Genesis

Released: May 10, 1972

Songwriter: Steve Hackett Phil Collins Peter Gabriel Mike Rutherford Tony Banks

Producer: Trevor Horn

Happy the man - he lives a simple life
He doesn't have much - it doesn't worry him
Where you go - where?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, nowhere

Like a nun with a gun - I'm wonderful fun
Laughing all through - just watching you
Seems a very stupid game...
But I don't care

Happy the man - he doesn't buzz around
Nothing he wants - any more than anything
Where you go - where?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, nowhere

Like a fool in the pool - I'm incredibly cool
With a grin on my chin - I'm certain to win
Someone says he's Jesus Christ - but I don't care

He is a good man
He is a good man
He is a good man
He is a good man
He is a good man
He is a good man

Happy the man - he doesn't buzz around
Nothing he wants - any more than anything
Where you go - where?
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, nowhere
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, nowhere

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

Extra Tracks (1970-1975)

From the album

Extra Tracks (1970-1975) (2008)

Genesis popular songs

Happy the ManGenesis

Genesis

Extra Tracks (1970-1975)