Music Blog

The Book of Genesis

Nancy's Notes 🖊️🎶

Written for the May 18, 2025 edition
of Jim Adams’ Song Lyric Sunday,
“Creative People”. Here’s what I have to say.  

© Redbubble

This week for Jim Adams’ Song Lyric Sunday theme, “Creative People”, the challenge is to pick a song from a solo album made after an artist left a band. Some have failed, some have made it and others have gone on to greatness, eclipsing their former bands. For my creative person, the latter is definitely the case.

No band chemistry is exactly the same, but whenever you change lead singers, a group’s artistic being seems to shift right along with it. There are countless examples of this, but Genesis’ move from theatrical prog-rockers to syrupy chart-toppers was as big a swing as anyone had ever seen, as transitioning from the art-rock preternatural genius of Peter Gabriel to the professional sheen of Phil Collins has certainly made Genesis a distinct entry into the rock canon.

Both men went on to pursue solo careers, with Gabriel turning into an MTV and radio titan with songs like “Sledgehammer” while Collins went supernova with stadium anthems like “In the Air Tonight”. Both men have netted Oscar nominations (and Collins went on to win), but their career paths are hardly comparable, save for the fact that they both started in the heralded band Genesis. Of the two, my featured artist today is Peter Gabriel.

Peter Gabriel (1970) © Discogs

Peter Gabriel was born in Woking, Surrey, in 1950 and raised on his family’s dairy farm. His father was an electrical engineer and inventor; his mother came from a musical family and played the piano. Peter was given piano lessons but by age nine he had rebelled against formal musical training. Two years later, while at a resort in Spain where the family had gone on holiday, Peter became fascinated by the drummer in a small combo playing there. He began writing songs and finding his own path in music, teaching himself drums, piano, and flute.

Gabriel attended Charterhouse – a private boarding school where he sought out friends to play music with. After drumming for a few bands in school, he moved from behind the drums to the front of the stage as lead singer. Gabriel formed a group called Garden Wall with schoolmates Tony Banks, Anthony Phillips, and Mike Rutherford. They began writing original songs together and performing at school dances and private parties.

In the late 60s, a Charterhouse graduate named Jonathan King had scored a hit single with “Everyone’s Gone To The Moon”. When King returned to the school for a visit, Gabriel’s friends gave him a tape of the band. King was impressed with the songs and the singer and secured them a one year contract with Decca Records. He also selected the group’s new name … Genesis.

1972: Genesis (L to R) drummer Phil Collins, bassist Mike Rutherford, keyboard player Tony Banks, lead singer Peter Gabriel, and guitarist Steve Hackett. © Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images

Peter Gabriel was one of the founding members and remained with the band until 1975 as the lead vocalist. After leaving Genesis, Phil Collins became the band’s lead vocalist, retaining his position as drummer while singing. Peter Gabriel went on to release his solo debut album in 1977 called Peter Gabriel …. a name he used for his first four studio albums with a different photo on each album cover! His solo albums are informally known as Car (1977), Scratch (1978), Melt (1980), and Security (1982), based on the album cover art.

Album covers clockwise from top L: Car, Scratch, Melt, and Security © Amazon.com

Peter Gabriel has released 8 studio albums as a solo artist, plus 2 live albums and 3 original soundtracks. He also has 3 compilations. His solo albums have sold an estimated 12 million copies worldwide. I love all of Peter Gabriel’s work, with Genesis and without. Two of my favorite singles from his solo career are “Solsbury Hill” and “Sledgehammer”. He has toured with some of the biggest names in British and American music and is considered a music legend. Peter Gabriel was inducted into the R&R Hall of Fame twice … once in 2010 as a member of Genesis and again in 2014 as a solo artist.

This is “Solsbury Hill” from Peter Gabriel’s 1st solo album, Peter Gabriel, better known as Car.


