The song "Man in the Long Black Coat" was not actually written by Emerson, Lake & Palmer, but rather by Bob Dylan and is included on his 1989 album "Oh Mercy." However, Emerson, Lake & Palmer recorded a cover version of the song. The lyrics tell a mysterious and haunting story about a man wearing a long black coat. The song describes a scene where crickets are chirping and the water is high, creating a peaceful atmosphere. However, the presence of the man in the long black coat brings a sense of unease and disturbance. The verses suggest that this man is involved with a woman who leaves with him without a word of goodbye. He is seen at an old dance hall and has a face like a mask, implying that he may not be what he appears to be. The preacher in the song warns about the corrupt nature of man's conscience, suggesting that the man in the long black coat may be deceitful. The bridge of the song conveys the idea that life is full of uncertainties, and sometimes there are no clear right or wrong choices. The lyrics tell us that the woman "went with the man in the long black coat," implying that she made a decision to be with him, regardless of the potential consequences. The imagery of smoke on the water and uprooted tree trunks further adds to the sense of chaos and upheaval caused by this mysterious man. The song ends with the woman's silence, emphasizing her complete departure from her previous life. Overall, "Man in the Long Black Coat" explores themes of temptation, deception, and the unpredictability of human decisions. It presents a dark and atmospheric narrative that leaves the listener with a sense of intrigue and ambiguity.
