1. Genesis formed in 1967 in Go… Read Full Bio ↴There are three bands named Genesis.
1. Genesis formed in 1967 in Godalming, Surrey (United Kingdom) and was one of the most popular progressive rock bands in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. During the 1970s, Peter Gabriel was the lead singer until his departure, when drummer Phil Collins stepped up to the mic and replaced him.
Starting as an amalgam of two bands formed by schoolboys attending Charterhouse School in Godalming, England, the original lineup consisted of Peter Gabriel, Anthony Phillips, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, and Chris Stewart, though Stewart was soon replaced as drummer by John Silver and then John Mayhew. By the end of 1970, Phillips and Mayhew had left the band, with Collins joining as drummer, and by early 1971, guitarist Steve Hackett had filled the gap left by Phillips. The lineup of Gabriel, Banks, Hackett, Rutherford, and Collins remained in place until Gabriel's departure in 1975.
During the period of 1970-1975, the band produced some of the most widely-acclaimed albums of the progressive rock era, including "Nursery Cryme", "Foxtrot" (featuring the side-long epic "Supper's Ready") and the seminal album "Selling England by the Pound", which generated Genesis' first foray into the charts with "I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)". This lineup culminated with the band's magnum opus "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" in 1974. Following the tour promoting the album, frontman Peter Gabriel left the group in mid 1975.
Genesis decided to continue on as a four-piece, producing two albums, "A Trick of the Tail" and "Wind & Wuthering", which found the band proving to themselves and to the world that they could move on after Gabriel's departure. Collins stepped up to fill the role of lead vocalist after countless auditions for a new singer proved fruitless by the completion of recording for "A Trick of the Tail". Hackett quietly departed after the "Wind & Wuthering" tour in 1977, feeling that his creative input for the band was being repressed.
In 1978, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford contributed music to a British movie called "The Shout" based on a short story by Robert Graves, directed by Jerzy Skomilowski and produced by Jeremy Thomas. (More credits and info here http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0078259/combined)
Genesis then became a trio which began to move away from the dying embers of progressive rock. They established themselves as a more commercially-friendly outfit with the release of their 1978 album "...And Then There Were Three...", finding their first US hit with the single "Follow You Follow Me".
Banks, Rutherford, and Collins became more adept at writing radio-friendly songs in the 1980s. This reached a peak with the release of 1986's "Invisible Touch", in which more than half of the album's eight songs made it to the singles chart, including the title track, "Land of Confusion" and "In Too Deep". All three band members produced solo albums during Genesis' downtime in the 80s and 90s - most notably Collins' increasingly successful solo work, and Rutherford's sideline group "Mike and the Mechanics" which found moderate success - with evolving styles reflected both when going solo and when recording together as Genesis.
Collins left the group in 1996, and was replaced vocally by Ray Wilson, the former lead singer of Scottish band "Stiltskin". Israeli born drummer Nir Zidkyahu and "Spock's Beard" drummer Nick D'Virgilio stepped in to fill the drumming role. Their 1997 album "Calling All Stations" was unable to find worldwide success, and despite scoring a minor U.K. hit with "Congo", the group slowly faded out of public consciousness. In 1998, after the "Calling All Stations" tour (the US leg of which was cut short due to poor album sales), Wilson was released from the band, and Zidkyahu and D'Virgilio, having never been "official" band members, went their separate ways. The band, now down to only Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford, took a break from performing and recording.
In 1999 Banks, Rutherford, Collins, Gabriel, and Hackett collaborated to re-record "The Carpet Crawlers" for greatest hits compilation "Turn It on Again: The Hits".
During the latter part of 2005, rumors spread that the band would reform again in its most famous five-man configuration. Genesis management stated that there were no current plans at that time, and that nothing would change in the following twelve months. Phil Collins then said in a radio interview in April 2006 that the classic Genesis line-up was considering a new live-staging of "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway", but it was not to be. On 7th November 2006, Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford announced they would be doing a twenty-date tour of Europe in the summer of 2007, with a North American tour to follow.
A Live DVD of the final European concert in Rome, where the band performed free for 500,000 fans, was released May 26th 2008: "When In Rome - Live 2007".
