The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway

Genesis

About The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway

"The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" is the first song from Genesis's 1974 album of the same name. The song was released as a single in the U. S.. Although it did not chart, it was frequently played on American FM radio stations. Like other songs on the album, the music and lyrics in "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" are partially derived from 1960s soul songs. The end of the song features the words "They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway. They say there's always magic in the air" from The Drifters' song "On Broadway". The studio recording features a variation on the former lyric ("They say the lights are always bright on Broadway"), but subsequent live recordings feature the original. The bass-playing on the song by Mike Rutherford has been described as having "connotations of aggressive energy" that fits in well with the concept album's angry and defiant character Rael. After Gabriel's departure, the Phil Collins-fronted incarnation of the band performed the song often during their first few tours, usually segueing into the closing section of "The Musical Box". A live version appears on Seconds Out from 1977 as well as part of the "Old Medley" on The Way We Walk, Volume Two: The Longs from 1993. The song was also played in full during the 1998 Calling All Stations tour, with Ray Wilson on vocals. 


Year:
2011
119 

 Become A Better Singer In Only 30 Days, With Easy Video Lessons!

And the lamb lies down on Broadway

Early morning Manhattan
Ocean winds blow on the land
Movie Palace is now undone
The all-night watchmen have had their fun

Sleepin' cheaply on the midnight show
It's the same old ending time to go
Get out, it seems they cannot leave their dream
There's somethin' movin' in the sidewalk steam

And the lamb lies down on Broadway

Nighttimes flyers feel their pains
Drugstore takes down the chains
Metal motion comes in bursts
The gas station can quench that thirst

Suspension cracked on unmade road
The truckers eyes read 'Overload'
And out on the subway
Rael Imperial Aerosol Kid, exits into daylight, spray gun hid

And the lamb lies down on Broadway

The lamb seems right out of place
The Broadway street scene finds a focus in its face
Somehow its lyin' there
Brings a stillness to the air

Though man-made light at night is very bright
There's no whitewash victim
As the neons dim, to the coat of white
Rael Imperial Aerosol Kid, wipes his gun, he's forgotten what he did

And the lamb lies down on Broadway

Suzanne tired, her work all done
Thinks money honey be on neon
Cabman's velvet glove sounds the horn
And Sawdust King spits out his scorn

Wonder women you could draw your blind
Don't look at me, I'm not your kind
I'm Rael, something inside me has just begun
Lord knows, what I have done

And the lamb lies down on Broadway
(On Broadway)

(On Broadway, on Broadway)
They say the lights are always bright on Broadway
(On Broadway, on Broadway)
They say there's always magic in the air
(On Broadway, on Broadway)
They say the lights are always bright on Broadway
(On Broadway)

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer


Genesis

Genesis are an English rock band that formed in 1967. The band currently consists of its three longest-tenured members - Tony Banks (keyboards) and Mike Rutherford (bass, guitar), who were founder members; and Phil Collins (vocals, drums), who first joined in 1970. Past members Peter Gabriel (vocals, flute), Steve Hackett (guitar) and Anthony Phillips (guitar), also played major roles in the band in its early years. Genesis are among the top 30 highest-selling recording artists of all time, with approximately 150 million albums sold worldwide. more »

5 fans

Written by: Michael Rutherford, Peter Gabriel, Phil Collins, Steven Hackett, Tony Banks

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Song Release Info
"The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" is a song by the English progressive rock band Genesis. It was initially released as the opening track of their sixth studio album of the same name in November 1974.
Lead Singer's Influence
Peter Gabriel, the lead vocalist, wrote most of the lyrics which were based on a surreal story about Rael, a Puerto Rican youth from New York City.
Influence on Progressive Rock
The album is widely considered as one of the definitive progressive rock albums of the era and was embraced by fans for its complex song structures and Gabriel's theatrical style.
Song's Theme
The song "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" tells the first part of the story in which Rael wakes up in Times Square and observes a lamb lying down on Broadway.
Début in Live Show
"The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" was first played live on 20 November 1974 in Chicago, Illinois.
Instrumentation
The song is particularly noted for its complex and atmospheric keyboards parts played by Tony Banks.
Departure of Peter Gabriel
After the release of the album, Peter Gabriel left Genesis due to personal problems, leading to Phil Collins taking over as lead vocalist.
Cover by Paul Gilbert
American musician and guitarist Paul Gilbert covered "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" on his 2006 solo album, "Get Out of My Yard." Gilbert is known for being a member of bands like "Mr. Big" and "Racer X."
Gilbert’s Take
Paul Gilbert's cover is quite faithful to the original, and his capacity as a virtuoso guitarist bring additional layers to the song.
Lasting Impact
The legacy of "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" is such that the song, and indeed the entire album, is still performed by Genesis tribute bands around the world.
Commercial Success
Despite its complexity, "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" and the album of the same title eventually reached Platinum status, selling over one million copies in America alone.

Discuss the The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/24701274/Genesis/The+Lamb+Lies+Down+On+Broadway>.

    Missing lyrics by Genesis?

    Know any other songs by Genesis? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway

    823.9K
    5,158     151

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    Who sang "Venom"?
    A Nicki Minaj
    B Roddy Ricch
    C Falz
    D Eminem

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Genesis's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Genesis tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!