Genesis is an English rock band whose evolution from progressive rock pioneers to mainstream pop innovators made them one of the most influential groups of the 1970s and 1980s. Formed in 1967 by schoolmates Peter Gabriel, Tony Banks, Mike Rutherford, and others, the band first gained acclaim for their theatrical, concept-driven albums and elaborate live performances. Following Gabriel’s departure in 1975—and later Steve Hackett’s—Genesis reinvented themselves as a trio with Phil Collins stepping into the role of lead vocalist, ushering in a new era of chart-topping hits and global success.
Their ability to balance musical complexity with accessible songwriting helped define modern rock and pop, while the individual members went on to build highly successful solo careers. Today, Genesis stands as a landmark band in music history, celebrated for their innovation, longevity, and remarkable artistic transformation.
Genesis’s 1981 single “Abacab” captures the band in the midst of a bold reinvention, diving into a sharper, more modern sound that broke away from their progressive rock roots. Built on a driving synth riff, punchy rhythms, and a stripped-down arrangement, the track showcases the trio’s newfound embrace of minimalism and experimentation. Phil Collins’s dynamic vocal delivery adds urgency, while the song’s shifting structure keeps it unpredictable and edgy. “Abacab” stands as a pivotal moment in the band’s catalog—fresh, innovative, and a clear signal of the stylistic evolution that would define their ’80s era.
It peaked at No. 09 in the UK Singles Chart on 5th September 1981.
| A-Side | Abacab (4:10) (Banks, Collins, Rutherford) Produced By Banks, Collins, Rutherford |
| B-Side | Another Record (4:02) (Banks, Collins, Rutherford) Produced By Banks, Collins, Rutherford |
| Genre | Rock, Art Rock, Pop |
| Release Date | 14th August 1981 |
| Label | CHARISMA |
| Catalogue Number | CB 388 |
| Date Of UK Top 40 Entry | 22nd August 1981 |
| Highest Chart Position | No. 09 |
| Weeks In UK Top 40 | 06 |
| UK Top 40 Chart Run [6 Weeks] – 22nd August 1981 – 26th September 1981 |
Officially Released Versions
Abacab (Single Version) (4:10)
Abacab (US Single Version) (3:59)
Abacab (Album Version) (6:58)
Versions On Spotify
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Lyrics
Look up on the wall, there on the floor
Under the pillow, behind the door
There’s a crack in the mirror
Somewhere there’s a hole in a window pane
Now, do you think I’m to blame?
Tell me, do you think I’m to blame?
(When they do it) You’re never there
(When they show it) You stop and stare
(Abacab) Isn’t anywhere
(Abacab)
If you’re wrappin’ up the world
‘Cause you’ve taken someone else’s girl
When they turn on the pillow
Even when they answer the telephone
Don’t you think they’ll find out?
Tell me, don’t you think they’ll find out?
(When they do it) You’re never there
(When they show it) You stop and stare
(Abacab) Isn’t anywhere
(Abacab) Doesn’t really care
Na-na-nay-na, ah, na-na-na-na
Na-na-nay-na, na, na, na
Na-na-na-na, na-na-na-na-na
Na-na-nay-na, no, no, no, no
You want it, you’ve got it
You’ve gotta go
You want it, you’ve got it
Now you know
It’s an illusion, it’s a game
A reflection of someone else’s name
When you wake in the morning
Wake and find you’re covered in cellophane
Well, there’s a hole in there somewhere
Yeah, there’s a hole in there somewhere
Baby, there’s a hole in there somewhere
Now there’s a hole in there somewhere
(When they do it) You’re never there
(When they show it) You stop and stare
(Abacab) Isn’t anywhere
(Abacab)
(Ah, no, deh-dee)
Written By Banks, Collins, Rutherford