In April of 2011, Phil Collins, after completing a reunion tour with Genesis, said in a newspaper interview that he has no plans to tour or make another album, effectively retiring after over 40 years in the music business.
Official website: www.genesis-music.com
2. In 1967-8, there was an American band that was also named Genesis. It was a psychedelic rock group based in Los Angeles which released one album In the Beginning in 1968. The name conflict was known to the record label of UK Genesis, which is why their debut album From Genesis to Revelation coyly omitted the band's name except in the album title. While both bands suffered poor sales for their debuts, the US band broke up in late 1968 not long after one of their members was drafted into the army. This more or less ended any significant confusion except in situations like Last.fm or lazy Googling.
3. A Colombian group called Génesis also exists. If you are scrobbling songs by that group and have ended up on this page, please fix your tags to Génesis with the first "e" accented.
Driving The Last Spike
Genesis Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Not knowing what lay ahead
Waving goodbye, as I left them in tears
Remembering all we'd said
I looked to the sky, I offered my prayers
I asked Him for guidance and strength
But the simple beliefs of a simple man
My head
I gave everything that they wanted
But still they wanted more
We sweat and we toiled
Good men lost their lives
I don't think they knew what for
I sold them my heart
I sold them my soul
I gave everything I had
But they couldn't break my spirit
My dignity fought back
Fightback
Just fightback
Can you hear me
Can you see
Don't you hear me
Don't you see
We worked in gangs for all we were worth
The young boys pulling the wagons
We were digging the tunnels, shifting the earth
It was then that it happened
No-one knew how the cracks appeared
But as it fell they all disappeared
Stone fell like rain
Can you hear me
Can you see
Don't you hear me
Can you breathe
The smoke cleared, the dust it settled
No one knew how many had died
All around there were broken men
They'd said it was safe, and they'd lied
You could hear the cries, you could smell the fear
But good fortune that day was mine
And it occurred to me that the heart of a good man
It seems is hard to find
Can you hear me
Can you see
Don't you hear me
Don't you see
How we worked, how we worked like
The devil for our pay
Through the wind, through the snow
And through the rain
Blasting and cutting through Gods country like a knife
Sweat stinging my eyes, there has to be a better life
But I can hear my children's cry
I can see the tears in their eyes
Memories of those I've left behind
Oh just still ringing in my ears
Will I ever go back again
Will I ever see her face again
'cause I'll always remember that night
As they waved goodbye to their fathers
We came from the North
And we came from the South
With picks and with spades
And a new kind of order
Showing no fear of what lies up ahead
They'll never see the likes of us again
Driving the last spike
Lifting and laying the track
With blistering hands
And the sun burning your back
But I can hear my children's cry
I can see the tears in their eyes
Oh memories of those I've left behind
Still ringing in my ears
'cause I'll always remember that night
As they waved goodbye to their fathers
We followed the rail, we slept under the stars
Digging in darkness and living with danger
Showing no fear of what lies up ahead
They'll never see the likes of us again
Can you hear me
Can you see
Don't you hear me
Don't you see
The song "Driving The Last Spike" by Genesis tells the story of the construction of the British railway system, specifically the moment when the last rail spike was driven into the ground. The singer reflects on the sacrifices made by the working class in order to complete this massive project, including leaving their families behind, working long and grueling hours, and even risking their lives. Despite the cost, the workers pressed on in the hope of a better future, though some ultimately paid the ultimate price for their sacrifice.
The first verse sets the stage, with the singer leaving his family behind to pursue work on the railway. He is uncertain of what lay ahead, but nevertheless prays for guidance as he heads off to work. Despite his devotion, he is soon disillusioned by the harsh realities of the job, which demands more and more from workers, even as it claims the lives of many of them. However, despite the overwhelming odds, the singer refuses to give up, and his resolve ultimately pays off as he and his fellow workers complete the railway.
Throughout the song, there is a sense of bitter irony, as the workers are seemingly uncared for by the wealthy elites who have commissioned the railway construction in the first place. Yet despite this, the workers remain steadfast, driven by a sense of duty and honor, and a belief that their hard work will lead to something greater in the end. Ultimately, "Driving The Last Spike" is a powerful tribute to the working-class heroes who built the British railway system from the ground up.
