Solsbury Hill

Peter Gabriel

About Solsbury Hill

"Solsbury Hill" is a song by English musician Peter Gabriel. He wrote the song about a spiritual experience atop Little Solsbury Hill in Somerset, England, after his departure from the progressive rock band Genesis, of which he had been the lead singer since its inception. The song was his debut single. The single was a Top 20 hit in the UK, peaking at number 13, and reached number 68 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 1977. The song has often been used in film trailers for romantic comedies. Gabriel has said of the song's meaning, "It's about being prepared to lose what you have for what you might get ... It's about letting go." His former bandmate Tony Banks acknowledges that the song reflects Gabriel's decision to break ties with Genesis, but it can also be applied in a broader sense to situations of letting go in general. The song is mostly written in 74 time, an unusual time signature that has been described as "giving the song a constant sense of struggle". The meter settles into 44 time only for the last two measures of each chorus. It is performed in the key of B major with a tempo of 102 beats per minute, with Gabriel's vocals ranging from F♯3 to G♯4. 


Year:
1992
4:20
1,940 
#7

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Climbing up on Solsbury Hill
I could see the city light
Wind was blowing, time stood still
Eagle flew out of the night
He was something to observe
Came in close, I heard a voice
Standing, stretching every nerve
I had to listen had no choice
I did not believe the information
I just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom, boom, boom
Son, he said, grab your things I've come to take you home

To keep in silence I resigned
My friends would think I was a nut
Turning water into wine
Open doors would soon be shut
So I went from day to day
Though my life was in a rut
Till I thought of what I'd say
And which connection I should cut
I was feeling part of the scenery
I walked right out of the machinery
My heart going boom, boom, boom
Son, he said, grab your things I've come to take you home

When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I want to be
And liberty she pirouette
When I think that I am free
Watched by empty silhouettes
Close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
So I will show another me
Today I don't need a replacement
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going boom, boom, boom
Hey, I said, you can keep my things they've come to take me home

Come back home
Come back home
Come back home

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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: Peter Gabriel

Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


12 facts about this song

Creation
"Solsbury Hill" is the debut single by British singer-songwriter Peter Gabriel. He wrote the song shortly after leaving the progressive rock band Genesis, of which he was the lead vocalist.
Album Appearance
The song is included in Peter Gabriel's self-titled debut solo album, released in 1977.
Lyrical Themes
"Solsbury Hill" is autobiographically inspired, reflecting Gabriel's emotions after his departure from Genesis. The song expresses purity, insecurity, and transition.
Song Title
The title "Solsbury Hill" refers to a location in Somerset, England. The hill is a place of mythological and archaeological interest.
Music Composition
The song is known for its unusual, rhythmic 7/4 time signature during the verses. This is atypical in rock music, making "Solsbury Hill" musically distinctive.
Chart Success
Upon its release, "Solsbury Hill" reached number 13 on the UK Singles Chart and number 68 on the US Billboard Hot 100. It remains one of Gabriel's most popular songs.
Music Video
A memorable music video accompanied the song's release, featuring Gabriel on the titular hill. The video represented one of the early instances of music film narrative.
Cover Versions
Numerous artists have covered "Solsbury Hill," including Erasure, Sarah McLachlan, and Steve Howe, showcasing the song's enduring popularity.
Movie Soundtracks
"Solsbury Hill" appeared in numerous movie soundtracks such as "Vanilla Sky" and "In Good Company."
Live Performances
"Solsbury Hill" is a fan-favorite during Gabriel's concerts. He often encourages audience participation, turning the song into a communal experience.
Spiritual Interpretation
Deeply associated with Gabriel's spiritual awakening, "Solsbury Hill" is often interpreted as his journey towards inner peace and personal growth.
Recognition
In 2014, the song was awarded a silver certification by the British Phonographic Industry for sales over 200,000.

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    Solsbury Hill

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1977

    Billboard #68


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