The Musical Box
Genesis
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Play me Old King Cole That I may join with you All your hearts now seem so far from me It hardly seems to matter now And the nurse will tell you lies Of a kingdom beyond the skies But I am lost within this half-world It hardly seems to matter now Play me my song Here it comes again Play me my song Here it comes again Just a little bit Just a little bit more time Time left to live out my life Play me my song Here it comes again Play me my song Here it comes again Old King Cole was a merry old soul And a merry old soul was he So he called for his pipe And he called for his bowl And he called for his fiddlers three But the clock, tick-tock On the mantlepiece And I want, and I feel, and I know, and I touch The walls She's a lady, she's got time Brush back your hair and let me get to know your face She's a lady, she is mine Oh, brush back your hair and let me get to know your flesh I've been waiting here for so long And all this time that passed me by It doesn't seem to matter now You stand there with your fixed expression Casting doubt on all I have to say Why don't you touch me, touch me Why don't you touch me, touch me Touch me now, now, now, now, now Now, now, now, now, now Now, now, now, now, now Now, now, now, now Now, now, now, now
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Written by: Peter Brian Gabriel, Michael Rutherford, Anthony George Banks, Stephen Richard Hackett, Phillip David Charles Collins
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Album Release"The Musical Box" is a song by the British progressive rock band Genesis, which was first released on their fourth studio album titled, "Nursery Cryme", in November 1971.
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Song CompositionThe track is approximately ten minutes long and it showcases the band's talents for blending theatrics with sophisticated songwriting.
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Band MembersGenesis at that time consisted of members Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, Phil Collins, and Steve Hackett.
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Musical Style"The Musical Box" combines elements of folk, rock, and classical music, and is considered a significant example of early progressive rock.
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Song InspirationThe song was inspired by a Victorian fairy tale about two children in a country house. The boy kills the girl by accident, she returns as a ghost and gives him the ability to grow old, which frightens his family.
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Live PerformancesDuring live performances, frontman Peter Gabriel would often dress in costume and act out the song's story, becoming a key part of the band's visual approach.
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Song Origin"The Musical Box" came about when the band was improvising on a piece by Anthony Phillips, Genesis's original guitarist. Michael Rutherford, Genesis's bassist, played a riff Phillips had come up with, and the band developed it into a song.
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Notable RecognitionDespite being a relatively long song, "The Musical Box" was well received by fans and critics alike. It's frequently included in lists of the best Genesis songs and best prog rock songs overall.
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SongwritingThe songwriting credit for "The Musical Box" goes to all five band members, showcasing the collaborative nature of Genesis.
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Usage in Media"The Musical Box" has not been used extensively in popular media due to its length and complex structure, but it continues to be admired by music enthusiasts and used as an example of progressive rock at its best.
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Cover VersionsSeveral artists have covered "The Musical Box" over the years, including Steve Hackett, Genesis's original guitarist, in his live performances even after leaving the band. His performances are often seen as a respectful tribute to the band's early work.
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Title InspirationThe title refers to an old musical box which, when opened, would play a melody. This box releases the spirit of the little girl who tells the young boy about the life he's yet to experience.
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Citation
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"The Musical Box Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 May 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/5636962/Genesis/The+Musical+Box>.
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