Genesis

Released: November 12, 1971

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

Producer: John Anthony

I heard the old man tell his tale:

Tinker, alone within a storm
And losing hope he clears the leaves beneath a tree
Seven stones lay on the ground
Within the seventh house a friend was found
And the changes of no consequence
Will pick up the reins from nowhere

Sailors, in peril on the sea
Amongst the waves a rock looms nearer, and not yet seen
They see a gull flying by
The Captain turns the boat and he asks not why
And the changes of no consequence
Will pick up the reins from nowhere, nowhere

Despair that tires the world brings the old man laughter
The laughter of the world only grieves him
Believe him
The old man's guide is chance

I heard the old man tell his tale:

Farmer, who knows not when to sow
Consults the old man clutching money in his hand
And with a shrug
The old man smiled
Took the money, left the farmer wild
And the changes of no consequence will pick up the reins from nowhere
Nowhere

Despair that tires the world brings the old man laughter
The laughter of the world only grieves him
Believe him
The old man's guide is chance

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

Nursery Cryme

From the album

Nursery Cryme (1971)

Genesis popular songs

Seven StonesGenesis

Genesis

Nursery Cryme