Thru These Walls

Phil Collins

About Thru These Walls

"Thru' These Walls" is a song by the English drummer Phil Collins. It was released as a single in October 1982, being Collins' fourth single. The song is also the seventh track and first single release from Collins' second solo studio album, Hello, I Must Be Going!, released in November of the same year. The song is dark, which follows a vast majority of songs from the album, and is about a man listening through the wall to his neighbours partaking in sexual activities.


Year:
1982
5:02
147 
#2

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I can hear through these walls 
I can hear it when they're foolin' around 
I can hear through these walls 
And I hear every sign, every sound 
I can hear through these walls 
In the dark with the shades pulled down 

Every word that they say 
Every move they make feels it's coming my way 

My favorite moment 
Putting the glass up next to the wall 
Imagination 
Tho' I see nothing, I hear it all 
Putting my sign up 
Do not disturb me, speak or shout, inside out 
Oh and my clothes, they're all laid out 

I can see through my windows 
I can see the girls and the boys 
I can see through my windows 
And I can imagine the noise 
I can see through my windows 
I can see them playing with toys 

Oh, I hope it won't end 
Ooh, if I promise not to touch, just be a friend 

Life is so lonely 
I don't get high off just being me 
I like pretending 
Wanting to touch them, wanting to see 
It's only normal 
Creeping behind you, now don't shout, 'cos it's alright 
They keep the windows locked and the door shut tight 

Oh I'm feeling like I'm locked in a cage 
No way in, no way out, and it gets so lonely 
Am I really asking a lot 
Just to reach out and touch somebody 
'Cause when I look through my windows or open my door 
I can feel it all around me 

And I can hear through these walls 
I can hear it when they're foolin' around 
I can hear through these walls 
I can hear every sight, every sound 
Ooh, I can hear through these walls 
In the dark with the shades pulled down 

And every word that they say 
Every move they make feels it's coming my way 

Ah yeah
Ah yeah
Ah yeah
Ah yeah

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Phil Collins

Philip David Charles "Phil" Collins, LVO (born 30 January 1951) is an English singer-songwriter, drummer, pianist, and actor best known as a drummer and vocalist for British progressive rock group Genesis and as a solo artist. more »

20 fans

Written by: Phil Collins

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Origin
"Thru These Walls" was a song written and performed by British artist Phil Collins. It derives from his second album titled "Hello, I Must be Going!".
Release Date
The song was released on October 18, 1982. "Thru These Walls" was the lead single from the album in the United States, although it was released later in the United Kingdom.
Genre
Configuration-wise, it fits into the pop rock genre. However, it is also characterized by elements of progressive rock.
Content Theme
The lyrics tell the story of a lonely man eavesdropping on a neighboring couple and longing for love and intimacy himself. Phil Collins' has been known for choosing themes that are rather provocative and uncomfortable, and this song is no exception.
Chart Performance
The song peaked at number 56 on the UK Singles Chart. Although not one of Collins' most commercially successful songs, its unique theme drew attention.
Video
The video of the song maintains a humorous tone that contrasts the somewhat sinister lyrics. It depicts Collins playing various characters in a boarding house setting, including the peeping Tom, the couple being spied on, and other tenants.
Live Performance
"Thru These Walls" has been performed frequently at Phil Collins' concerts. It forms part of his live performance routine.
Reviews and Impacts
The song has split reviews for its controversial theme. However, regardless of reactions, it has since become an essential part of Phil Collins’ repertoire.
Writing Process
Phil Collins wrote the song on a Roland TR-808 drum machine, marking one of his earliest uses of this instrument in his works.
Alternative Version
There is also an extended version of the song which lasts around 8 minutes and is found on a 12-inch single released in 1982.

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