No Self Control

Peter Gabriel

About No Self Control

"No Self Control" is a song written and performed by English rock musician Peter Gabriel. It was inspired by Steve Reich's album Music for 18 Musicians. Reich studied at Juilliard and experimented with electronic textures that Gabriel wanted to try in a rock format. The song features guest musicians Robert Fripp (guitar), Phil Collins (drums) and Kate Bush (backing vocals). Prior to being recorded for Gabriel's 1980 album, the song was performed live under the working title "I don't know how to stop". Later live performances, such as on Plays Live, were slower and more subdued than the studio recording. Gabriel and his China 1984 touring band performed "No Self Control" on BBC One's Top of the Pops in May 1980. 


Year:
2003
3:54
#1

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Got to get some food
I'm so hungry all the time
I don't know how to stop
I don't know how to stop

Got to get some sleep
I'm so nervous in the night
I don't know how to stop
No, I don't know how to stop
I don't know how to stop
I don't know how to stop

Got to pick up the phone
I will call any number
I will talk to anyone
I know I'm gone too far
Much too far I gone this time
And I don't want to think what I've done
I don't know how to stop
No, I don't know how to stop

There are always hidden silences
Waiting behind the chair
They come out when the coast is clear
They eat anything that moves
I go shaky at the knees
Lights go out, stars come down
Like a swarm of bees

No self-control

You know I hate to hurt you
I hate to see your pain
But I don't know how to stop
No, I don't know how to stop

Street after street
Night after night
I walk on through the rain
I walk on through the rain
I don't know how to stop

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Peter Gabriel

Peter Brian Gabriel (born 13 February 1950) is an English singer, musician, and songwriter who rose to fame as the lead vocalist and flautist of the progressive rock group Genesis. After leaving Genesis, Gabriel went on to a successful solo career. His 1986 album, So, is his most commercially successful, and the album's biggest hit, "Sledgehammer", won a record nine MTV Awards at the 1987 MTV Video Music Awards, and the song is the most played music video in the history of the station. more »

11 fans

Written by: ALICIA BORKOWSKI, LAURA PALLAS, LINDA TAYLOR, NATAN WALDEN, PETER GABRIEL

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Album Release
"No Self Control" is a song from the third self-titled studio album by British musician Peter Gabriel, released in 1979.
Song Concept
The song explores Gabriel's persona and the dichotomy he experiences with the darker aspects of his self; it showcases his struggle with self-control.
Collaborations
Famous musicians like Robert Fripp, Phil Collins & John Giblin were involved in the creation of the song. Phil Collins played drums on this track with a unique style with no cymbals used.
Popular Use
"No Self Control" is widely popular still today and commonly used in horror movies and television shows thanks to its eerie and haunting undertones.
Musical Style
Known for its distinct sound and strong, pulsating rhythm, the song features a constant marimba melody played by Gabriel himself. It's a blend of progressive rock and art rock music styles.
Chart Performance
The single reached number 33 on the UK Singles chart, showcasing its popularity and success upon initial release.
Unique Recording
Peter Gabriel recorded the drum parts in a stone room to get the unique echo effect heard on the song. The marimba, a significant feature of the song, is played throughout its entirety underpinning the melody.
Live Performances
"No Self Control" was performed in numerous live performances and it continues to be a part of Peter Gabriel's setlist during his tours.
Cover Versions
"No Self Control" also has a cover version performed by the Italian band "Gazpacho", showcasing the song's popularity and influence.
Title and meaning
Gabriel once explained in an interview that the song, with its obsessive, anxious lyrics, is about someone who's losing touch with themselves, becoming distorted and out of control.
Uniqueness
It is known by Gabriel's fans for its innovative and experimental sound, distinct from other of his more pop-oriented songs.

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