Genesis

Released: November 18, 1974

Songwriter: Mike Rutherford Tony Banks

Producer: Genesis John Burns

As he walks along the gorge's edge
He meets a sense of yesteryear
A window in the bank above his head
Reveals his home amidst the streets

Subway sounds, the sounds of complaint
The smell of acid on his gun of paint
As it carves out anger in a blood-red band
Destroyed tomorrow by an unknown hand
My home

Is this the way out from the endless scene?
Or just an entrance to another dream?
And the light dies down on Broadway

But as the skylight beckons him to leave
He hears a scream from far below
Within the raging water, writhes the form
Of brother John, he cries for help

The gate is fading now, but open wide
But John is drowning, I must decide
Between the freedom I had in the rat-race
Or to stay forever in this forsaken place
Hey John!!

He makes for the river and the gate is gone
Back to the void where it came from
And the light dies down on Broadway

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 Light Dies Down on BroadwayGenesis

Genesis

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway