Family Snapshot
Peter Gabriel
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The streets are lined with camera crews Everywhere he goes is news Today is different Today is not the same Today I make the action Take snapshot into the light, snapshot into the light I'm shooting into the light Four miles down the cavalcade moves on Driving into the sun If I worked it out right They won't see me or the gun Two miles to go, they're clearing the road The cheering has really begun I've got my radio I can hear what's going on I've been waiting for this I have been waiting for this All you people in TV land I will wake up your empty shells Peak-time viewing blown in a flash As I burn into your memory cells 'cause I'm alive They're coming 'round the corner with the bikers at the front I'm wiping the sweat from my eyes It's a matter of time It's a matter of will And the governor's car is not far behind He's not the one I've got in mind 'cause there he is-the man of the hour, standing in the limousine "I don't really hate you I don't care what you do We were made for each other Me and you I want to be somebody You were like that too If you don't get given you learn to take And I will take you." Holding my breath Release the catch And I let the bullet fly All turned quiet I have been here before Lonely boy hiding behind the front door Friends have all gone home There's my toy gun on the floor Come back Mum and Dad You're growing apart You know that I'm growing up sad I need some attention I shoot into the light
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Written by: PETER GABRIEL
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
10 facts about this song
Theme"Family Snapshot" was inspired by various assassinations in American politics. The song is basically a story-fantasy about an isolated individual who plans and carries out the assignation of a famous politician.
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Musical StructureThe song commences with a slow tempo that builds up into a rock number, with Gabriel's vocals starting in a whisper and building up into a crescendo as the story progresses.
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ReleaseThis track is included in Gabriel's third self-titled album, which is sometimes referred to as "Melt" due to the LP's cover photograph. This album, released in May 1980, was his first to achieve significant commercial success.
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InspirationThe song's lyrics were primarily inspired by the diary of Arthur Bremer, who attempted to assassinate U.S. presidential candidate George Wallace in 1972. It also references the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and the Kennedys.
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LyricsThe song is structured as a first-person narrative of an assassin's thoughts leading up to, during, and after the assassination of a public figure. The lyrics reveal a troubled individual seeking fame and a sense of belonging.
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Live Performances"Family Snapshot" is a regular feature in Peter Gabriel's live performances and appears on his 1983 "Plays Live" album and 1994's "Secret World Live".
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RecognitionThe song was highlight praised for its narrative structure, focusing on the psychological state of a killer, making it a standout work in Gabriel’s career.
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Song Production"Family Snapshot" was produced by Steve Lillywhite, a record producer renowned for his work with artists such as U2 and The Rolling Stones.
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Musical FusionThe song beautifully blends elements of progressive rock with world music, exhibiting Gabriel's distinctive style.
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Chords ProgressionThe irregular chord progression in the song is considered to contribute to its tension and drama, effectively reflecting the disturbing theme of the lyrics.
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Citation
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"Family Snapshot Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 4 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/14270041/Peter+Gabriel/Family+Snapshot>.
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