“Firth of Fifth” by Genesis

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“Firth of Fifth” by Genesis

    Summary quotation from Wikipedia:

    The title of “Firth of Fifth” is a pun on the estuary of the River Forth in Scotland, commonly known as the Firth of Forth.

    The song starts out with a classical-style grand piano introduction. This section is rhythmically complex, with certain bars in the rare time signatures of 13/16 and 15/16, alternating with bars of 2/4. This section changes tempo and segues into the first section of lyrics, accompanied by drums and a chord progression between the organ and guitar. The song then features a flute melody, followed by a synth-driven instrumental section which restates the opening piano theme. Hackett then plays the flute melody using violinesque guitar tones. Peter Gabriel then sings a brief section of lyrics before Banks concludes the song on piano.

    “Firth of Fifth” is featured on their second compilation album, Platinum Collection (2004). Although it is credited to the entire band, Banks would later claim that much of the music was developed from his own ideas. Banks’ authorship has been confirmed by Mike Rutherford and Steve Hackett, who called it “one of Tony’s finest.” Banks and Rutherford wrote the lyrics. Banks would later state in Hugh Fielder’s The Book of Genesis that it was one of the worse sets of lyrics he had been involved with.

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most recent comment

    Tom: Firth of Fifth is Christopher’s favorite song.

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