Line by Line Meaning
Leaving my family behind me
Departing from my loved ones, not knowing what lies ahead
Not knowing what lay ahead
Unsure of what's to come in the future
Waving goodbye, as I left them in tears
Saying farewell to my family, who were saddened by my departure
Remembering all we'd said
Recalling the conversations and promises made before leaving
I looked to the sky, I offered my prayers
Seeking guidance and strength from a higher power
I asked Him for guidance and strength
Making a request for divine direction and fortitude
But the simple beliefs of a simple man
Yet, my values and faith as an unassuming individual
Lay in His hands, and on my head
Were left in the hands of God to guide and protect me
I gave everything that they wanted
I satisfied all their demands and expectations
But still they wanted more
They were still not content and needed additional efforts
We sweat and we toiled
We worked tirelessly, putting in a lot of effort
Good men lost their lives
Sacrificing valuable lives for the cause
I don't think they knew what for
Unsure of the reasons behind such losses and effort
I sold them my heart
I gave them my all and invested emotionally in the task
I sold them my soul
I committed myself entirely and was passionate about the work
I gave everything I had
I exerted all my efforts and resources
But they couldn't break my spirit
Yet, they failed to weaken my determination and morale
My dignity fought back
I refused to give in or be reduced in self-respect
Fightback
Persist and continue in the struggle and resistance
Can you hear me
Are you listening to what I am saying
Can you see
Do you understand the situation I am describing
We worked in gangs for all we were worth
Operating in groups and contributing to the best of our ability
The young boys pulling the wagons
Adolescents hauling the carts for the project
We were digging the tunnels, shifting the earth
Excavating the passages and moving the soil away
It was then that it happened
At that moment, a significant incident occurred
No-one knew how the cracks appeared
Unclear how the gaps or fissures were formed
But as it fell they all disappeared
As the stones fell, the workers vanished with them
Stone fell like rain
The rocks descended in countless numbers
Can you breathe
Are you still alive and breathing
The smoke cleared, the dust it settled
The air became clear as dust and smoke settled
No one knew how many had died
Uncertain of the number of fatalities
All around there were broken men
Injured and damaged individuals all over
They'd said it was safe, and they'd lied
Promised safety, but it was a false assurance
You could hear the cries, you could smell the fear
Screams of distress and a scent of terror prevailed
But good fortune that day was mine
Lucky to have not been affected by the incident
And it occurred to me that the heart of a good man
Realized the fact that the character of a noble man
It seems is hard to find
Is rare and challenging to witness and behold
How we worked, how we worked like
The manner and extent of our labor were similar to how
The devil for our pay
The devil himself was paying us
Through the wind, through the snow
Despite the harsh weather conditions
Blasting and cutting through Gods country like a knife
Explosions and incisions penetrating the divine land
Sweat stinging my eyes, there has to be a better life
Perspiration causing eye irritation, hoping for a better existence
But I can hear my children's cry
Yet, hearing my offspring's sobbing prayer
I can see the tears in their eyes
Observing the sadness and despair in their gaze
Memories of those I've left behind
Recollections of my loved ones back in my hometown
Oh just still ringing in my ears
Still vivid in my thoughts and reverberating in my mind
Will I ever go back again
Will I get a chance to return to them
Will I ever see her face again
Will I ever see my wife/partner's face again
'cause I'll always remember that night
Because I will forever recall that evening
As they waved goodbye to their fathers
When my children bade farewell to me
We came from the North
I and my peers hailed from the northern part of the country
And we came from the South
Some of my mates and I traveled from the southern region too
With picks and with spades
Equipped with pickaxes and shovels
And a new kind of order
And a different class or system of management and discipline
Showing no fear of what lies up ahead
Fearless of the future and the unknown
They'll never see the likes of us again
There will never be another crew like ours
Driving the last spike
Placing the final nail in the track
Lifting and laying the track
Elevating and installing the railway line
With blistering hands
With severely burned and painful palms
And the sun burning your back
And the hot, scorching sun's rays on my back
We followed the rail, we slept under the stars
We moved along with the railway, spending the nights outdoors
Digging in darkness and living with danger
Excavating in dim lighting and existing in alarming conditions
They'll never see the likes of us again
Unmatched and unique crew which can't be replicated
Can you hear me
Do you notice me?
