Just Another Story
Phil Collins Lyrics

Father comes home 'cause his money's run out - Seems a little loose tonight, he starts to shout.
The father comes home because he has run out of money, and this causes him to become angry. He begins shouting and seems out of control.

Dinner's not on the table, seems mother's not able, She's staring at the TV.
The mother is not able to prepare dinner, so it is not ready. She is staring at the television and appears to be avoiding the father's anger.

You can smell it on his breath, feel it in his touch, He never meant to hit her hard, but he's like that when he's had too much.
The father has been drinking, and this is apparent in his breath and behavior. Although he did not intend to hit the mother severely, he becomes physically aggressive when he is under the influence.

It's just another story 'bout going too far, It's just another story 'bout going too far.
The song is about the different scenarios and situations where people go too far with their actions.

Well the kid's at school, she's getting good grades, But the peer pressure's starting now - too bad, she had it made.
The child is doing well in school, but she is now experiencing peer pressure to engage in potentially harmful behaviors. This is a shame because she was on a positive track before this.

Seems there's always someone trying to push you to do something, You know, ain't the way they told you to It's hard to see The things you taught her, how to be, It's like you told her nothing, selective memory.
There is always someone pushing you to do things that go against the values and lessons you have taught. The singer struggles to see how his parenting has impacted his child and feels as though she has forgotten his teachings.

Come on try it, it's just a smoke, ain't gonna kill you, so she takes a toke - Fade to grey.
Someone encourages the singer's child to try smoking, and she gives in to peer pressure. The song then fades out.

Well the guys at work seemed okay, They'd buy you a drink, get you laid, what's wrong with that?
The artist's coworkers appear harmless and are generous, but their actions may have consequences.

Why'd they have more money than you, expensive cars, expensive clothes, D'you ever think of what they do?
The artist wonders why his coworkers have more money and material possessions than he does. He questions if this is due to illegal or unethical actions.

At night they're out, shakin' people down, When they're walking together seems they own the town.
The coworkers engage in illegal activities at night, and when they are out together, they appear to be in control of the town.

But hey, who's gonna talk, you are their alibi, Don't turn around, don't ask questions, just walk
The singer is aware of his coworkers' actions but does not speak out against them. He is their alibi and feels as though he cannot question what they are doing. He is told to remain quiet and avoid involvement.