Gold Record Alert!
Rated 10 Alert!
Song#: 0617 Date: 05/30/1981
Debut: 89
Peak: 19
Weeks: 17
Genre: Rock
Pop Bits: This second single from the LP "Face Value" did the same as the first, "I Missed Again," peaking at #19. However, in many other countries the song reached the Top 10 and even #1. But despite it's peak it has become one of Collins' most recognizable songs and has lived far past it's initial release. The single eventually went gold, most likely due to its later inclusion in the pilot for the hit TV show "Miami Vice" in 1984.
ReduxReview: Solo, Genesis, or whatever, for me this is Collins' best song. The dark tone, the cryptic lyrics, and the intense production all meshed for a perfect moment. And the louder, the better. I played this so much that my 45 started to wear out. If I had a list of favorite songs of all-time, this song would definitely be on it. I find it strange the song couldn't go Top 10 in the States when it did about everywhere else. However, in many other countries, this was the first single where in the US, "I Missed Again" was issued first.
ReduxRating: 10/10
Trivia: An urban legend still exists about this song. The story goes that the lyrics reflect an event in Collins' life where someone was drowning and another person nearby refused to help them while Collins witnessed it from a distance. However, that never happened and that was not the story in the lyrics. At the time he wrote the song, Collins was going through a rough divorce and the song is basically a reflection of that event. He improvised almost all of the lyrics on the spot when writing the song, letting out whatever he was feeling. With minor adjustments, he kept the improv lyrics. So in reality, there is no exact meaning to them or story. Just gut feelings tossed against ominous music. But it's more fun to think about the urban legend when listening.
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