It's good to be here! How've you been?
Check my bags, boy! Where's my room?
I sit on the phone, that's my game,
Keep up the pressure all the way!

I don't want to beat about the bush
but none of us are getting any younger.
There's people out there who could take your place.
A more commercial view! A fresher face!

I need a shower, take a nap
I'll meet you in the bar, we must have a rap.
There's a lot on the line, a lot to say.
There's something I must tell you today.

You and I both know the score,
you can't go on like this forever.
So it's with regret that I tell you now
that from this moment on,
you're on your own!

I don't talk round corners, it's right between the eyes
If you're slow they'll run past you,
Stand tall, see them falling over.
I walk a straight line, it's right between the eyes.
Well show me the door, show me someone who'll do it better.

The drinks are on me, be my guest.
Smoke a cigar? Take the best.
Don't hedge your bets, we can make a deal,
you got it in your pocket, how do you feel?

So glad that's over, now you know,
but I'm only acting under orders.
And looking down on you from way up here.
You've got to sink or swim, get off the floor!

I don't talk round corners, it's right between the eyes
If you're slow they'll run past you,
Stand tall, see them falling over,
I walk a straight line, right between the eyes.
Well show me the door, show me someone who'll do it better.


Lyrics submitted by Demau Senae

Down and Out Lyrics as written by Phil Collins Anthony George Banks

Lyrics © CONCORD MUSIC PUBLISHING LLC

Lyrics powered by LyricFind

Down And Out song meanings
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    Song Meaning

    I know what this is about, the penny's dropped.

    Back in 1969, Genesis were signed to Decca records and released their Ill advised Jonathan King influenced debut album: 'From Genesis to Revelation', It sold only 600 copies so the record company had no choice but to drop them. The shock was great, Tony Philips nearly threw in the towel, Tony Banks decided to go to the university of Sussex to do a degree, Peter and the others were devastated as well and questioned whether it was worth continuing.

    I can imagine that these lyrics are the dialogue of the Decca record company executive at the meeting when they were given the boot.

    Fortunately, Tony Stratton Smith and Charisma records picked them up and saved the day..........So a happy ending for all.

    BarnabyHugheson December 10, 2017   Link

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