In The Air Tonight
Jon Howard Lyrics


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I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
Oh, Lord

Well, if you told me you were drowning
I would not lend a hand
I've seen your face before my friend
But I don't know if you know who I am

But I was there and I saw what you did
I saw it with my own two eyes
You can wipe off the grin, I know where you've been
It's all been a pack of lies

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
Oh, Lord

Oh Lord, oh Lord

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
Oh, Lord





Oh Lord, oh Lord

Overall Meaning

The opening lyrics to Jon Howard's "In the Air Tonight" are both cryptic and haunting. The singer seems to be anticipating an event, and the air is heavy with expectation. He repeats the line, "I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord" multiple times, amplifying the sense of anticipation. The second line, "I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord," could be interpreted in a number of ways. It could be a positive anticipation, such as waiting for a long-awaited reunion or achievement. Alternatively, it could be a negative anticipation, such as the wait for an impending tragedy.


The second half of the song references a specific incident, though the details are murky. The singer mentions a friend who is drowning, but he will not assist them. He claims to have seen the same friend do something heinous, potentially illegal, and points out that he knows the true nature of that person. The sudden change in direction is jarring, as the song had previously been open to interpretation. The air of anticipation takes on a different tone, as it could now be implying an imminent reckoning.


Overall, "In the Air Tonight" is a deeply powerful song that can be interpreted in many different ways. The lyrics leave much to the imagination while also hinting at a specific incident. The use of repetition and the emotive delivery by Jon Howard make this song an unforgettable experience for all who listen to it.


Line by Line Meaning

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
I sense that something critical is about to happen and it's giving me goosebumps


I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I have been eagerly anticipating this occurrence for the longest time


Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
Can you perceive the same tension that I'm sensing right now?


Oh, Lord
An expression of awe and admiration felt towards a higher authority


Well, if you told me you were drowning
If you revealed to me that you were in a grave situation


I would not lend a hand
I wouldn't come to your aid


I've seen your face before my friend
I'm familiar with you and we've met before


But I don't know if you know who I am
Though I recognize you, I'm unsure if you recognize me too


But I was there and I saw what you did
I bore witness to your actions and I was present when they occurred


I saw it with my own two eyes
I didn't hear about it from someone else, I personally saw it occur


You can wipe off the grin, I know where you've been
You can pretend to be innocent but I'm not fooled, I know the real story


It's all been a pack of lies
Everything that you've presented as the truth has been nothing but falsehoods


Oh Lord, oh Lord
An expression of respect or exasperation towards a higher authority




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Phil Collins

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

@nicolebennett97

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord
Well if you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand
I've seen your face before my friend, but I don't know if you know who I am
Well I was there and I saw what you did, I saw it with my own two eyes
So you can wipe off that grin, I know where you've been
It's all been a pack of lies
And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
Well I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
Well I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord, oh Lord
Well I remember, I remember, don't worry, how could I ever forget
It's the first time, the last time we ever met
But I know the reason why you keep your silence up, oh no you don't fool me
Well the hurt doesn't show, but the pain still grows
It's no stranger to you and me
I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
Well been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord
Well I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord
And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord
I can feel it in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord
Well I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord, oh Lord
I can feel it in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord
Well I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord



All comments from YouTube:

@itskallisto1458

The scene with Lucifer in his Corvette speeding down the highway... Gives me chills.

@mahverick829

I literally just finished this episode and HAD to look up this song, but yes...oh my dad...same reaction!

@avinash5715

Always gotta gring up father huh!@@mahverick829

@kylefarrell2841

@@mahverick829 me too! Literal chills during that scene

@EATITTV

Thats just sign of a good director

@johnl.8616

Song fit Lucifer perfect in that scene.

48 More Replies...

@NatalieTaylorMusic

Hi everyone!! Thank you for all the sweet comments! My husband just put it online! Here is the Spotify link!
https://open.spotify.com/track/4pLySBncKML0LUjQhYEWD4?si=v7l6eetlRxm5GPNv8-AtuA

@trongle1143

NatalieTaylorMusic if possible, an apple music link would be so appreciated!!

@faemichaelson1441

Is his song on Pandora? I can't find it. 😭 Edit: I just realized its your song (Natalie). And found YOU on Pandora. I like both versions. My head exploded.

@LynSpooner

I swear I never thought anyone could touch Phil Collins version....I was wrong. Chillingly beautiful

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