Gabriel at His Finest

This week's song choice is a special treat—one of my favorite pop songs, "Solsbury Hill".

Peter Gabriel is a fantastic performer, whether he's singing, writing, or playing an instrument. As most of you know, he used to be the lead singer for Genesis, until departing from the group in the 1970s. Wikipedia states, "Gabriel recorded his first self-titled solo album in 1976 and 1977... His first solo success came with the single 'Solsbury Hill', an autobiographical piece expressing his thoughts on leaving Genesis." This information and more can be found at www.wikipedia.org.

I think the lyrics to this song can be looked at from so many different angles; it seems everyone can relate to it somehow. And that's the beauty of a song that tells a story without plainly stating the message. This song uses imagery and metaphor to communicate a very strong, urgent message. What do you think that is? Read closely. Then read it again.

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Solsbury Hill by Peter Gabriel

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
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
Tho' my life was in a rut.
Till I thought of what I'd say
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!
"Hey" he said "Grab your things
I've come to take you home."
(Back 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
Who close their eyes but still can see.
No one taught them etiquette
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."

*Lyrics provided by www.azlyrics.com
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What is the song saying to you? Can you relate? What is literal, and what is metaphor? What is your favorite part?

This week's challenge: Take a stand! If there's something you've been meaning to say, or something you've wanted to learn about, do it this week! Make it happen.

If you'd like to hear the song, click on the YouTube link below: