Genesis

Released: June 4, 1982

Songwriter: Tony Banks

Producer: Genesis

Fifty thousand men were sent to do the will of one
His claim was phrased quite simply, though he never voiced it loud
I am he, the chosen one

In his name they could slaughter, and for his name he could die
Though many there were believed in him, still more were sure he lied
But they'll fight that battle on

Then one whose faith had died
Fled back up the mountainside
But before the top was made
A misplaced footfall made him stray
From the path prepared for him
Off of that mountain
On to a wilderness of ice

This unexpected vision made, it them stand and shake with fear
But nothing was his fright compared with those who saw him appear
Terror filled their minds with awe

Simple were the folk who lived
Upon this frozen wave
So not surprising was their thought
This is he, God's chosen one
He's come to save us from
All our oppressors
We shall be kings of this world

Follow me!
I'll play the game you want me
Until I find a way back home
Home, home...

Follow me!
I give you strength inside you
Courage to win your battles

No, no, no! this can't go on!
This will be all that I fled from!
Let me rest for a while...

He walked into a valley
All alone
There he talked with water, and then with the vine

They leave me no choice
I must lead them to glory or most likely, to death

They travelled cross the plateau, of ice up to its edge
Then they crossed a mountain range, and saw the final plain
Still he urged his people on

Then, on a distant slope
He observed one without hope
Flee back up the mountainside
He thought he recognised him by his walk
By the way he fell
And by the way he, stood up and vanished into air

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

Three Sides Live

From the album

Three Sides Live (1982)

Genesis popular songs

One for the Vine (Live)Genesis

Genesis

Three Sides Live