Genesis

Released: March 31, 1978

Songwriter: Mike Rutherford Phil Collins Tony Banks

Producer: David Hentschel Genesis

[Verse 1]
It's good to be here! How've you been?
Check my bags, boy! Where's my room?
Gotta sit on the phone, that's my game
Keep up the pressure all the way!

[Chorus 1]
I don't want to beat about the bush
But none of us are getting any younger
There's people out there who could take your place
A more commercial view, fresher face

[Verse 2]
I need a shower, take a nap
I'll meet you in the bar, we must have a rap
There's a lot on the line, a lot to say
And there's something I must tell you today

[Chorus 2]
You and I both knew the score
You can't go on like this forever
So it's with regret that I tell you now
That from this moment on
You're on your own!

[Refrain]
I don't talk round corners, right between the eyes
If you're slow they'll run past you
Stand tall, see them falling over
I walk a straight line, right between the eyes
But show me the door, show me someone who'll do it better

[Verse 3]
The drinks are on me, be my guest
Smoke a cigar? Take the best
Don't hedge your bets, we can make a deal
Got it in your pocket, how do you feel?

[Chorus 3]
So glad that's over, now you know
But I'm only acting under orders
And looking down on you from way up here
You've gotta sink or swim, get off the floor!

[Refrain]
I don't talk round corners, it's right between the eyes
If you're slow they'll run past you
Stand tall, see them falling over
I walk a straight line, right between the eyes
But show me the door, show me someone who'll do it better

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

…And Then There Were Three…

From the album

…And Then There Were Three… (1978)

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Genesis

…And Then There Were Three…