LYRICS

Climbing up on Solsbury Hill
I could see the city light
Wind was blowing, time stood still
Eagle flew out of the night

He was something to observe
Came in close, I heard a voice
Standing, stretching every nerve
I had to listen, had no choice

I did not believe the information
Just had to trust imagination
My heart going “Boom-boom-boom”
“Son, ” he said
“Grab your things, I’ve come to take you home”
Hey, back home

To keep in silence I resigned
My friends would think I was a nut
Turning water into wine
Open doors would soon be shut

So I went from day to day
Though my life was in a rut
‘Til I thought of what I’d say
Which connection I should cut

I was feeling part of the scenery
I walked right out of the machinery
My heart going “Boom-boom-boom”
“Hey, ” he said
“Grab your things, I’ve come to take you home”
Hey, back home

When illusion spin her net
I’m never where I wanna be
And liberty, she pirouette
When I think that I am free

Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me

Today I don’t need a replacement
I’ll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going “Boom-boom-boom”
“Hey, ” I said
“You can keep my things, they’ve come to take me home”

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Peter Gabriel
Solsbury Hill lyrics © Real World Music Ltd

Peter Gabriel (2025) © Live Nation

From his 5th solo album, So, this is “Sledgehammer” by Peter Gabriel.


LYRICS

You could have a steam train
If you’d just lay down your tracks
You could have an aeroplane flying
If you bring your blue sky back

All you do is call me
I’ll be anything you need

You could have a big dipper
Going up and down, all around the bends
You could have a bumper car, bumping
This amusement never ends

I want to be your sledgehammer
Why don’t you call my name
Oh let me be your sledgehammer
This will be my testimony
Show me round your fruit cakes
‘Cause I will be your honey bee
Open up your fruit cakes
Where the fruit is as sweet as can be

I want to be your sledgehammer
Why don’t you call my name
You’d better call the sledgehammer
Put your mind at rest
I’m going to be-the sledgehammer
This can be my testimony
I’m your sledgehammer
Let there be no doubt about it

Sledge sledge sledgehammer

I kicked the habit (I kicked the habit)
Shed my skin (Shed my skin)
This is the new stuff (This is the new stuff)
I go dancing in, (We could go dancing in)
Oh won’t you show for me (Show for me)
I will show for you (Show for you)
Show for me (Show for me), I will show for you

Yea, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, I do mean you
Only you, you’ve been coming through
Going to build that power
Build, build up that power, hey
I’ve been feeding the rhythm
I’ve been feeding the rhythm
Going to feel that power, build in you

Come on, come on, help me do
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, you
I’ve been feeding the rhythm
I’ve been feeding the rhythm
It’s what we’re doing, doing
All day and night, come on and help me do, come on and help me do

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Peter Gabriel
Sledgehammer lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Creative People

Big thanks to Jim Adams for hosting another great Song Lyric Sunday this week and every week. Be sure to follow the link and check out Jim’s site.

Thanks for stopping by and listening to some tunes.

That’s all she wrote, kids. See you on the flip side. 😎

NAR©2025

All text, graphics and videos are copyright for Nancy’s Notes 🖊️🎶, The Sicilian Storyteller, The Elephant’s Trunk, The Rhythm Section, et al., and are not for use by anyone without permission. NAR©2017-present.



56 thoughts on “The Book of Genesis”

  1. Pingback: Peter Gabriel – Solsbury Hill – PowerPop… An Eclectic Collection of Pop Culture

  2. I’ve heard both of those songs but I wouldn’t have been able to tell you they were done by Peter Gabriel. I was never a fan of Genesis, or really many progressive rock bands. If someone offered me a million dollars I wouldn’t be able to name one Genesis song. But I’m going to go look them up now just in case that happens!

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    1. As I’ve said many times before, that’s the beauty of music; there’s something for everyone. This would be a very boring world if we all liked the same things.
      If you google ‘list of prog rock bands’, you will be shocked by the names on the list and how many there are. I think there’s a good chance you might even like some of them.
      Thanks, Fishman. Good luck with that million bucks!

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  3. I’m not a huge prog fan but Genesis during the Peter era…had some great pop/rock melodies and I really like Solsbury Hill. I might post that myself one day. Excellent article Nancy as always!

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      1. I just started the post…I’ll link you of course…but I also found a B-Side called Inside and Out that someone posted that really changed my thinking on them…just a beautiful song Nancy and this one is great as well.
        I love finding New/Old music that I missed the first time around…thank you so much!

