I've had a desire to write a song about the Count of St Germain for some time. In case you're not aware of the story, he was a mysterious guy in the 18th century who claims to have discovered the secret to eternal life, and that he had lived for hundreds of years. He apparently was well known in the European court during this time as something of a gifted musician and polymath. He then disappears, although some claim to have seen him many years later, looking the same. He apparently left behind a triangular book written in code which is said to be the secret to eternal life. Alternatively he may have just been a massive liar but it's a good story!
I had a rough idea for the lyric for this but it came together when I got the little chorus bit ('he is the man who does not die, who knows almost everything'). This is verbatim quote of what Voltaire is supposed to have said about the Count of St Germain.
I did all of the instruments on this song- trusty suitcase doubling as percussion.
I first met him when I was seventeen,
And even then he seemed quite old
I thought that he was a liar
When he said that he was centuries old
He said he had the key to longevity
That he'd seen Jesus turn water into wine
Back then, we laughed at him
But it seems he is laughing now
He is the man who does not die, who knows almost everything
He is the man who does not die, who knows almost everything
I saw him in society
At balls in Vienna, London and Prague
He played the violin most beautifully
But everyone thought that he was mad
But as the years went rolling by
Thought I grew grey, he still stayed the same
And now I'm in my twilight years
But the count hasn't aged a day
He is the man who does not die, who knows almost everything
But now I'm old, I want the secret
How to never die
But the count has disappeared
And the end is drawing near
(Melodica solo)
Now all that's let is this vellum book
In the shape of a triangle
It's in a code that no-one knows
What are the secrets kept inside?
I've consulted the greatest minds
But none of them have a clue
And now that I'm consigned to bed
I'm driven mad by the thought of the Count
He is the man who does not die, who knows almost everything
He is the man who does not die, who knows almost everything
He is the man who does not die, who knows almost everything
He is the man who does not die, who knows almost everything
@hmorg Feb 2022
Very cool! The driving guitar and suitcase percussion work perfectly together. Great stroytelling in the lyrics and the chorus melody coupled with the lyrics is just really awesome.
@markg Feb 2022
I like how this is told from the person--someone who's encountered the Count from youth, mid-age and old age.
I didn't know about this story until I heard your song.
@mrmadcarpenter Feb 2022
Great storytelling.
@crutherford Feb 2022
oh this is fun!!! what a great story.. AND YOU HAD A MELODICA SOLO!!! this is a geat thing in my books.
my fav lines were:
He said he had the key to longevity
That he'd seen Jesus turn water into wine
Back then, we laughed at him
But it seems he is laughing now
So great to hear you again!
@rkeeling75 Feb 2022
A little TMBG vibe to it. I love the straight forward guitar, the vocals are quirky and ... melodica? Hell yeah!
Very cool use of the old legend.