Genesis

Released: November 18, 1974

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

Producer: Genesis John Burns

[Intro]
I got sunshine in my stomach
Like I just rocked my baby to sleep
I got sunshine in my stomach
But I can't keep me from creeping sleep
Sleep, deep in the deep

[Verse 1]
Rockface moves to press my skin
White liquids turn sour within
Turn fast-turn sour
Turn sweat-turn sour
Must tell myself that I'm not here
I'm drowning in a liquid fear
Bottled in a strong compression
My distortion shows obsession
In the cave, get me out of this cave

[Bridge]
If I keep self-control
I'll be safe in my soul
And the childhood belief
Brings a moment's relief
But my cynic soon returns
And the lifeboat burns
My spirit just never learns

[Verse 2]
Stalactites, stalagmites
Shut me in, lock me tight
Lips are dry, throat is dry
Feel like burning, stomach churning
I'm dressed up in a white costume
Padding out leftover room
Body stretching, feel the retching
In the cage, get me out of this cage

[Verse 3]
In the glare of a light
I see a strange kind of sight
Of cages joined to form a star
Each person can't go very far
All tied to their things
They are netted by their strings
Free to flutter
In memories of their wasted wings

[Bridge]
Outside the cage I see my brother John
He turns his head so slowly round
I cry out help, before he can be gone
And he looks at me without a sound
And I shout "John please help me!"
But he does not even want to try to speak
I'm helpless in my violent rage
And a silent tear of blood
Dribbles down his cheek
And I watch him turn again
And leave the cage
My little runaway

(Raindrops keep falling on my head
They keep falling on my...)

[Verse 4]
In a trap, feel a strap
Holding still, pinned for kill
Chances narrow that I'll make it
In the cushioned straight jacket
Just like 22nd Street
When they got me by my neck and feet
Pressure's building, can't take more
My headaches charge, my earaches roar
In this pain, get me out of this pain

[Verse 5]
If I could change to liquid
I could fill the cracks up in the rock
But I know that I am solid
And I am my own bad luck
But outside John disappears
And my cage dissolves
And without any reason
My body revolves

[Outro]
Keep on turning
Keep on turning
Turning around
Just spinning around

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

In the CageGenesis

Genesis

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway