Such a beautiful Genesis song. I would argue it's in the top 10, and reminds me of something from their earlier output, like Firth Of Fifth, except not as long and out there.
My interpretation is a bit wordy, sorry.
The subject is reflecting on their mortality. They realize there are people out there who have had it much worse than they have. If this is Phil talking about himself, he realizes he has made a ton of money, but that in the end he will die just like the poor people. He tells the listener that whatever life has given you, you need to make the best of it, because we all have a limited time on this planet. No matter what we do, that final curtain is drawn and inevitable. I still have all of these riches, but for what.
The man has a long life (days turn into years), but he knows the older he gets that final moment is still coming.
Even then, he says f**k it, I'm still alive gosh darnit. I still have life left and I'm going to take advantage of that. Simple.
"Stand up to the blow that fate has struck upon you, make the most of all you still have coming to you."
Even the title is appropriate. We all get taken out by the undertow, er undertaker.
Such a beautiful Genesis song. I would argue it's in the top 10, and reminds me of something from their earlier output, like Firth Of Fifth, except not as long and out there.
My interpretation is a bit wordy, sorry.
The subject is reflecting on their mortality. They realize there are people out there who have had it much worse than they have. If this is Phil talking about himself, he realizes he has made a ton of money, but that in the end he will die just like the poor people. He tells the listener that whatever life has given you, you need to make the best of it, because we all have a limited time on this planet. No matter what we do, that final curtain is drawn and inevitable. I still have all of these riches, but for what.
The man has a long life (days turn into years), but he knows the older he gets that final moment is still coming.
Even then, he says f**k it, I'm still alive gosh darnit. I still have life left and I'm going to take advantage of that. Simple.
"Stand up to the blow that fate has struck upon you, make the most of all you still have coming to you."
Even the title is appropriate. We all get taken out by the undertow, er undertaker.
[Edit: addtnl thought. ]