Phil
Collins has been active in the pop music scene since 1967, but did not become
known to a wider public before he joined the group Genesis in 1970 as their
drummer. After some very successful years with the group, he started a solo
career in 1981.
Apart from
his stage performances and studio productions, he was only too willing to
appear in live charity performances. When the Prince of Wales launched his
Prince's Trust Rock Gala to support work for children in need in 1982, Phil
Collins was the first to take part and has done so ever since in this annual
concert. Charity events like Band Aid (1984) and Live Aid (1985) for the
benefit of children world-wide have been supported by him.
Phil
Collins said about "Another Day in Paradise": "I don't write
these songs to change things, because I don't believe they can be changed in
any significant way. No, I write these songs to say 'I'm worried - is anybody
else?"'
The ballad
"Another Day in Paradise" was released in November 1989. Being a very
emotional description of homelessness in Britain, it comments on both sides:
those who live in "paradise" and have every-thing they could possibly
want. And on those who see "paradise" like through a glass wall: they
can see it, but cannot get there.
The
sequence of emotional events in the song might be said to be the plot; and it
stops before it is resolved. Is the man going to help the young woman? What
will she do if she does not get any help? No answer is given, only the advice:
"Oh, think twice, it's another day for you and me in paradise." The
emotional centre of the song can be found in the line "Oh Lord, is there
nothing more anybody can do? Oh Lord, there must be something you can say."
This is a reflection of unwillingness and/or inability to help those who need
our help. The song is an emotional and a political statement about a terrible
situation for the homeless.
She calls
out to the man on the street
'Sir, can
you help me?
It's cold,
and I've nowhere to sleep.
Is there somewhere you can tell me?'
He walks
on, doesn't look back,
He pretends
he can't hear her
Starts to
whistle as he crosses the street
Seems embarrassed to be there.
Oh think
twice, 'cos it's another day for
You and me
in paradise.
Oh think twice, 'cos
it's just another day for you
You and me in paradise.
She calls
out to the man on the street
He can see she's been
crying
She's got
blisters on the soles other feet
She can't walk, but she's trying.
Refrain
Oh Lord, is
there nothing more anybody can do?
Oh Lord, there must be something you can say.
You can
tell from the lines on her face
You can see
that she's been there
Probably
been moved on from every place
'Cos she didn't fit in there.
Refrain