Man On The Corner
Genesis · Abacab [1981]
What he's waiting for, I don't know,
But he waits everyday now.
He's just waiting for something to show.
And nobody knows him,
And nobody cares,
'Cos there's no hiding place,
There's no hiding place - for you.
Looking everywhere at no one,
He sees everything and nothing at all - oh.
When he shouts nobody listens,
Where he leads no one will go - oh.
He's a lonely man, there on the corner,
What he's waiting for, I don't know,
But he waits everyday now.
He's just waiting for something to show - oh.
Nobody knows him,
And nobody cares,
'Cos there's no hiding place,
There's no hiding place - for you and me.
Are we just like all the rest,
We're looking too hard for something he's got
Or moving too fast to rest.
But like a monkey on your back you need it.
But do you love it enough to leave it - ah.
Just like the lonely man there on the corner,
What he's waiting for, I don't know - oh.
But he waits every day now.
He's just waiting for that something to show - oh.
Who's the lonely man there on the corner,
What he's waiting for, I don't know.
But he's there every day now.
And he's just waiting for something to show - oh.
Who's the lonely man there on the corner,
What he's waiting for, I don't know.
Oh but he waits every day now.
He's just waiting for that something to show.
Man On The Corner
Released in 1981 on the album Abacab, "Man On The Corner" stands as a defining track in the progressive rock canon. The song exemplifies the band's evolution from their earlier conceptual works to a more accessible, radio-friendly sound while retaining complex musical structures. Featuring intricate guitar work and layered vocals, the recording showcases the collaborative genius of Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins, blending orchestral arrangements with driving rhythms. As a staple of Genesis's discography, the track remains a significant example of late-70s and early-80s progressive rock, influencing countless artists who followed in its wake. Its enduring popularity highlights the group's ability to craft songs that are both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.