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  4. Solsbury Hill – boom boom boom!!! Someone better come to take me home. 🙂 I have always loved this song. I enjoy Sledgehammer too. What nice selections today. Can’t go wrong with Peter Gabriel.

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    1. It really is amazing to see how the dynamics within a group change when someone new is brought in, especially a new lead singer. This has been a great theme and we’ve seen some artists who have totally surpassed the groups they were in. Thanks for a great comment, Barbara!

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  10. Ah we were thinkin alike today Nancy. I too went with Genesis but picked Phil Collins. Peter Gabriel is a big favorite of mine but I went for Phil’s moody song. Loved your post and Solsbury Hill. I have many happy memories of Genesis ☺️💕

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    1. Oh yes! Please do, Jim. I referred to PG as a preternatural genius; some people might say “weird” …. not me. I think he’s brilliant, whether with Genesis or solo. I’m glad you enjoyed the music today. Thanks for another really great theme.

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  16. I did the same song- but you know I did a story with mine- and you provided the meat, so it’s possible no one will notice! I am really glad to see Genisis getting so much play in this prompt, because they were definitely a force to be reckoned with and are not as well known today as they should be.

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    1. Sadly, that’s what happens over time with many groups; they fade into the background. I’m thankful PG has such a tremendous solo career and we have access to all his music as well as the Genesis catalog. He’s brilliant!
      If we ever team up for a writing endeavor, we could call ourselves Meat & Potatoes! 😂

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    1. Last night I said to Bill “It wouldn’t surprise me if Clive writes about Peter Gabriel. I remember having a conversation with him about ‘Supper’s Ready’ so I know he’s a Genesis fan.” Did I call it or what? I’ve loved PG since the beginning so this was as easy one. If I have the strength, I may do another writeup on you-know-who. We’ll see how it goes. Thanks very much, Clive! 😊

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      1. I must be getting predictable in my old age 🤣

        I had a feeling he’d be popular today, which is why I deliberately went the deep dive route for mine. I love these too, though!

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        1. How sad is MY existence that I talk to my husband about my WP friends using their first names? Rhetorical question! 🤣
          I haven’t looked at the other posts yet but I do know you and Violet both featured PG. He’s totally brilliant and belongs here.
          I’ll be checking back later today.

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          1. Not sad – I think it proves the point in my previous post about the importance of community in our lives.

            I’m not in the least surprised that three of us went for him.

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  18. I almost went with Phil Collins, but I think I had already featured a number of his tracks from his No Jacket Required album on previous SLS posts. Peter Gabriel is an inspired choice.

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    1. It was on my mind last night who you’d go with. I haven’t looked at the posts yet but I know Clive and Violet also went with PG. I love everything he’s ever done.
      I’ll be checking out the other submissions later today. Thanks so much, Fan.

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  19. Great post Nancy ! I have always loved Peter Gabriel one of the most talented singer songs writers and musician ever …my two favourite songs are the two you chose , but any would have been as wonderful 💜💜💜

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    1. It was very difficult picking these songs, Willow; I love the “Solsbury Hill” video I went with so that was an easy choice. I wanted the 2nd video to be very different from the 1st but also something people would recognize so I chose “Sledgehammer”. PG is fabulous! I’m so glad you enjoyed my picks today. Thanks!

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  20. I love Genesis and it’s progressive days. Peter Gabriel did a fantastic job at the helm and Phil Collins did a fantastic job taking over. I really like foxtrot. It’s a great album as well as nursery crime.

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  21. When I saw the title I just assumed this post would be about Phil Collins. Nice pull with Peter Gabriel. I’m a huge “Games without Frontiers” my jam. A lot of people hardly talk about his time with Genesis. I don’t know why

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    1. “Games Without Frontiers” is excellent; if I’m not mistaken, I think it’s probably one of Peter Gabriel’s first forays into the political and social scene of the day.
      I don’t know, Mangus …. maybe there’s a certain amount of ‘weirdness’ attached to some of Gabriel-era Genesis; pieces like “Supper’s Ready” aren’t for everyone, ya know? Thankfully, we have easy access to the entire catalog. It would be criminal if we didn’t.

      Thanks so much!

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