Image via Wikipedia

OK it’s been a little while since I did some Sunday Songs. Today’s song is a proper classic, and one you will all know. Solsbury Hill, by Peter Gabriel.

I have been in the West Country for a few days and was playing with Google Earth to work out what was around me and stumbled upon Solsbury Hill. Yes, the Solsbury Hill. Of course, I knew the song but not what it was about. This being Gabriels’ first single after leaving Genesis, the song was about his decision. I checked the lyrics and found they were indeed about leaving and thinking “what have I done?” [Open doors will soon be shut.]

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
Tho’ my life was in a rut
“Till 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.”

There doesn’t seem to be a video for the song, which is understandable back in the day. I like the original, not the live versions so just use your ears!

Related articles by Zemanta

• CD Review: Peter Gabriel, “Scratch My Back” (popdose.com)