Genesis

Released: June 30, 1978

Songwriter: Tony Banks

Producer: Genesis David Hentschel

Many too many have stood where I stand
Many more will stand here too
But I think what I find strange is the way you built me up
Then knocked me down again

The part was fun but now it's over
Why can't I just leave the stage?
Maybe that's because you securely locked me up
Then threw away the key

Oh mama
Please would you find the key
Oh pretty mama
Please won't you let me go free
I thought I was lucky
I thought that I'd got it made
How could I be so blind?

You said good-bye on a corner
That I thought led to the straight
You set me on a firmly laid and simple course
And then removed the road

Oh mama
Please help me find my way
Oh pretty mama
Please lead me through the next day
I thought I was lucky
I thought that I'd got it made
How could I be so blind?

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)

Genesis popular songs

Many Too ManyGenesis

Genesis

…And Then There Were Three…