Genesis

Released: October 28, 1991

Songwriter: Phil Collins Mike Rutherford Tony Banks

Producer: Nick Davis Genesis

Mothers crying in the street
Children dying at their feet, tell me why
People starving everywhere there's too much food but none to spare, tell me why

Can you see that shaft of sunlight
Can you see it in my eyes
I can feel the fire that's burning
Anger and hope so deep
So deep within my heart
Before my eyes
For some it seems to late
It seems there's no-one listening

People sleeping in the streets
No roof above no food to eat, tell me why
See the questions in their eyes
Listen to their childrens cries
Tell me why

If there's a God, is he watching
Can he give a ray of hope
So much pain so much sorrow
Tell me what does he see
When he looks at you
When he looks at me
What would he say
It seems there's no-one listening

Who would think it still could happen
Even in this time and place
Politicians, they may save themselves
But they won't save their face
Just hope against hope
It's not to late

You say there's nothing you can do
Is there one rule for them and one for you
Tell me why

Listen can you see that shaft of sunlight
Can you see it in my eyes
I can feel the fire that's burning
Anger and hope so deep
So deep within my heart
Before my eyes
For some it's to late
It seems there's no-one listening

Hurry for me, hurry for me, they cry

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.

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