Genesis

Released: December 17, 1976

Songwriter: Tony Banks

Producer: Genesis David Hentschel

[Loving couple]
I can't see you but I know you're there
Got to get beside you cos it's really cold out here
Come up close to me you'll soon be warm
Hold me tightly like we're sheltering from a storm

[Mouse]
Think I might go out for a stroll
Into the night, and out of this hole
Maybe find me a meal
Walking along this new shag pile
Presents a problem all the while
Nearly the door

Suddenly he bumps into wood, the door is closed
A voice from the bed, he'll be exposed
Which way to run, must make for the hole
But the light's been turned on, now he's blind as a mole in coal

Now I can see they're coming at me
They've blocked off my door, I haven't a chance in hell

[Couple]
Come on baby let the poor thing go
I'm not sleeping with that thing around here, no
Alright then, I'll fetch a box from below
Guard him carefully, they're very quick you know

[Mouse]
The door's been opened, my chance to escape
Must run out quick, better sorry than late
I'm out on the stairs
They won't catch me now, I've the run of the house now
I'll make it downstairs and into the breadbin
That would be nice

Suddenly he bumps into fur, that's very unwise
A cat is much quicker than men and their eyes
The chase that ensues can have only one end
Unless outside help steps in for our friend in need

But now the cat comes in for the kill
His paw is raised, soon blood will spill, yes it will

[Cat]
Hard luck mouse, this is the end of your road
The signpost says inside me, let me bear your heavy load
But it's not to be, that final pounce
Knocks a jar upon his head, and lays him out

But it's all in a mouse's night
To take on all those who would fight

[Cat's story]
There I was with my back to the wall
Then comes this monster mouse, he's ten feet tall
With teeth and claws to match
It only took one blow

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

Wind and Wuthering

From the album

Wind and Wuthering (1976)

Genesis popular songs

All in a Mouse’s NightGenesis

Genesis

Wind and Wuthering