Can you see
Are you acknowledging my plight?
Don't you hear me
Why are you ignoring me?
Don't you see
Why do you not perceive my circumstances?
Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: ANTHONY GEORGE BANKS, PHILLIP DAVID CHARLES COLLINS, MICHAEL RUTHERFORD
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@wolfofnightmare2629
Leaving my family behind me
Not knowing what lay ahead
Waving goodbye, as I left them in tears
Remembering all we'd said
I looked to the sky, I offered my prayers
I asked Him for guidance and strength
But the simple beliefs of a simple man
Lay in His hands, and on my head
My head
I gave everything that they wanted
But still they wanted more
We sweat and we toiled
Good men lost their lives
I don't think they knew what for
I sold them my heart
I sold them my soul
I gave everything I had
But they couldn't break my spirit
My dignity fought back
Fightback
Just fightback
Can you hear me
Can you see
Don't you hear me
Don't you see
We worked in gangs for all we were worth
The young boys pulling the wagons
We were digging the tunnels, shifting the earth
It was then that it happened
No-one knew how the cracks appeared
But as it fell they all disappeared
Stone fell like rain
Can you hear me
Can you see
Don't you hear me
Can you breathe
The smoke cleared, the dust it settled
No one knew how many had died
All around there were broken men
They'd said it was safe, and they'd lied
You could hear the cries, you could smell the fear
But good fortune that day was mine
And it occurred to me that the heart of a good man
It seems is hard to find
Can you hear me
Can you see
Don't you hear me
Don't you see
How we worked, how we worked like
The devil for our pay
Through the wind, through the snow
And through the rain
Blasting and cutting through Gods country like a knife
Sweat stinging my eyes, there has to be a better life
But I can hear my children's cry
I can see the tears in their eyes
Memories of those I've left behind
Oh just still ringing in my ears
Will I ever go back again
Will I ever see her face again
'cause I'll always remember that night
As they waved goodbye to their fathers
We came from the North
And we came from the South
With picks and with spades
And a new kind of order
Showing no fear of what lies up ahead
They'll never see the likes of us again
Driving the last spike
Lifting and laying the track
With blistering hands
And the sun burning your back
But I can hear my children's cry
I can see the tears in their eyes
Oh memories of those I've left behind
Still ringing in my ears
'cause I'll always remember that night
As they waved goodbye to their fathers
We followed the rail, we slept under the stars
Digging in darkness and living with danger
Showing no fear of what lies up ahead
They'll never see the likes of us again
Can you hear me
Can you see
Don't you hear me
Don't you see
@grizzlygrad6578
We Can't Dance was the first album I bought when I was 13 years old. I used to listen to this track over and over again. It is incredibly arranged. I don't know what made me think of it today, but I'm so glad I did. This is a truly beautiful song.
@risingoneagleswings1776
Phil Collins and Genesis play the most emotional story songs ever. This one. Mama, No son of mine and and others. Powerful. Prayers for Phil.
@christinesharland8478
Don't forget Ripples and Snowbound... Home by the sea.... . Too many to write here... But they write many poignant lyrics that make you think and I usually get goosebumps. This song is a great tribute to the people who.lost their lives building the railway and their relatives. Fantastic band
@risingoneagleswings1776
@@christinesharland8478 Absolutely agree. Even songs like " Mama" and " In the Air Tonight" have such emotion and depth.
@JimReem
Another Day in Paradise, the most powerful of all.
@risingoneagleswings1776
@@JimReem Yes. Another great one.
@Nick-oy5fn
This is no doubt one of the greatest stories ever told with rock music. Never again will you hear and feel this.
@geraldgrenier8132
I always match to "16 tonnes" in my head
@matthewdurden5929
No truer words ever!!!
@JD.Knight
One of the greatest....
You should try a song called
Empire of the clouds by Iron Maiden.
Thats my favourite