Genesis

Released: February 1, 1976

Songwriter: Tony Banks Steve Hackett

Producer: David Hentschel

When you're asleep they may show you
Aerial views of the ground
Freudian slumber empty of sound

Over the rooftops and houses
Lost as it tries to be seen
Fields of incentive covered with green

Mesmerised children are playing
Meant to be seen but not heard
Stop me from dreaming!
Don't be absurd!

Well if we can help you we will
You're looking tired and ill
As I count backwards
Your eyes become heavier still
Sleep, won't you allow yourself fall?
Nothing can hurt you at all
With your consent
I can experiment further still

Madrigal music is playing
Voices can faintly be heard
Please leave this patient undisturbed

Sentenced to drift far away now
Nothing is quite what it seems
Sometimes entangled in your own dreams

Well, if we can help you we will
Soon as you're tired and ill
With your consent
We can experiment further still

Well, thanks to our kindness and skill
You'll have no trouble until
You catch your breath
And the nurse will present you the bill!

Genesis are an English rock band formed at Charterhouse School, Godalming, Surrey in 1967. The most commercially successful line-up includes keyboardist Tony Banks, guitarist Mike Rutherford and drummer/singer Phil Collins. Other important members were singer Peter Gabriel and guitarist Steve Hackett. The band underwent several significant changes in musical style over its career, from folk music to progressive rock in the 1970s, before moving towards pop at the end of the decade.

Formed by five Charterhouse pupils including Banks, Rutherford, Gabriel and Anthony Phillips, Genesis was named by former pupil Jonathan King who arranged them to record several unsuccessful singles and an album. After splitting with King, the group began touring professionally, signing with Charisma Records. Following the departure of Phillips, Genesis recruited Collins and Hackett and recorded several progressive rock style albums, with live shows centred around Gabriel’s theatrical costumes and performances.

Their discography includes fifteen studio and six live albums, six of which topped the UK chart. They have won numerous awards and nominations, including a Grammy Award for Best Concept Music Video with “Land of Confusion” and inspired a number of tribute bands recreating Genesis shows from various stages of the band’s career. In 2010, Genesis were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Their biggest hit to date is Invisible Touch which spent 3 consecutive weeks at #1.

more tracks from the album

A Trick of the Tail

From the albums

A Trick of the Tail (1976)
Genesis Archive 2: 1976–1992 (2000)

Genesis popular songs

EntangledGenesis

Genesis

A Trick of the Tail