Knife
Genesis
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Tell me my life is about to begin Tell me that I am a hero Promise me all of your violent dreams Light up your body with anger Now, in this ugly world It is time to destroy all this evil Now, when I give a word Get ready to fight for your freedom Now Stand up and fight, for you know we are right We must strike at the lies That have spread like disease through our minds Soon we'll have power, every soldier will rest And we'll spread out our kindness To all who our love now deserve Some of you are going to die Martyrs of course to the freedom that I shall provide I'll give you the names of those you must kill All must die with their children Carry their heads to the palace of old Hang them high, let the blood flow Now, in this ugly world Break all the chains around us Now, the crusade has begun Give us a land fit for heroes Now Stand up and fight, for you know we are right We must strike at the lies That have spread like disease through our minds Soon we'll have power, every soldier will rest And we'll spread out our kindness To all who our love now deserve Some of you are going to die Martyrs of course to the freedom that I shall provide We are only wanting freedom We are only wanting freedom We are only wanting freedom We are only wanting freedom (Freedom, freedom, freedom, freedom) We are only wanting freedom (Things are getting out of control here today) We are only wanting freedom (OK men, fire over their heads!) We have won Some of you are going to die Martyrs of course to the freedom that I shall provide
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Written by: Anthony Banks, Anthony Phillips, Michael Rutherford, Peter Gabriel
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, CARLIN AMERICA INC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Genesis History"Knife" is a song by the British band Genesis, which formed in 1967.
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Album Placement"Knife" is the closing track on the band's second studio album, "Trespass," which was released in October 1970.
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Song Length"Knife" is 8 minutes and 51 seconds long, making it the longest track on the "Trespass" album.
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Line-Up ChangeThe "Trespass" album was released just before founding member Anthony Phillips decided to leave the band, marking the end of the original Genesis lineup.
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Song ThemeUnlike the band's other early work, "Knife" examines political themes and centers around a narrative of rebellion and revolution.
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Musical StyleThe song departs from Genesis's typical progressive rock style. It has a heavier, harder-edged sound that hints towards the group's future direction.
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Live PerformancesGenesis performed "Knife" as the encore for several of their early concerts.
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Song Composer"Knife" was composed by the band's core members, including Peter Gabriel, Anthony Phillips, Mike Rutherford, and Tony Banks.
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LyricsThe lyrics of "Knife" discuss an individual who's leading a revolt but becomes the very dictator that he was initially fighting against.
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Production"Knife" was produced by John Anthony; the band was not completely satisfied with the production of the track and their overall album, which led them to change producers for their next project.
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ReceptionWhile "Trespass" wasn't initially a commercial success, over the years, "Knife" along with the entire album has been acknowledged for its significant role in shaping the band's sound and influencing other progressive rock acts.
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Not on all set-listsDespite being a fan favorite from the early Genesis discography, by the mid-1970s, "Knife" was rarely included in the band's live concert set-lists.
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