"Vancouver" by Genesis originally released as a B side on their 1978 Many Too Many single and written by Phil Collins is one of my all time Genesis favorites. And I think my favorite B side release. On their single releases Genesis would include on the B sides, tracks that did not make the album. How this song didn't get included on the album "And Then There Were Three" is a mystery to me.
But then that album is so unlike ANY other Genesis album. Peter Gabriel was long gone, and long time guitarist Steve Hackett had just left so it was three.... Phil Collins (drums-vocals), Tony Bank (keyboards) and Mike Rutherford (guitar and bass). This album changed how they write and is very unique in how it feels. Tracks like Undertow, Burning Rope and Follow You Follow Me were musically and lyrically beautiful. The album was released on March 31, 1978. Unbelievably 46 years ago and still stands out to me as one of their best and one their most different.
The song tells of a young lady... perhaps running away and how her emotions and feelings change and evolve in that instant. And ends up back at home... and safe. Lyrics and song are posted below. Enjoy! Post a comment if you have never heard this song before!
She packed her bags and dressed
Long before the sunrise
No one knew
She told them many times
About how she would teach them
And now it's time
Standing quietly by the door
Her face is numb with fear
She stops and then goes on
"Leave forever - it's now or never"
Quickly walking down the street
It's cold and grey, dawn's breaking
She don't mind (she don't mind)
Why she feels so grown up now
Her life is just beginning
She don't know (she don't know)
She's standing in the pouring rain
Her make-up's running down
She wonders now she's here
"Where will I go? Who do I know?"
Now, now she's not quite so sure
I may be wrong but home seems so much more friendly now
And they might worry but she doesn't want them to
Cos causing pain, that's not the thing that she set out to do
So she's back in bed before
Anyone can miss her
She feels good (she feels good)
Knowing the chance was there
Deciding not to take it
That's her choice (that's her choice)
She's still awake, her mum comes in
"Me and dad, we've had a chat
And we're sorry for the things we said
Please forgive us - you wouldn't leave us?"
