The Carpet Crawlers

I also heard this theory, and I agree with you. I think it is about something bad, but musically it is such a beautiful song. Tony Banks' keyboard on this song is what pulled me into the world of Genesis

@proggie Honestly, the chorus makes sense in this context as well..."got to get in to get out..." sperm has to get in before the baby can get out.

@proggie No offense, but that's a ridiculous theory. Anyone who's ever owned the album and knows the story of Rael. While the story and lyrics are somewhat surreal, the describe the adventures of a character named Rael. The carpet crawlers was a group of monks that Rael encounters in his abstract journey through NYC. Yall need to ease up on the weed and learn to READ. You are seriously trippin. <br /> <br /> The song as another episode in Rael's surreal adventure in NYC. If you read Peter's story on the inner-sleeve of the Lamb Lies Down On Broadway it's the story about a teenage kid who gets released from Juvy hall (Pontiac Reformatory) and sets out on a quest to find himself. The carpet crawlers were a group of monks - just more of the strange people and challenges he encounters a long the way.

@Carlito234 Ever heard of analogies? Multiple meanings? Yes there's the story of Rael going on in this album but a lot of the lyrics are applicable in many different scenarios and I believe that's intentional.<br /> I have to admit, I find this compelling. Especially since it follows "Counting Out Time", a song which is clearly about sexual experiences.<br /> <br /> Is it what happens in the story? No. But it's pretty neat symbolism. It follows into the next song about the 32 doors (which could be related to the sperm finding it's way to the womb). <br /> Yes, it's pretty clear what Rael goes through here, but if you read between the lines you'll find out what the album could be about metaphorically.

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I love some of the explanations folks have given. My thoughts: Peter Gabriel wrote this and all of the Lamb Lies Down locked away in a room, inside an old scary castle, letting his imagination run wild. Meanwhile, at least one of the members, Phil Collins, once remarked how for days on end, he was never straight while there. This shouldn't surprise anyone who grew up following rock music, going to concerts, during the 70's. My guess, Peter was puffing on some good herb too from time to time. And, in addition, as many may know, this was Gabriel's last album with the band. He needed to get it all out! Stating in an interview, his wife had just had their first child and not being with her was a problem. He was dealing with personal issues, he was evolving in a different direction from the band. I think to some degree he was frustrated with Tony Banks, who liked the long instrumentals sessions, limiting Peter's lyrics. Which, left Gabriel on the outside somewhat frustrated, looking in seeing himself on the other side, just waiting, wondering, what next? He felt trapped in various ways, limited, etc., and knew deep inside he wanted to move on. Maybe, "getting in to get out," finishing the album was his "way to get out." He was at peace, listening to a higher call. He and everyone around him who felt the same way as they were "heeding their caller." Possibly, some of the other songs were messages relating to his relationship to his brothers in the band. It's those analogies that connected themselves to all the wildly popular symbolism in this song progressing him onto "the agony of slipper pain." Nevertheless, No doubt Gabriel wanted the listeners to dream up multiple interpretations on their own. The beauty of this style of rock! Loving every bit of the tightly written sentences, one right after another. I've listened to interviews with Gabriel many years since the album, and he wouldn't let out the explicit meaning of the song. Know one will ever know the real truth me thinks. Imagination rules! Mission accomplished!