Something In The Air
Various Artists Lyrics


Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴  Line by Line Meaning ↴

I can feel it
Coming in the air tonight
Oh Lord
Ive been waiting for this moment
For all my life
Oh Lord

Well if you told me you were drowning
I would not lend a hand
Ive seen your face before my friend
But i dont 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 of the grin
I know where youve been
Its all been a pack of lies

I can feel it
Coming in the air tonight
Oh Lord
Ive been waiting for this moment
For all my life
Oh Lord, Oh Lord

Well i remember
I remember dont worry
How could i ever forget
Its the first time
The last time
We ever met
But i know the reason why you keep me silenced up
No you dont fool me
Cause the hurt doesnt show
But the pain still grows
Its no stranger to you and me

I can feel it
Coming in the air tonight
Oh Lord
Ive been waiting for this moment




For all my life
Oh Lord, Oh Lord

Overall Meaning

Possible interpretations of the lyrics to "In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins:


Phil Collins, the writer and performer of "In the Air Tonight," has revealed different inspirations for this song, such as a painful personal experience, a nightmare, or the shock of seeing someone drown. Regardless of the specific source, the lyrics convey a sense of ominous anticipation and unresolved tension that have made the song one of Collins's signature hits and a staple of classic rock radio.


The first stanza establishes a hypnotic rhythm and a haunting mood, as Collins repeats the phrase "Oh Lord" three times and adds "I've been waiting for this moment for all my life." This prepares the listener for the climactic drum fill that comes after a long instrumental buildup, serving as a release of the pent-up anticipation that the lyrics evoke. The second stanza deepens the mystery and the resentment that the singer feels towards someone he calls "my friend" but doesn't offer any help to. The singer claims to know this person's lies and deceptions, and warns them that their reckoning is near, but leaves the details ambiguous. The third stanza reframes the narrative as a flashback, where the singer recalls the only encounter he had with this person, whose reason for silencing him is still unknown. The chorus returns, with even more intensity and desperation, as if the confrontation that has been brewing is about to erupt.


Line by Line Meaning

I can feel it
A feeling of anticipation and eagerness


Coming in the air tonight
An event or change that is approaching


Oh Lord
An expression of awe or reverence


Ive been waiting for this moment
A sense of longing for something that has been anticipated for a long time


For all my life
The wait has been very long and meaningful


Well if you told me you were drowning
If you were to be in trouble or need help


I would not lend a hand
I would not offer assistance or support


Ive seen your face before my friend
I know you well


But i dont know if you know who i am
You may not be aware of who I truly am


Well i was there and i saw what you did
I witnessed your actions firsthand


I saw it with my own two eyes
I have undeniable proof of your actions


So you can wipe of the grin
You cannot hide your guilt or true feelings


I know where youve been
I am familiar with your past actions and decisions


Its all been a pack of lies
Everything you have said has been false or insincere


Well i remember
I have not forgotten


I remember dont worry
You may have thought I forgot, but I haven't


How could i ever forget
The event was too significant to be forgotten


Its the first time
It was the beginning of something important


The last time
It was also the end of something significant


We ever met
Our first and last encounter


But i know the reason why you keep me silenced up
You have purposely kept me quiet for your own benefit


No you dont fool me
I am not deceived by your actions


Cause the hurt doesnt show
You hide the pain and suffering that you have caused


But the pain still grows
The effects of your actions continue to affect me


Its no stranger to you and me
The pain and hurt is not unfamiliar to either of us


Oh Lord, Oh Lord
An expression of deep emotion and feeling




Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC
Written by: Phil Collins

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
To comment on or correct specific content, highlight it

Genre not found
Artist not found
Album not found
Song not found

More Versions