Genesis Meets Greek Mythology

Genesis would sometimes draw upon literary classics for their songs. Other times it would be folklore. For this song, it would be Greek Mythology. While some fans think there are many meanings behind the song, it is simply based on the first story of a Hermaphrodite and can be commonly found in Greek literature. Genesis was loyal to the story. The lyrics never stray from the original written many centuries earlier about Hermaphrodites and the Naiad.

Who was Salmacis? Salmacis was an atypical nymph, rejecting the ways of the virginal goddess of the hunt Diana in favor of vanity and idleness. Her attempted rape of Hermaphroditus places her as the only nymph rapist in the Greek mythological canon.

Phil Collins stated in one of the post-Gabriel gigs, 'a hermaphrodite is a person that is a man and a woman at the same time, in the same pair of trousers as it were. And that is truly the story behind the Fountain of Salmacis.

Found this little treasure on the Genesis Addicts FB page

I found this treasure in the Genesis Addicts FB page. I believe there are more songs to be found. I will update the page as I learn more. Enjoy. Really cool how they worked together.

Seven Stones

Seven Stones is a great song. It has many interpretations. I for one believe it is a story about how life gives us many chances. We make choices. The story of the old farmer is a reflection of those choices. Don't take life so seriously, and don't take life so lightly. Genesis lyrics can be complicated yet so simple. Often times, life imitates art. Seven stones was a name of a reef that a British tanker carrying crude oil struck in 1967. It was an environment disaster. I wonder if part of the imagery of the song is to ponder the consequences of the Captains decisions that fateful day. The sea gull....hmmmmm. I heard  the old man tell his tale......

Genesis Live in Belgium 1973

Circling around Youtube is the Television appearance of Genesis from 1973. It is clear the band with the new members has come together and provided a very unique sound. Pre-Lamb and very interesting. Probably the earliest example of Hacketts finger work that Eddie Van Halen would get credit for "originating" in Van Halen. Check out Return of the Giant Hogweed to see what I am trying to describe.

The Second Generation Of Genesis

From 1970 -1975 - the band's progressive roots begin to develop. With the addition of Collins and Hackett, the music becomes a complex. The lyrics and story lines begin to expand. The live shows begin to take on the life of their own. Peter Gabriel begins to transition to theater. This time period, while only 5 years begins to identify who they are as a band.