Solsbury Hill

"Solsbury Hill" is a song written by the British musician Peter Gabriel, about a spiritual experience atop Solsbury Hill in Somerset, England. Gabriel wrote the song after his departure from the progressive rock band Genesis, of which he had been the lead singer since its inception, explaining the reasons behind his departure. Recorded in 1976 and released in 1977, this song was Gabriel's debut single and it is included in the author's first solo album named also "Peter Gabriel". It reached the Top 20 hit in the UK and the Top 70 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song has been used in a number of movies, for example in the soundtracks of the 2001 film Vanilla Sky, and the 2004 film In Good Company and it has alson been covered by many artists, been one of the best known version the one performed by British synth pop duo Erasure inluded their cover album "Other People's Songs" (2003). The song uses a 7/4 time signature for the vast majority of the song. The last two measures of each chorus are in 4/4.

[Verse 1] 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 [Chorus] I did not believe the information Just had to trust imagination My heart going boom boom boom "Son," he said "Grab your things, I've come to take you home" Ay, back home [Verse 2] 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 'Til I thought of what I'd say Which connection I should cut [Chorus] I was feeling part of the scenery I walked right out of the machinery My heart going boom boom boom "Hey," he said "Grab your things, I've come to take you home" Ay, back home [Verse 3] 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 Who close their eyes but still can see No one taught them etiquette I will show another me [Chorus] 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"