Sledgehammer
Genesis (Phil Collins & Peter Gabriel) Lyrics


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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

Overall Meaning

In Genesis' hit song "Sledgehammer," the lyrics paint a vivid picture of the limitless potential of what one can achieve if they set their mind to it. The song goes over a series of scenarios that all could be achieved if only one would take the right steps. Singer Peter Gabriel and musician Phil Collins are both famous for putting a great deal of thought into the lyrics they produce. "Sledgehammer" is no exception to this approach, with a message that appears to be directed toward a person who may be struggling to find their path.


The central idea presented throughout this song is one of empowerment. Gabriel sings of how the person he is addressing could have anything they desire if they only take the steps to get it. The steam train, airplane, and big dipper are all symbols of the many opportunities that are available in this world. The persona of the song wants to assist this person in discovering their potential, going so far as to call themselves a "Sledgehammer" that can knock down any barriers that stand in their way. The song makes it clear that Gabriel believes in those he is singing to, and he believes they can accomplish great things if they only take the necessary steps.


Line by Line Meaning

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
You have the potential for great things, but you need to put in the effort and lay down the foundation. Your success relies on your ability to bring back the optimism and positivity you once had.


All you do is call me I'll be anything you need
I will be there for you whenever you need me. You don't have to face your problems alone, just reach out and I will help you in any way I can.


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
Life can be a wild ride with many ups and downs, but it's important to embrace the roller coaster and enjoy the thrill of the ride. Life is full of surprises and excitement, and it should be enjoyed to the fullest.


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 want to be your strength and support, your go-to person for anything you need. Show me all of your quirks and flaws, because I will love you just the same. I will be there to comfort you and help you through anything that may come your way. I will be an unwavering force in your life.


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
I have changed and grown, shedding my old skin and embracing a new way of living. Let's dance together and show each other our true selves. I will be vulnerable and open with you if you are willing to do the same for me.


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
You are the one I am talking to, the one who has always supported me. We are going to build up our strength and power together. I will be a constant support for you and feed your soul with positivity and encouragement. Let's keep pushing forward and helping each other along the way, always working together to achieve our goals.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: PETER GABRIEL

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Most interesting comment from YouTube:

@memowilliam9889

...

The beginning of the video begins with the beginning of life:


Egg, sperm, pregnancy, development, birth, eyes open awake, emoting, hearing, thinking, consciousness.

Welcome to the world sentient being.

Peter is not the subject of the lyrics. Someone else is. Who is able to fulfill all the qualities of the sledgehammer?

God.

“All you do is call me. I will be anything you need.”

Romans 10:13

”whoever will call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

Peter includes many lyrical allusions to the Christian faith. Whether he is a full blown Christian or of some other blended type, he hints at Christian spiritual experiences in many of his songs.



All comments from YouTube:

@MermaidMelissaPage

Bring the hammer!

@darrochturner20

Haha

@beastmerc84

Bring the hammer of the Gods!

@PaquetasCar2147

What about the Sledge? No worries Percy will bring that.

@toddseals2792

I like the way you said that. , ...

@healingheartsinspiration6253

Yes!!!!!

2 More Replies...

@jschlatt

actually the crowbar snaps in two

@chuchu2928

hey jschlatt good taste

@OzzieJeza02

Nice to know that some YouTubers have great taste.

@xolborLOL

i wasnt expecting to see you here

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