Genesis

Released: November 18, 1974

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

Producer: Genesis John Burns

[Intro]
"It's the last great adventure left to mankind"
Screams a drooping lady
Offering her dreamdolls
At less than extortionate prices
And as the notes and coins are taken out
I'm taken in, to the factory floor

[Chorus]
For the Grand Parade
Of Lifeless Packaging
All ready to use
The Grand Parade
Of Lifeless Packaging
I just need a fuse

[Verse 1]
Got people stocked in every shade
They must be doing well with trade
Stamped, addressed, in odd fatality
That evens out their personality
With profit potential marked by a sign
I can recognize some in the production line
No bite at all in labor bondage
Just wrinkled wrappers on human bandage

[Chorus]
The Grand Parade
Of Lifeless Packaging
All ready to use
It's the Grand Parade
Of Lifeless Packaging
I just need a fuse

[Verse 2]
The hall runs like clockwork
Their hands mark out the time
Empty in their fullness
Like a frozen pantomime
Everyone's a sales representative
Wearing slogans in their shrine
Dishing out failsafe superlatives
Brother John is No. 9

[Chorus]
For the Grand Parade
Of Lifeless Packaging
All ready to use
It's the Grand Parade
Of Lifeless Packaging
I just need a fuse

[Verse 3]
And the décor on the ceiling
Has planned out their future day
I see no sign of free will
So I guess I'll have to pay
Pay my way
For the Grand Parade

[Chorus]
For the Grand Parade
Of Lifeless Packaging
All ready to use
The Grand Parade
Of Lifeless Packaging
I just need a fuse

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

The Grand Parade of Lifeless PackagingGenesis

Genesis

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway