Peter Gabriel - Solsbury Hill
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- Опубліковано 10 лют 2025
- The official Solsbury Hill video. Directed by Graham Dean.
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Having left Genesis the previous summer, Peter’s first solo album arrived in February 1977. He was 26. With legendary producer Bob Ezrin taking charge the intention was to make something more direct and tougher than what had come before. Solsbury Hill was the first single to be taken from the album, though the video you see here was created much later "just messing around at Real World with a painter friend of mine Graham Dean." says Peter.
Read more: petergabriel.co...
Climbing up on Solsbury Hill
I could see the city light
Wind was blowing, time stood still
Eagle flew out of the night
He was something to observe
Came in close, I heard a voice
Standing stretching every nerve
Had to listen, had no choice
I did not believe the information
I just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom boom boom
"Son," he said
"Grab your things, I've come to take you home"
To keep in silence I resigned
My friends would think I was a nut
Turning water into wine
Open doors would soon be shut
So I went from day to day
Though my life was in a rut
'Til I thought of what I'd say
Which connection I should cut
I was feeling part of the scenery
I walked right out of the machinery
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey," he said
"Grab your things, I've come to take you home"
back home
When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I want to be
And liberty she pirouette
When I think that I am free
Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me
Today I don't need a replacement
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey" I said
"You can keep my things, they've come to take me home"
Climbing up on Solsbury Hill
I could see the city light
Wind was blowing, time stood still
Eagle flew out of the night
He was something to observe
Came in close, I heard a voice
Standing stretching every nerve
Had to listen, had no choice
I did not believe the information
I just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom boom boom
"Son," he said
"Grab your things, I've come to take you home"
To keep in silence I resigned
My friends would think I was a nut
Turning water into wine
Open doors would soon be shut
So I went from day to day
Though my life was in a rut
'Til I thought of what I'd say
Which connection I should cut
#MusicVideo
As a teenager every friday my dad and I would sit on youtube and hed show me music he liked. I remember when he showed me Peter Gabriel music. This and Red Rain. I became such a huge fan. A few years ago Peter toured with Sting and my Dad (who had been to so many concerts that he saw Zepplin as an OPENING act) was begging begging begging me to go with him. He never saw Peter live and "needed too" with me :) it was the best concert ever. My dad died suddenly a few weeks ago and I'm very depressed but all our music doesnt make me sad. It makes me happy. I know my dad is in heaven listening to all these songs with me.
Sad... Sorry for your loss!
(HUGS)
So sorry about you loss. Thanks for sharing. Music is magical!
That's such a beautiful note thank you for sharing it! You're blessed that your dad gave you these treasured memories that you will have forever. And know that your dad is looking at you down from heaven ❤️
Sorry for your loss - "Enjoy the little things in life because one day they will be the BIG thing" (anon)
The line "Son," he said, "grab your things, I've come to take you home," reminds me of being 12 years old and my grandfather coming to take me to live with him. He saved me from a really bad situation. That was 33 years ago.
I know this comment was made 6 years ago but your grandpa seems/seemed like a great guy
I sure wish my grampa woulda,your grampa was a great man
Yes that line is powerful. Home that beautiful word, home which should mean love, family, unity and being safe. For those who had it, have it, cherish it because many had little of it or none at all in the sense of the word ‘home’.
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
one day ill take my son home
When I woke up on my 21st birthday I said to myself “the song playing on the radio will set the path for the rest of my life”. This was the song playing. I’m 51 now and I’ve never forgotten.
I did the same but it was Gangnam Style that came on. It's been a rough life
Hello Mother Father of all creation 😄 our creators r here in physical flesh !!
What a beautiful thing that is!
That's special....this is a truly spiritual song... anyway u take it
Its a good thing it wasn't "I touch myself" by the Divinyls.
Just saw Peter perform this song in Columbus last month. He was skipping around stage singing “we’re going home”!!! Absolutely a marvel at 72. His last words to the audience was “ what happens next is up to you!” What a remarkable human being. Thank you, Peter.
Brilliance!
His one liners are so golden
Used to work for PG. He's a nice guy. I remember going to a secret rehearsal of one of his tours, in an aircraft hangar. It was the one where he rolled around the stage in a Zorb ball. He managed to knock over an entire stack of keyboards and equipment. That's what rehearsals are for😂
Este tipo es un fenómeno. Esta obra maestra indica que, claramente, los caminos de Génesis y de Gabriel podían haber seguido de la mano, sin perjuicio del aporte del resto. Qué hubiese pasado, ya es contrafáctico, pero, al mismo tiempo sale Y al final quedaron tres.....
Yes, We (Humanity) is going home very soon. This will shock the World!
Never fails to make me cry. It was my mom's favorite song by him.
Brain cancer claimed her in 2020. She told me to keep her things, they're coming to take her home.
@pigfish99 Heartfelt Condolences
Sorry for your loss
I shed a tear for you right then pig. Condolences.
I shed a tear for you and your mom right now. Sorry for this loss.
So sorry for your loss I find this song impossible to listen to without crying and I have no idea why x
In my opinion this is one of the greatest songs ever written... Still takes breath away all these years later
I think it's very emotional
Completely agree.
It's a beautiful song, and for a pop song to use a complex time signature (7/4) makes it all the more interesting
❤️🖐
I cant wait one day when the lord decides to tell me to leave all my things cause he's gonna take me home 🙏 😇
This song is the definition of timeless. Remember, this was released 44 years ago, yet sounds like it could have been written yesterday. Masterworks are not effected by age.
It was written yesterday...
Thing is it doesn't sound like it was written yesterday if it was it would be crap like the rest of music today
You ought to see him in concert riding the bicycle Alan. 🙂
@nty Twe for like a second and then it would've been forgotten, fortunately this was made 44 years ago, but alot of the people that were alive when this came out are still alive which helps its timelessness.
Intemporelle
still playing this, loved this man
Peter is still very much alive !!!
@@johnjames77 lol I think she just worded it badly
think of jesus
@@Woodrow-g5m Why, did he do backing vocals on this track?
Beautiful song.........Reminds me when my son was born. It was an emergency c section for my wife. We all knew he was " not right" from birth and we have loved him with all our heart and soul. He is now 27 years old with severe disabilities and the most beautiful Boy in the world. Life is a challenge for all of us, especially my son.......He is my hero.
🥰🥰
Amen. My son passed in 2019 at the age of 26 from cancer. Since he could walk he was my hero, my champ. God bless and may you many good years.
I have three healthy kids and I thank God everyday for them.
I always marvel when I see parents like you.
Bless you.
Look in the mirror.... YOU are too God bless
I love comments like these.
Got back from Vietnam in 71, my dad was waiting for me at LA airport. He said almost those exact words and I have never felt a warmer feeling.
@KellyDeanBishopatgmaildotcom Thanks for the heads up, but I live in Arkansas.
A belated thank you
for your service
I remember when my brother got back from the Gulf op Granby. My mam and dad running up the garden path. Just thinking about it now punches me in the heart.🇺🇸
This is a great song, and thank you for your service hoping all is well with you as the wheel of time turns without end😀😉
Glad you made it brother, one vet to another.
My childhood friend died from a drug overdose in 2003. As I left the funeral service and got back on the highway to go home, this song came on. I think of him every time I hear it.
I just came home from my best friend’s funeral tonight. This song was played at the service. He passed from an overdose too. My heart is with you, this song will carry our friend’s memory on forever ❤
💙 So sorry you lost your friend and what a beautiful track to hear the day you parted in this realm to remember them with until you meet in the next realm 💙
Hello Mother Father of all creation 😄 our creators r here in physical flesh !!
A friend of mine also died from an overdose when I was a teenager.
In the church during the funeral her dad pressed play on a tape recorder and on came Shine On You Crazy Diamond by Pink Floyd, which was her favourite. We all sat in silence through the whole thing.
I love the song but get so sad whenever I hear it now.
Oh no 😢😢
This is the first time Ive heared this song since Dad passed away this past summer. He loved this song. Anyone else listening in Dec/24?❤
I'm always listening.
Yep I’m listening and I lost my Dad last December he also loved this song
Listening always
This song speaks volumes bout my life
@@deemcgowan7461Amen, me too! ❤
Me - December of 24.
This is one of the most beautiful songs ever written.
Son grab your things, I’ve come to take you home - tears me up, save me. X
Agreed.
Agreed.
Yes
Yes...a founding member of Genesis!!!
I visited Solsbury Hill when I was in England because of this song. It's beautiful and I listened to this track while I was stood there. It was a wonderful, calming experience.
I loved this song a o e all others and was so thrilled to go to Bath Academy of Art and find out Solsbury Hill overlooked the city.
Spent many days and nights up there on the old iron age fort.
I liketo believe a shoe of mine that got sucked into the mud one bonfire night is still up there.
That sounds like quite the experience! Memorable, heartfelt, and once in a lifetime!
Salisbury HILL IS England never heard of Solsbury hill ?
@@kevinjamesparr552 Wait what?
I was there last week. Lovely view for such an easy hike. Didn’t see any city lights (it was late morning) and no eagle flew out of the night (again, it was daytime), but I saw a couple of sparrows, I think, and perhaps a crow. The wind was blowing and time stood still, though.
I am 55 years old and this has been my all-time favorite song since I was 16.
Yup, a big fave of mine too, I twas but a wee lad when I first 'heard this voice'. Boom boom boom..
Absolutly
Me too (just subtract two years ... 53 and 14) ... life changing song/album/singer!!!
I hear you sister... my heart going boom, boom, boom.
Hi Dorothy. I'm a fraction younger. A school friend told me to listen out for it and I was captivated. I'd never heard anything so singular and catchy. The same friend had tickets to see PG in Manchester in 1977 and I was mesmerised by him. Glory days!
This tune is 47 years old!! 2024-1977. 😮 Still a bloody awesome tune!! 😍😍👍👍
I didn’t know that. I was born in 1977 and, I’ve always my entire life been drawn to this song.
Same here.
I've listened to this song 46,000 times and just now noticed something:
The first verse's rhyme scheme is ABABCDCD. The second is ABABCBCB. The third is ABABABAB.
The rhyme structure is becoming more orderly as the narrative voice gains clarity about his situation and future.
Awesome.
Nice dude
@@dansmith7106 Imagine it would have been ABACAB :D
This is one of my favorite comments ever on youtube. And it's correct, mirroring his clarity... I wonder if he wrote it that way?
@@chartwel I was going to thank you for your outstanding compliment, but then I remembered what most UA-cam comments are and realized I cleared a pretty low bar.
I'd answer your question by saying that Peter Gabriel seems pretty meticulous in his musical and creative vision. He doesn't do anything slapdash.
@@qfmarsh64 Just enjoy the beauty of this song. Jeeze.
Whoever writes a song in 7/4 time?
This bloke. Genius. Thank you, Peter.
Hello Mother Father of all creation 😄 our creators r here in physical flesh !!
I have
What a terrible pair of comments you got. But yeah dude, the time signature is crazy, Petey gabes is the shit.
Lost my dad to cancer, played this at his funeral. Beautiful song thank you Mr Peter Gabriel for the tears of joy you brought to us.
So sorry for your loss 💔💔💔
@@roxykilfoyle1028 Thank you I appreciate that alot.
Beautiful Music
😢 My late wife loved this song when I first met her. Wish she was still here.
Sir, she is.
God bless you
@@lennyhuhn4732Absolutely 🇦🇺
This song was written in 76 and put out March of 77 and sounds fresher and more progressive than 90percent of music today. Amazing
76 was a really really bad year for me, aged 9. i still have PTSD from it.
That is because today the band members are employees of all of these youngsters rather than owners or partners in the band. Some youngsters use all studio musicians so as to not get too close to regular band members and they then might feel compelled to pay them properly. 😂
Thank you , I never knew that & that's when I was born , this is one of my favorite songs 🎵 03/22/1977 DOB
It really is perfect- music still hasn’t caught up to it….
@@ataylor2112ciao amico!🙋😊😍😘💘🍀
Heard this in a detox and truly had a spiritual awakening, this song has helped me find truth, love and my higher power. It’s helped me let go of my past, my crippling fear of the future. God loves you. This is a masterpiece.
I'm glad you're on your path!
Im currently almost 3 weeks off a decade long opiate addiction. I listen to this every couple days and just cry
Guess what?? It's get better, so much It's nearly a dream. Riley B you are loved 😍
@jksngtrs90 keep it up brother.
Keep it up, y’all. I’m hoping I make 12 years on Halloween 2023. I went to the e r in liver failure with bleeding varices. I wasn’t expected to live, and it took 5 years before I could return to work. 12 years later, I don’t recognize that person. Jesus came to my bed every day and told me not to be afraid, and that I would be coming with Him to our home. Keep your faith in Him. I played this song after lunch for my 2nd grade students, who decided that home is Heaven. They cited evidence in the lyrics. Life is a wonderful gift, and even on our worst days, miracles happen. 🙏🙏🙏I’m keeping you all in my prayers.
My brothers body will be released to go with where his soul already went last night. I will always believe this was what my brothers journey was like. Rest in peace Adam Carmon Sr... Never will you ever be forgotten. I love you tough man.
I felt my husband’s heart beat for the last time in early April. I’ve listened to this song often since then as this widow waits for him to take me home.
@@cheoahsnowbird I truly believe the way you knew that you were truly loved is the space left behind when they go. I couldn't imagine losing the love of my life and I pray that you hold onto the love and memories of him until you are surely reunited.
My sincerest apologies. I lost mine in 2011, and in many ways it still feels like it just happened. I pray you find peace and comfort. Lean into your family and friends. It will help.
My brother came to visit me in the form of an eagle in my dream last night. Just wanted you to know that someone is thinking about you with your first Thanksgiving coming without your forever love. May God bless you and your memories surround you with all the love you two shared. @@cheoahsnowbird
This is not only "a song". This is a timeless anthem. Beauty turned into music!!!!
You are right.
I agree
100%
100 percent pal
@Alexander Steiner It is indeed a masterpiece, a legend. But what a crying shame that such a meaningless, horrid video profanes it so. I'd like to punch Mr Graham Dean right in the face for this wreck of a production.
This is the best Peter Gabriel song hands down.
Listen to him sing with Kate bush ( don’t give up ) two amazing voices
@@melvinharris2404 Listen to "Mercy Street" it's based on a poem by Ann Sexton. Soo good!!!
Joint best with Don't Give Up
This is one of the most deceptively complex, deep songs ever written. I've never heard such an irregular time signature worked so smoothly into a song, complete with time changes too. The symbolism in the rhyme scheme is also excellent.
Yes, because Peter always had this odd sense of tribal and delicate sound that helped pioneer progressive rock.
I never understood how complex this song was until I started studying music theory. Such an amazing song.
I love this song, it has heart,
My 7th grade English teacher was kinda a badass guy. For “homework” he’d have us listen to a song and the next the day he’d sit back and hear out our horrible perceptions. The thing is though most times he wouldn’t tell us what the song meant and just told us to keep listening or read about it. This song though wouldn’t let him spit it out, I remember whatever it was he had to say it was on the tip of his tongue but looked like he struggled to put an idea into a digestible explanation. I don’t think I’ll ever read into this song, just listen and try to find out what my teacher was thinking. After a few years of listening I like to think it’s what you like to think.
Everything Peter Gabriel did was alternative. Just listen to the content he did with the band Genesis. Just absolutely absurd time frames and changes yet everything seemlessly stayed together and flowed. Musical Genius... The beauty of this is not just with it's composition. This is a superbly written song with entendre and some positive lessons embedded. Total package.
Spent 20 years living out of a bottle. This was my song leaving rehab. Years Sober and just passed my CPA exam, this song…this song. 😢
Congrats on the sobriety.
That's quite an accomplishment for both, especially the sobriety.
I have 467 days of being sober myself.
And I love this song.
It requires strength and more importantly DETERMINATION to change...I speak from experience.
Grab your things..I’ve come to take you home 👍
@@susansongsmahony7406excellent keep it up 25 years for me 👍💪🇦🇺
Congrats🎉 amazing what one day at a time can do !!
15 years ago, my son was 10 and his mother was moving out of state, trying to take him with her. I always imaged the last line of the song was him making his choice to stay with me. Years later, he & I heard this song while driving - neither of us said a word, but both started choking up every time the 'grab your things' line came around. I get emotional every time I hear this song.
Beautiful.
❤️
I belive someone you were close to comes for you when it's your time. My dad said as he was dying that he would come for me...I tear up listening too
I'm 35 and I do too even though I have the best memories of dancing to this with my younger sister Dana in our childhood living room three decades ago now
lost my 18 yr old son 5 yrs ago. this song reminds me of him
My son was taking the wrong path in life, after going on the missing list for a while, I marched stoically into his world and asked him if he was coming home with me, he came home!!!!
FUCK YES!!!
@@kellerfishguy611yes👍🇦🇺
❤
The Prodigal Son
I'm sobbing for joy for you!
Isn't it amazing how a song can touch so many people in so many different ways?
Beautiful music is how you want to imagine it should be no matter what the original intent I think of it as a message personally.
It takes you someplace and in our places we each find something awesome!
@tim sharrett on you mums doll.
When it reaches across genres and appeals to differnt ages after so many years, it speaks volumes to the work.
The power of Music. A single song can mean so many different things to so many different people.
I often think of my dad passing and I think of this song. I truly believe that he’d be proud of the love I’ve found
He will be. He'll be at peace knowing you're happy.
Poetic genius this song, still stands up after 47 years. Always will. Great work, Mr Gabriel. Your music will continue to stand the test of time.
Hello Mother Father of all creation 😄 our creators r here in physical flesh !!
@@LOVEHAS1JOYRAINS2No, Jesus and his Dad are the creators! My so-called "great" parents are nothing but sperm or ovarie donors. It's a shame it has to be that way... I'm 51 and I'm fed up and I don't care anymore about them. (Pardon the Phil reference, but as someone said, referring to the awesom drummer of early Genesis, when Phil "DON'T CARE ANYMORE," my neighbors have to know about it too out loud, ha ha..")
Anyway, a legendary move that works out for all the musicians in the Genesis at that time. The world needed Peter Gabriel solo, and a new version of them with Phil taking over the vocals too.. it just didn't know it then, YET it classically works itself somehow!
Absolutely 🖤🤘🏻🎵
"It's about being prepared to lose what you have for what you might get ... It's about letting go." Such an amazing composition.
I agree...
It takes a lot of bravery to do that.
Its cutting ties and chains to the mortal realm and going home.
Who are you quoting? Is that a Gabriel quote ??
@@stanettiels7367 yes. From wikipedia:
"Gabriel has said of the song's meaning, 《 It's about being prepared to lose what you have for what you might get ... It's about letting go. 》 His former bandmate Tony Banks acknowledges that the song reflects Gabriel's decision to break ties with Genesis, but it can also be applied in a broader sense to situations of letting go in general."
I am a teacher in Los Angeles, currently teaching 2nd grade. I played it when I taught 4th grade and today i played it after lunch . Music is a powerful tool for teaching lessons across the curriculum. My soon to be 3rd graders decided very quickly that it was about angels taking the singer to Heaven. They cited evidence in the lyrics.
Anybody who knows Peter Gabriel knows that he is never quite literal with anything which means many of his songs have a personal meaning to him just like they may have a completely different personal meaning to you.
So Solsbury Hill could essentially be about anything you want it to be about. But to Peter Gabriel it is about his decision to leave Genesis. He has made this quite clear. You could go line by line and it all makes perfect sense considering the situation he was in at the time.
He was fed up with the industry and life as a rock star in general. He was being thrust out as the star of a group whose works had actually been evenly divided between the 5 members. Because he and his costumes were the focal point of live shows, everyone assumed Peter wrote all the music, all the lyrics, set up the stage, and that the rest of the band were just his backing band. This was far from the truth and Gabriel hated the attention.
But as much as he hated the attention at first, he was beginning to enjoy it, which was taking him away from his audience. He no longer got the butterflies before shows. The music didn't touch him the way it used to. He felt as though he was just going through the motions. He didn't like what he was becoming. "To keep in silence, I resigned."
Besides all these internal things, Genesis was getting on his nerves as well. He refers to Genesis as "the machinery." It was a constant cycle of write, record, tour, write, record, tour. etc... They would schedule gigs non-stop with hardly any breaks. There was no room for freedom. Gabriel hated knowing exactly where he was going to be in 18 months, as he did with Genesis. He said Genesis was like the army. You had to turn up to the studio every morning at 9am and you were either 100% committed or you weren't at all. "I walked right out of the machinery."
On top of that, the band had decided to write a concept album - The Lamb. Gabriel wanted to give this album a little bit of "balls", as he puts it, and no one else in the band was going to deliver that. He also felt that a concept album, AKA a story, should be written by one person. It needs one clear and coherent direction, which their democratic system of writing could not accomplish. This pissed off the other band members. Gabriel was beginning to realize that he could not last for long being "tied down to the old hierarchy." His creative ambitions were exceeding those of the rest of the band.
The tipping point came during the writing for "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway." Gabriel's wife was going through a horrible pregnancy and they didn't think his daughter was going to survive. So Peter was making these long trips back and forth between London and where the band were writing and recording out in the middle of nowhere England. This meant that he was absent during much of the writing. The band were writing music in one room while Peter was writing lyrics to what was already there in another room or wasn't there at all to attend to his wife. No one else in the band had been married or had kids at this point (besides Phil Collins) and so they didn't understand. They were mad because Peter was gone all the time. Peter was mad because to him there was no question what his priorities were. It was a matter of life and death for him. His family was far more important than writing an album. The band could not understand this and that really pissed Peter off. "So I went from day to day, though my life was in a rut. Til' I thought of what I'd say, which connection I should cut." "No one taught them etiquette."
After leaving Genesis, Gabriel felt a sense of jealousy. He wasn't sure what he was going to do with his life at the time (he didn't begin his solo career right away, not until 1977). He wanted out of the music industry as a whole. His pride got the best of him when he saw Genesis having greater success without him and decided to get back in, but this time on his own terms, doing his own thing.
And the rest is history.....
I think the same thing I would play this song and was thinking it was Jesus taking me home
@@jtarttthanks for the history lesson man appreciate it i was born in 05 so i had no clue what the song was about
Peter Gabriel - Solsbury Hill 1248pm 11.7.23 everyone is either a tedious junkie or delving into the death of someone... their sevels, even. which is cool. never let it be said i stifled your freedom of expression or speech.... safe to say that i am thinking: he's tripping atop the tor and delving into the musings he has had been receiving... also covered by kraftwerk with one of their ditties. uh!?
It means what it means to me/you/yours/them-we all have our personal ideas, all unique. Mine too, no-one would guess!
Thats the joy, heightened by world class musician (some universal language)!-you keep teaching this way Miss LA, they'll love you and the music forever for so enriching their lives.
😘
I could never turn this up high enough
This song reminds me of a beautiful friend who I’ve known since 1991. He passed on 24/12/22. Fly high, one day we will meet again xxx
Sorry for the friend You lost. Nothing compares to someone leaving this world ...... Godspeed..
@@johnkollman3900 Thank you for your reply. It’s my 6th friend since high school and music keeps me connected to them. Music is the thread that sews my life together.
@@jojogrrl2756 I had a really good friend die in April was totally unprepared for it kinds rocked my world. Do me a favor tell the one's you love just that became You never know..
Hello Mother Father of all creation 😄 our creators r here in physical flesh !!
Played this at my dads funeral...cried all the way through the service..eyes stinging like never stung before.
I take pride in singing this now when i do a gig...i know hes watching over me..answerd your question dad from when i was a kid.."can ya sing" lol.
Well pop some say i can. Fly high Dad
Sing it loud for your dad
Beautiful song
its funny how a single song can touch 10,000 people differently and yet we all know the words...
this song every time makes my eyes tear up and my spirit wants to soar...
love this and thank you Peter for such a beautiful piece of music
Totally agree
Masterpiece...
I hear the opening notes of this song, one of my two favorite songs ever, and I tear up.
@@jwattfaqir I'm right there with you
Spot on , it’s a absolute classic !!
Every time I listen to Solsbury Hill it takes me on a trip back to the time this song was in the top of the charts, my old neighborhood, my old friends, better times, where dreams flourished, all back home. Thank you Sir Peter Gabriel.
This comment section genuinely brings tears to my eyes...so many lovely remarks; so many poignant ones, as well. Many blessings.
We are all brand new creations trying to figure out what being alive and being human means.
Notice the change in lyrics from verse to verse. In Verse 1, we have ABABCDCD. In Verse 2, we have ABABCBCB, and in Verse 3, we finally have ABABABAB. This, combined with the rhythm change from 7/8 to 4/4 at the end of the verses, represents how the mind of the narrator continuously becomes clearer. One does not consciously notice it at first, but it leaves a subconscious impression that makes the finale of this song all the more triumphant and satisfying. Absolute masterclass in songwriting.
woa, deep
And then Genesis did ABACAB
@@tiagorabelo7396 Huh?
7/4, a single bar of 8 or 2 bars of 4/4, just a weird shift to fit the transition I assume
@@cherrypepsi2815 Nah man, this was expertly crafted to symbolize how the narrators mind becomes clearer and how he achieves insight.
As fresh today as 40 years ago. Quality never goes out of style.
Move each of the letters of HAL one letter to the right, so that A becomes B, B becomes C, etc.
Absolutely
This pops up occasionally on our local radio station here in Folkestone, Kent. I remember it well as a boy, and my pal at work knows it from my love of the song because I always turn the volume up a bit when it comes on. We sit and each have a moment of personal introspective enjoyment when it comes on. No telephones answered, no deliveries received, no customers served. It's Peter and Solsbury Hill, and that's that for four and a half minutes. Bugger everything and everyone, and suddenly the working day isn't as troublesome as it was five minutes ago.
It sure doesn't!!!
I bet millions of people get this message, thank you, Peter!!
*A message for future generations... Do not let this masterpiece slip away* ❤
Hello Mother Father of all creation 😄 our creators r here in physical flesh !!
With you bro.Absolute classic.Best wishes from Australia.Keep Rockin
🎉
Lettuce go then You and I/ when the evening is spread out against the Sky
Remember please, promote whirled peas!
Just lost my uncle who was my best friend. Crying at his bedside over his body this song played in the background. I took the words down cause it felt like a sign.. In my car found this song and cried all the way home. This song means so much. Love you Bob.
Sounds like a classic case of synchronicity to me. . .
And I just had a quite significant synchronicity involving this video.
Jay Baker.
You are sensitive and honest and are making your uncle proud. Bless you and yours
Sorry to hear that.
Lost my husband if 47 years three years ago. Oh the hurt....but music has helped me through the loss. Keep listening. It never goes away, that feeling of loss but it does get easier. I promise ❤️
Wish I could say that about my 82 yr old uncle but all my life he has gave me the stiff arm
There are many songs that will never be played loud enough. This is one of those.
1995 baby keeping this alive around me 🎉
"Son", He said, "grab your things I've come to take you home" i always think God said this to my brother 2011 at the time of his passing. Always makes me choke up and shed a tear 😢
never fails to make me cry. I don't really know why, something about this song warms your heart and makes you feel everything is going to be alright.
Happy 71st Birthday Peter Brian Gabriel 02/13/1950.
You are a progressive rock Icon. Your fans love you.
Thanks Mate.
For me, its the boom boom boom. Shortly after my daughter had her second open heart surgery, she said she can now feel her heart going boom boom boom... it chokes me up to this day... I do believe it has a special meaning to all who listen to the lyrics. Only Peter can make this song what it is.... ❤❤❤
This song will always resonate deeply with me. Although I’m only 28 years old I have an unexplainable love for this song. I was 18 years old and in September of 2013 I unfortunately suffered a stroke due to a medical malpractice accident gone wrong in the ER. I remember my mom singing this song because it came on the radio on our way home from the inpatient therapy that I was in for roughly 5 months. Music just does that sometimes…..
Hello Mother Father of all creation 😄 our creators r here in physical flesh !!
Peter Gabriel is a true musical genius. I was a teenager when he was in his prime. What a great time to be alive.
the 80s must have been fun
@@concars1234 Late 70's and early 80's were a fantastic time to be young.
Late 70’s- sunbathing in the yard in Massachusetts and my brother back from nam being overhead while this song played.
He may be a musical genius, but he needs to be questioned by a shrink before being allowed to make a video. That poor girl has "Just kill me" in her eyes...
@@painkillerjones6232 😂😂😂
Spiritual experience atop Solsbury Hill in Somserset, England. Gabriel wrote this after his departure from Genesis...."It's about being prepared to lose what you have for what you might get...it's about letting go."
First time I heard this on the radio, I had to pull off onto the side of the road. This was a transcendent and religious( for lack of a better word) experience . Thank you so much for this song that has helped me keep rolling along on this rock called Earth. Without music such as this I would have long ago put the barrel to my temple and ended my pain. Music such as this gives me hope and strength to persevere.
@@marctozie1092 Thank you.
thats so cool, i done the same with eminence front by the who,
Love U!
I feel the same
Hang in there Elvy. The human experience is difficult but things are always changing and there is beauty in the world (like this song, as you said). I'm sending you virtual hugs and kisses XOXO
One of those songs when your young you love but you are not quite sure why. Then you get older and understand everything. Peter, you were a man ahead of his time.
Greatest song ever written. Period. Saw Peter Gabriel perform this song live at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas 2014. Awesome. Untouchable. A master songwriter. Unique. Authentic. His album "So" is one of the greatest albums of all time. What a guy!
It’s alright I guess.
I just saw him live a few weeks ago, and was really impressed! His voice is still great / so unique.
Settle down Kate..great, great song...but far from the greatest song ever written... 😁
You're so lucky. Didn't think there were Planet Hollywood's that late. I remember there being a McDonald's being next to it in Chicago it was so expensive. I always heard people say go see him in concert. I woke up I was old. And broke.
that would be tough to determine the greatest song ever written cause there is many
"Son, grab your things, I've come to take you home." My dad, while I was holding his hand at his bedside, suddenly came out of his delirium and said this with perfect clarity. Christmas Eve, 1980 - will never forget it. Hopefully when I am getting ready to go, dad will be there to take me home.
Beautiful memory for you-I just lost my my mom to vascular dementia-hold it in your heart
John Butler all the best buddy.
gave me chills rest in peace sir
@Barrett Haynes Nope, dad'll do fine.
ThAts Beautiful My friend
This song has stayed with me for more than 40 years. There is not a week that goes by where I don't listen to this song.
It always lifts my spirit. It is indeed timeless and will remain relevant.
Hello Mother Father of all creation 😄 our creators r here in physical flesh !!
One VERY BAD night, this song saved me. It is firmly in my personal aresenal against the demons that torment my brain. TY, PG.
One of the greatest songs ever written
Hearing it on the Vanilla Sky soundtrack had refreshed my high regards for it.
This weekend, we kept my father's thing because they came to take him home.
My prayers and love goes out to everyone who has friends, family, and especially fathers who are climbing up Solsbury Hill.
Thank you
Hello Mother Father of all creation 😄 our creators r here in physical flesh !!
This song was chosen by my dad while he knew he was terminal with testicular cancer. At the time I couldn't understand.... almost 18 years later I do fully get it.
For my best mate taken too soon, This was his favorite song, Now mine.
Was he a God fearing man? How did he pass? (if you dont mind my asking)
@@dylanmcshane9976 Yes he was, He died of an aneurysm.
so sorry for your loss. May he live within this song forever!
@@dylanmcshane9976 none of your business f**** nosey intrusive a*******.
RIP
Love this song!! Xxoo bless your Mate!!
Everything Mr. Gabriel’s composed has fermented so beautifully and timelessly.🔥
This song goes beyond music for me and is totally soul-cleansing. Absolutely beautiful.
Hello Mother Father of all creation 😄 our creators r here in physical flesh !!
I lost my dad a few years ago and when I was little he used to have this on record vinyl and played it over and over at times back then I didn't know what the song meant, I do now I wish my dad was here to take me home
The genius of Peter Gabriel.
'When illusion spin her net, I'm never where I wanna be
And liberty, she pirouette, When I think that I am free
Watched by empty silhouettes, Who close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette, I will show another me'
👏Bravo, sir.
Many years ago I used to live near Solsbury Hill and would walk up to the top when I wanted to clear my head. It’s a magical place, and this song takes me back there.
Just came home from my shift. It' s 23:11, found this fine song, put on the headphones 🎧 , closed my eyes and said " thank God for music"🙏
I was listening to it at 1:40 on a cold night, back to the fireplace and it moves me .
11:11
@@lmm1447 😁
Shining - a romantic movie for the whole family, featuring the music of Peter Gabriel
+Hank Murphy
I had totally forgotten about that. Thanks for reminding me! :D
+Hank Murphy i would say, the fantastic, music of the mighty Peter Gabriel.,
+j mcmann WW2 when in the UK they evacuated children out of London and put them in various safe ports around the country, like Brighton
+Hank Murphy I can't find it.
It keeps coming up "The Shining"
how do I look it up?
+PCthesecond same!
Going through a very lonely and tough / bleak time at the moment.
This song made me cry out my pain and yet at the same time has given me hope.
The power of music. Wish me luck
The universe loves you, Silky Silk! Our pain makes us strong if we give it time. Wishing you much luck, and determination. There is light beyond the bleak…it can take years, but I got there…not easy, but, oh the birds sound sweet each morning. 😊
I wish you All the strength of the world dude. Hang in there and try to enjoy the little things.
❤💪👊
Trust me we all feel ya 2023 yr is depressing 😢
@@jeanmorgan1533 thank you Jean.
I love both my parents for introducing me to the best music. RIP to both of them. Both passed on june 1st. My dad in 2016 and my mom 2021.
My condolences 😔
My condolences to you as well. So powerful to read of your love for your mom and dad. Ironically, I lost my mom in 2016 and dad in 2021, i connect with you - Love my mom and dad too to this day. May we both hear “Grab your things, I’ve come to take you home” and see them all again when our Heavenly Father calls for us some day. God bless you, Christina.
You are very strong 💪💗
My dearest condolences
One of the best songs ever.
Agree entirely with you..X :)
Very best Song ever!
agree
SO TRUE!
Mike L who needs the help? you you you do
This song touches me so deeply. Peter Gabriel has so much heart! "I had to listen, had no choice"
I feel joy and sadness at the same time listening to this song. Timeless classic.
Hello Mother Father of all creation 😄 our creators r here in physical flesh !!
@@LOVEHAS1JOYRAINS2 nah
This is one of those songs that evokes real human emotion. The combination of his voice, tone, melody, and lyrics creates an emotional element few musicians every attain.
Exactly!
uhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh one might say conveying "real human emotion" is the main purpose of popular music?
That’s all subjective. There’s plenty of musicians who can stir heavy emotion if you’re open to it.
I get goosebumps every time
After hearing this was written in 1977, I realize this was incredibly ahead of its time. Thank you Peter, you genius.
Awsome
macumus now the music is garbage and not ahead of that time.
Not ahead of its time, but very much a product of it.......and that's a good thing!
Just got back from a Scotland/Wales trip, it ended in Bath, England and we had a Taxi Driver Guide show us some sites. He went to school with Peter Gabriel and played this song while we were driving down Solsbury Hill into Bath. Told us the "City Lights" in the song were the lights of Bath, England. Made the trip even more special since I have lived in a little town called Bath, Michigan. It was nice listening to him talking about the band members he knew and the meaning of the song.
When peter left genesis we were devastated and worried about how he would get on solo. The one night in the car this song came on and each and everyone of us knew that he was going to get on great. What an artist, what a song and what a debut. As fresh today as it was all those years ago.
One of the best songs ever. Really - just beautiful...
Sounds like it was recorded yesterday, never feels outdated.
John Butler: from the bottom of my heart,I thank you for sharing your heart rending experience of your Dad's death. Love comes in all forms.
.I am sure your Dad will be there for you.I have heard it said that God is Love.Your personal belief s are your own,as the Spirit leads.Please do not pay any mind to the
Rude turkeys who enforce their beliefs on you.We are all on a special journey.I happen to be a believer,but know that my faith is a gift from my Creator.I will be praying for both of you.Stay strong dearheart.Elizabeth
A father's love for his children is unparralled.
Niether do you lady.
How many rubbish pieces of so called music of today will be remembered in 50 years time? Not many!
Lol what do you mean. If it was recorded yesterday it would have trap hi hats and mad autotune.
This tune just came to my mind. Didn't know the name or who sang. Just hummed into my phone. Love this song
This song is a masterpiece
I will be listening, I'm 50 and will listen to this song till the day I die.
I'm still listening to Peter Gabriel Solsbury Hill and 36 years old until I die
I'm 59 and still listening.
This is a masterpiece, and a treasured song to me. I hope Peter Gabriel is well and loved.
He is well loved...I saw him live last night and he is still fantastic!
@@peteralmquist2806Where was he giving a concert?
@@yannick245 Detroit
@@peteralmquist2806 Inside of the Little Caesars Arena?
As someone from Germany, if I think of Detroit, I rather think of hip hop/rap music, than Peter Gabriel.
This is the most beautiful music you can hear, it's a pleasure to the soul, mekes you travel to another dimension
I cannot convey the feelings that I have when I listen to this song. Happiness, hope, despair, sadness, anxiety, reflection and excitement all at once. Truly a classic by an undisputed genius. 44 years ago… oh my gosh!! Loving all the comments highlighting the spectrum of human emotions and marking milestones in everyone’s lives. Love all of you ❤️❤️
My heart...
"You can keep my things, they've come to take me home". I can't get through this line without breaking...
Me too.
The first rule of Fight Club is.... 😁
Ok I’m
Breaking what?
