Watcher of the Skies
Genesis
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Watcher of the skies watcher of all His is a world alone no world is his own, He whom life can no longer surprise, Raising his eyes beholds a planet unknown. Creatures shaped this planet's soil, Now their reign has come to an end, Has life again destroyed life, Do they play elsewhere, do they know More than their childhood games? Maybe the lizard's shed its tail, This is the end of man's long union with Earth. Judge not this race by empty remains Do you judge God by his creatures when they are dead? For now, the lizard's shed it's tail This is the end of man's long union with Earth. From life alone to life as one, Think not your journey's done For though your ship be sturdy, no Mercy has the sea, Will you survive on the ocean of being? Come ancient children hear what I say This is my parting council for you on your way. Sadly now your thoughts turn to the stars Where we have gone you know you never can go. Watcher of the skies watcher of all This is your fate alone, this fate is your own.
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: ANTHONY BANKS, MICHAEL RUTHERFORD, PETER GABRIEL, PHIL COLLINS, STEVEN HACKETT
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
5 facts about this song
Composition and Inspiration"Watcher of the Skies" is the opening track on the 1972 album "Foxtrot" by the British progressive rock band Genesis.
- The song was inspired by Arthur C. Clarke's science fiction writing, particularly "Childhood's End".
- The title references John Keats' poem "On First Looking into Chapman's Homer".
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Musical CompositionThe song's composer credits are shared between all five members of Genesis.
- The song starts with a long instrumental piece, with the vocals starting almost halfway through the song.
- The song was mainly composed on a Mellotron used by the band's keyboardist.
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Recording History"Watcher of the Skies" was recorded in August 1972 at Island Studios, in London.
- Genesis' keyboardist Tony Banks played the song's introduction on a Mellotron, marking one of the first uses of the instrument in the band's music.
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Performance and ReceptionInitially, the song was a popular live number and often used as an opening song during Genesis concerts.
- The song, along with the entire "Foxtrot" album, is often stated by fans as Genesis at their progressive rock peak.
- Rolling Stone magazine called the song "the album's real monster" because of its complicated time signatures and Peter Gabriel's dramatic vocal delivery.
- The song was the only track from "Foxtrot" to be included in Genesis' first compilation album titled "Genesis Live".
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LegacySeveral cover versions of "Watcher of the Skies" have been recorded, including a 2012 version by American musician Steve Hackett.
- The song remains a favorite among progressive rock fans and is considered an early example of the genre.
- Despite its initial popularity in live performances, the band eventually stopped performing it due to its complex arrangement.
- The song is still played on classic rock radio stations today, maintaining its legacy over several decades.
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