Firth of Fifth

Genesis

About Firth of Fifth

"Firth of Fifth" is a song by the British progressive rock band Genesis. It first appeared as the third track on the 1973 album Selling England by the Pound, and was performed as a live piece either in whole or in part throughout the band's career.


Year:
2009
8:55
595 
#2

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com

The path is clear
Though no eyes can see
The course laid down long before.
And so with gods and men
The sheep remain inside their pen,
Though many times theyâ??ve seen the way to leave.

He rides majestic
Past homes of men
Who care not or gaze with joy,
To see reflected there
The trees, the sky, the lily fair,
The scene of death is lying just below.

The mountain cuts off the town from view,
Like a cancer growth is removed by skill.
Let it be revealed.
A waterfall, his madrigal.
An inland sea, his symphony.

Undinal songs
Urge the sailors on
'Till lured by sirensâ?? cry.

Now as the river dissolves in sea,
So Neptune has claimed another soul.
And so with gods and men
The sheep remain inside their pen,
Until the shepherd leads his flock away.

The sands of time were eroded by
The river of constant change.

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!


Genesis

Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently consists of its three longest-tenured members - Tony Banks (keyboards) and Mike Rutherford (bass, guitar), who were founder members; and Phil Collins (vocals, drums), who first joined in 1970. Past members Peter Gabriel (vocals, flute), Steve Hackett (guitar) and Anthony Phillips (guitar), also played major roles in the band in its early years. Genesis are among the top 30 highest-selling recording artists of all time, with approximately 150 million albums sold worldwide. more »

5 fans

Written by: Anthony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Steve Hackett

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Classical Genesis
"Firth of Fifth" by Genesis was part of the distinctive progressive rock era of Genesis, showcasing classical influences and complex musical arrangements. It appeared on the critically acclaimed album "Selling England by the Pound."
Songwriting
Tony Banks, the keyboardist of the band, composed "Firth of Fifth". It was initially created as a part of a larger suite of songs, but Banks decided to refine it and eventually it took on a life of its own.
Important Album
The song is featured on the album "Selling England by the Pound," which broke Genesis into mainstream success in the UK, charting at number 3. The album is now considered one of the greatest progressive rock records ever made.
Instrumentation
The song is renowned for its unique blending of rock instruments with classical music elements, notably featuring Banks' prominent piano part and Steve Hackett's extremely notable guitar solo.
Lyrics Mystery
The group rarely explained the meaning behind the lyrics since their initial feelings were that they should be open to interpretation. Banks has since described them as being more impressionistic than directly narrative.
Cover Art
The intricate cover art of "Selling England by the Pound," which includes the piece "Firth of Fifth," was created by renowned British artist Betty Swanwick. The cover was voted 47 in the top 100 greatest album covers by a Q magazine readers' poll.
Live Performances
Even though "Firth of Fifth" didn't become a single, it has been a part of Genesis' live performances, often used to showcase Hackett's guitar abilities. It became a mainstay in their sets since it's release.
Influence
The song has had a significant impact and is considered a classic. Bands such as Dream Theater have cited "Firth of Fifth" as an influence on their music. They even covered the song during their live performances.
Video Footage
The video footage of "Firth of Fifth" from the "Genesis: In Concert" film (recorded in 1976) is particularly famous among fans. It features Steve Hackett performing his iconic guitar solo.
Misprints
In the original vinyl pressings of the album "Selling England by the Pound," the song was erroneously titled as "Firth of the Fifth"in the track listing, a typo repeated on some subsequent CD versions.

Discuss the Firth of Fifth Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Firth of Fifth Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/17705834/Genesis/Firth+of+Fifth>.

    Missing lyrics by Genesis?

    Know any other songs by Genesis? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Firth of Fifth

    8.7M
    46,150     1,652

    more tracks from the album

    Live 1973-2007

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Fleetwood Mac's "Go Your Own Way" is lyrically a...
    A Country song
    B Breakup song
    C Mourning song
    D Love song

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Genesis tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!