Genesis

Released: November 18, 1974

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

Producer: John Burns Genesis

Echoes of the Broadway Everglades
With our mythical madonnas
Still walking in their shades
Lenny Bruce declares a truce
And plays his other hand
Marshall McLuhan, casual viewing
Head buried in the sand

Sirens on the rooftops wailing
But there's no ship sailing
Groucho with his movies trailing
Stands alone with his punchline failing

Ku Klux Klan serve hot soul food
And the band plays "In the Mood"
A cheerleader waves her cyanide wand
There's a smell of peach blossom
And bitter almond
Caryl Chessman sniffs the air
And leads the parade
He knows, in a scent
You can bottle all you made

There's Howard Hughes
In blue suede shoes
Smiling at the majorettes
Smoking Winston Cigarettes
And as the song and dance begins
The children play at home
With needles, needles and pins

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

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway

From the album

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974)

Genesis popular songs

Broadway Melody of 1974Genesis

Genesis

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway