I always thought this song drew inspiration from Robert Frost's "Tuft of Flowers." Afterall, "Selling England by the Pound" was an admitted reference to the modern poets of the early 20th century. Much to the disapproval of everyone else, the protagonist is rebuking modern society and all its vices (consumerism, careerism, etc.) in favor of a simpler life. He may be regarded as an underachiever but he is content in the knowledge that he is creating beauty.
There is also a parallel to artistry, hence the "Tuft of Flowers" connection. Peter Gabriel's self-importance seems to be a recurring theme in his music (see also: comparing himself to Jesus in "Solsbury Hill). With "I Know What I Like", Gabriel seems to be rebuking everyone who doesn't understand him and his art.
@dbn429 Front men of very successful bands tend to have big egos. Jon Anderson of Yes might be an exception. But I agree with you on Gabriel. I think he was a bit tortured with religion, especially eschatology (the end of the world - i.e.The Book of Revelation). Gabriel also seems to have a bit of a Christ complex - especially in his later work. Prolly should research... oh well...can't do everything. I don't sense the rebuke of people here as you do, though. Just a character who's fine with less.
@dbn429 Front men of very successful bands tend to have big egos. Jon Anderson of Yes might be an exception. But I agree with you on Gabriel. I think he was a bit tortured with religion, especially eschatology (the end of the world - i.e.The Book of Revelation). Gabriel also seems to have a bit of a Christ complex - especially in his later work. Prolly should research... oh well...can't do everything. I don't sense the rebuke of people here as you do, though. Just a character who's fine with less.
I always thought this song drew inspiration from Robert Frost's "Tuft of Flowers." Afterall, "Selling England by the Pound" was an admitted reference to the modern poets of the early 20th century. Much to the disapproval of everyone else, the protagonist is rebuking modern society and all its vices (consumerism, careerism, etc.) in favor of a simpler life. He may be regarded as an underachiever but he is content in the knowledge that he is creating beauty.
There is also a parallel to artistry, hence the "Tuft of Flowers" connection. Peter Gabriel's self-importance seems to be a recurring theme in his music (see also: comparing himself to Jesus in "Solsbury Hill). With "I Know What I Like", Gabriel seems to be rebuking everyone who doesn't understand him and his art.
@dbn429 Front men of very successful bands tend to have big egos. Jon Anderson of Yes might be an exception. But I agree with you on Gabriel. I think he was a bit tortured with religion, especially eschatology (the end of the world - i.e.The Book of Revelation). Gabriel also seems to have a bit of a Christ complex - especially in his later work. Prolly should research... oh well...can't do everything. I don't sense the rebuke of people here as you do, though. Just a character who's fine with less.
@dbn429 Front men of very successful bands tend to have big egos. Jon Anderson of Yes might be an exception. But I agree with you on Gabriel. I think he was a bit tortured with religion, especially eschatology (the end of the world - i.e.The Book of Revelation). Gabriel also seems to have a bit of a Christ complex - especially in his later work. Prolly should research... oh well...can't do everything. I don't sense the rebuke of people here as you do, though. Just a character who's fine with less.