK enough of the PT love fest, they blew it on this one. {#Sad}

 zair99 wrote:


The riff does sound a bit like Led Zeppelin. But the song reminded me more of Pink Floyd (specifically the song "Brain Damage")! Must be that chorus and chord progression...

"The lunatic is on the grass..."

EDIT: I also just noticed that this song has reminded people of a lot of different artists! Pink Floyd, ELO, Led Zeppelin... I think that's a darn good sign for Porcupine Tree!
 

I'm thinking the Sheep track off of Animals, how it closes with that over-the-top flourish.
What, and why, is that hideous picture?
{#Bounce}{#Bounce}{#Bounce}

I love the guitar in this one  {#Cheers}

{#Guitarist}


Pyro wrote:
I'll see ya and raise ya one (53) and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this band (and Blackfield, too).

Oh man Pyro and rtrudeau, I hate it when this happens, but I got ya both beat by a couple of years, and I love both these bands, too!

Cheers to RP, PT, and BF!!

 ScottFromWyoming wrote:
2.

I would like to take a club to the entire RP PT collection.
 

I'd like to take Porcupine Tree to a club and discuss RP.

Don't worry Deadwing, you'll be mentioned heavily girl!
 Deadwing wrote:


Felix you are totally awesome
 

Back atchya' Deadwing!!

BTW Did you say somewhere here that you were going to the King Crimson show in Chicago?


Deadwing wrote:
.... "From my parents basement in Wyoming I stab at thee" .....
Scott? I'm thinking just a regular guy. Drinkin' beer on the porch. Poppin' off the odd coyote with a scoped deer rifle. I think Scott just hears straight through all the 'production extra' that Wilson brings to bear. He probably spends too much time in the Wind River range scopin' critters on the slopes. Sigh. Guess I'm just plain lucky my hearing is so fuzzy.
bizon wrote:
I like Porcupine Tree, but I watched the DVD and was bored to tears. I couldn't even finish it. Not an entertaining live band at all.
DVD is not the same as live in person. Not even close.
rtrudeau wrote:
I love PT and they're my favorite on here. Geriatric, heh. I got you beat @ 52. I better show up on a gurney with a nurse in tow.
I'll see ya and raise ya one (53) and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this band (and Blackfield, too).
RedGuitar wrote:
Buy the DVD if you can't get to see them live.
I like Porcupine Tree, but I watched the DVD and was bored to tears. I couldn't even finish it. Not an entertaining live band at all.
Deadwing wrote:
ya we know all know how you feel about PT Scott "From my parents basement in Wyoming I stab at thee" So what is your favorite band? I really like a lot of the songs that you have rated as 10s and I'm curious. I know most people here know how I feel about the Tree
Your name is a strong hint, I think. THANK YOU RP for introducing me to this band!! I can't get enough. (Thank FSM, neither can BillG.)
Deadwing wrote:
"From my parents basement in Wyoming I stab at thee"
One of the funniest lines I've read 'round here. Hee.
I'd like to take RP and the entire PT collection to a club!!
Felix you are totally awesome
I was just playing my own copy of this song and was asking myself: "Self, how come I haven't heard this on RP in a while?" Then I popped in and read Scott's hilarious remarks. Edit: A strong 10.
ScottFromWyoming wrote:
2. I would like to take a club to the entire RP PT collection.
I'd like to take RP and the entire PT collection to a club!!
I would like to take a club to the entire RP PT collection.
ya we know all know how you feel about PT Scott "From my parents basement in Wyoming I stab at thee" So what is your favorite band? I really like a lot of the songs that you have rated as 10s and I'm curious. I know most people here know how I feel about the Tree
2. I would like to take a club to the entire RP PT collection.
GOOD ADVICERedGuitar wrote:
I started with this one, since it has Prodigal, the first PT song I heard. Then I got Deadwing, then I started going backwards. They've reissued some and are soon to reissue Lightbulb Sun. My advice to you - Buy 'em all!
TexasAggies wrote:
Pure masterpiece, start to finish, this album. My pick for best album of the past 10 years probably. Rock on PT! Gavin just is such a badass drummer.
He is indeed!
ralphcanoe wrote:
Wow! I am going to have to get some of this. Is this the CD to buy?
I started with this one, since it has Prodigal, the first PT song I heard. Then I got Deadwing, then I started going backwards. They've reissued some and are soon to reissue Lightbulb Sun. My advice to you - Buy 'em all!
"The lunatic is on the grass..." Someone's certainly wearing their Pink Floyd influence on their sleeve.
Pure masterpiece, start to finish, this album. My pick for best album of the past 10 years probably. Rock on PT! Gavin just is such a badass drummer.
ralphcanoe wrote:
Wow! I am going to have to get some of this. Is this the CD to buy?
Yes. In Absentia is the best. But if you really like this, I guarantee that you will buy 5 other CDs.
farbenblinde wrote:
Hey I am wondering what you consider "geriatric"? I'll bet I border on this for you at 51. Personally, I can't wait to see Porcupine Tree live. I guess I should bring my walker....
I love PT and they're my favorite on here. Geriatric, heh. I got you beat @ 52. I better show up on a gurney with a nurse in tow.
THIS is the oneralphcanoe wrote:
Wow! I am going to have to get some of this. Is this the CD to buy?
farbenblinde wrote:
Hey I am wondering what you consider "geriatric"? I'll bet I border on this for you at 51. Personally, I can't wait to see Porcupine Tree live. I guess I should bring my walker....
Well, I'm 52, farbenblinde, and I expect you to just give up your bus seat and pass me your walker. hehe Great to hear this on RP!
ethajn wrote:
The crowd was rather geriatric, but hey...I'm cool with old people, provided they have good taste... :-P
Hey I am wondering what you consider "geriatric"? I'll bet I border on this for you at 51. Personally, I can't wait to see Porcupine Tree live. I guess I should bring my walker....
RedGuitar wrote:
Hey, some might consider me geriatric (55 this summer) but I love good music, and I even play in three bands!
So do I and so am I! Am off to Barunga Festival (NT, Australia) tomorrow, 1,000 miles away (in the old money) where I'll gig with Letterstick Band, Sunrize, and Blackfella Mujik and catch up with many friends and compadres deep in the Outback. 10 days of bliss! See ya!
8 on my scale...my discription would be Pink Floyd meets Collective Soul...
coding_to_music wrote:
Yours is bettah than mine:
But so far you're a better RP contributor. Good taste, man. Cheers
The albumn cover is perfect. I have that headache right now.
One of the best songs on one of their best albums!!! ralphcanoe: Absolutely! This is the album that got me into PT. If you like this, then buy Deadwing. They have a great catalog, of which my favorite are: 1) In Absentia 2) Deadwing 3) The Sky Moves Sideways 4) Signify 5) Lightbulb Sun 6) Stupid Dream
Wow! I am going to have to get some of this. Is this the CD to buy?
The harmonies reminds me of the band America back in the 70's.
zaknafein wrote:
I completely agree. PT live are just awesome. And Gavin is simply unbelievable.
Hey, some might consider me geriatric (55 this summer) but I love good music, and I even play in three bands!