No U-Hauls On The Way In And To The Heavenly. Breaking In And To Blessed Eternity.
Idk entirely why but this song always makes me think of my nephew that passed away. But in a way that brings me peace over losing him.
LOOOOOOVeee this song! I worked in a pub in 1995 as a South African barmaid and this was one of the options for tapes that I had to play - learned to love Peter Gabriel - still love him and Kate Bush!! Favourites still!
Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave and grow old wanting to return to
Wow...this comment brought me to tears because it's so honest and true. Thank you for making me think...❤
And it's worse, knowing you can never go back. Not to the place you remember, anyway.
Great - thought provoking and sad.
Could've never said it better. So true
Well, the FIRST part is true...
Saw Peter in chicago after he had left genisis... He opened with this, and at the end of the concert he had no songs left, so he preformed this again. Ahhh the good ol day's
I heard this song for the first time just a few minutes ago and wow it's so beautiful. It just makes me so happy and full of hope, but at the same time there's something so melancholic about it. The lyrics is so beautiful and the rhythm is genius and I love how it just explodes with sounds at the end. I'm glad I decided to check out more from him, I had only heard his songs with Kate Bush which I love but now I'm finally gonna check out his albums!
I envy you getting to hear it all for the first time. I hope you've dug in and found a good friend in peter, he has certainly become mine.
Welcome to the club Nellie S! Best!
Kids eh
Nellie. just wait until you find the album 'Selling England by the Pound'..Genesis...Peter on lead vocals. brilliant. ..to me, it's the best album that was ever made. ever. you're in for a treat. have fun. =)
This song is an allegory regarding his decision to leave Genesis. FHIMC
I want this played at my funeral.
I told my daughter to play this at my funeral 6 months ago, I’m 56.
Great minds lol, I had told my son at around your age.
This song always reminds me of my Dad and makes me feel like anything is possible. Many thanks, Peter.
Only Gabriel could turn a 7/4 time signature song into one of the all time great pop hits.
Wish I knew what time signature was
Same here, I only know it's difficult one.
Well, there's also Pink Floyd's "Money". Also a great song with a totally different feel. I always enjoyed playing music with "alternate" time signatures. They really keep you on your toes--especially when sight-reading!
A time signature is the format in which the notes are valued and arranged. For a song to be coherent to most listeners, it needs to maintain a certain time signature, in this case it's 7/4. This means that one measure of the music contains 7 quarter notes. The best way to illustrate it is this: Start at the very beginning of the song and listen to the guitar melody but pay extra attention to the bass drum. Count along with it. You'll get to 7 and then the guitar melody will start over, signaling the end of the measure. One full pass of the guitar melody contains 7 bass drum notes. This is not a common time signature for music in this genre. The most common time signature by far is 4/4, which means a measure contains 4 quarter notes per measure, rather than 7. Obviously it's impossible to teach music in a detailed fashion through a youtube comment, but hopefully this helped a little bit.
In an article in Guitar Player magazine, the guitarist on the track, Steve Hunter, says the time signature is 7/4 with two different sub-divisions: 4-3 or 3-4. Here's how to count it: The guitar intro is 3-4 (count 1-2-3 1-2-3-4). When the synth and vocals come in, it's 4-3 alternating with 3-4 (count 1-2-3-4 1-2-3 then 1-2-3 1-2-3-4). And just to keep things interesting, the end of the verse ("Son," he said, "Grab your things I've come to take you home.") is two 4/4 bars (count 1-2-3-4 1-2-3-4). Confused yet?
A song about going to one's true home, an idea that never fails to bring tears to my eyes.
disgruntledtoons We are all craving home, regardless of what one’s idea of home is.
The song is about him leaving genesis
I have a home on this earth now thanks to God. But I don't like the STATE or COUNTY and would like to move to Mexico.
@@Lumalnatti11 you live in Hell
@@ephebofreedomfighter2430 how so asshole?
The. Most precious song .. my heart 💜 boom boom. I’m 63 and here in Maine and in Mass we belt this out like no tomorrow!! Fantastic song and so unbelievably meaningful!! Talent !! 😂😂❤❤😢😢😅😅😮😮😊😊
Totally agree❤
I'm 15 years old. I have a bipolar depressive disorder and whenever I have an episode I listen to him or Phil Collins and it calms me. Thank you Peter. ❤️
You're fifteen years old and you haven't had a chance to learn anything about yourself so you stand under the authority of the labels placed upon you because this helps you think you understand the world. Genesis was a great band, named after the first book. The opening line is 'in the beginning the creator said "let there be"....' That is one statement. I don't speak Latin, though that is the language of Romans, whence all conventional 'knowledge' emanates. UNI denotes 'one' & VERSE is a 'spoken statement'. The Torah was the original book, written in ancient Hebrew and ABRACADABRA is a word from Hebrew that means 'I create what I speak'. Your perception of the universe and your place within it is created by what you say that you are. ;) Magic O*D
Chloe my daughter is bipolar I don't know the best way to help her, if you have found something that works for you. Then grab it with both hands and keep it close.
I have Asperger autism, I with you on that one. I am a little older, but I can relate.
huge Phil Collins fan.
Erin Walter
No, I let zombies with worthless opinions focus on their worthless 'cheering up' routines that are a great element in why more intelligent people get depressed, though I wouldn't expect you to be able to comprehend such realities. I merely share my perceptions as an individual diagnosed with depression before reaching double figures in age and having a mind developed enough to focus on causes and solutions rather than avoidance and notions, without mind numbing and soul destroying drugs. Though, again, I doubt you're capable of understanding. Bless O*D