Peter Gabriel — Sky Blue
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Length: 6:31
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lost my time lost my place in
sky blue
those two blue eyes light your face in
sky blue
i know how to fly, i know how to drown in
sky blue
warm wind blowing over the earth
sky blue
i sing through the land, the land sings through me
sky blue
reaching into the deepest shade of
sky blue
sky blue so tired of all this travelling
so many miles away from home
i keep moving to be stable
free to wander, free to roam
train pulled out said my goodbyes
sky blue
back on the road alone with the sky
sky blue
there's a presence here no one denies
sky blue
sky blue so tired of all this travelling
so many miles away from home
i keep moving to be stable
free to wander, free to roam
i can hear the same voice calling
crying out, from my heart
and that cry, what a cry
what a cry, it's going to be
if i can stop to let it out, oh.
sky blue
those two blue eyes light your face in
sky blue
i know how to fly, i know how to drown in
sky blue
warm wind blowing over the earth
sky blue
i sing through the land, the land sings through me
sky blue
reaching into the deepest shade of
sky blue
sky blue so tired of all this travelling
so many miles away from home
i keep moving to be stable
free to wander, free to roam
train pulled out said my goodbyes
sky blue
back on the road alone with the sky
sky blue
there's a presence here no one denies
sky blue
sky blue so tired of all this travelling
so many miles away from home
i keep moving to be stable
free to wander, free to roam
i can hear the same voice calling
crying out, from my heart
and that cry, what a cry
what a cry, it's going to be
if i can stop to let it out, oh.
Comments (209)add comment
bam23 wrote:
Absolutely agree, bam. I’m an old fart whose mother ingrained the, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything” philosophy. It has served me well these 65+ years. I think the world would be better if everyone abided by that rule. IMHO.
Disclosure: I consider Peter Gabriel to be a remarkable musician. That said, I am completely puzzled by the apparently large numbers of "listeners" who feel compelled to dump whatever they are holding on PG. None of the negative posts get at any weaknesses, they only reinforce their own prejudices. Even if I didn't like this music, it would be a challenge to figure out the substance of the complaints. I suppose none of this matters, but many others appreciate his contributions to music in general and the shallow criticisms are completely ineffective in convincing anyone that his music is lame, as was observed here. Obviously, Bill G likes him, so that's that.
Absolutely agree, bam. I’m an old fart whose mother ingrained the, “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything” philosophy. It has served me well these 65+ years. I think the world would be better if everyone abided by that rule. IMHO.
springof63 wrote:
Me too, except that i don't recall ever having heard this one before. I know that doesn't make much sense. But....
oh dear, i appear to be talking to myself (again). Sorry peeps..
Me too, except that i don't recall ever having heard this one before. I know that doesn't make much sense. But....
oh dear, i appear to be talking to myself (again). Sorry peeps..
springof63 wrote:
Me too, except that i don't recall ever having heard this one before. I know that doesn't make much sense. But....
Wait a minute, i thought this was that Michael Kiwanuka song for a second, until i looked - maybe it's THAT song that reminds me of THIS one, not the other way round...
Me too, except that i don't recall ever having heard this one before. I know that doesn't make much sense. But....
The live version of this with the blind boys of alabama is amazing.
Wait a minute, i thought this was that Michael Kiwanuka song for a second, until i looked - maybe it's THAT song that reminds me of THIS one, not the other way round...
inbagt wrote:
And a movie... and just look at how different they all are! The wonder of life and music.
At least they're not all called "Down".
You'd think there would be a little more creativity in picking album names. Peter Gabriel, REM and Shania Twain all had albums called "Up".
And a movie... and just look at how different they all are! The wonder of life and music.
At least they're not all called "Down".
dmiklitz wrote:
I thought it sounded familiar. I was trying to put my finger on what track this was reminding me of.
This music always gets me. This track, in particular, because it came out around the same time as Rabbit Proof Fence, for which he did the soundtrack. The lyrics evoke the landscape and the trials of the children as they try to find their way back home across the Outback. The film was rather intense. Recommended viewing.
I thought it sounded familiar. I was trying to put my finger on what track this was reminding me of.
apd wrote:
Nope. Apparently I AM!!!!
Am i the last one to notice (just now) his face on the cd cover?
Nope. Apparently I AM!!!!
An album of melancholia, for sure, that slipped under the radar's ears, and into mine! A stellar album.
maboleth wrote:
TMI.
Maybe try a laxative?
Constipation man is striking again on RP...
TMI.
Maybe try a laxative?
Not one of his best. Bit dirge like.
This song makes me cry every time.
CyrusPaul wrote:
You should have seen him on tour for this album performing with them (the Blind Boys opened for him as well.) Half-way through the song, when their vocals come in, they rose up out of the middle of the stage all sitting in a circle. The whole show was well choreographed as you can see on his "Growing Up" Bluray/DVD from that tour.
You should have seen him on tour for this album performing with them (the Blind Boys opened for him as well.) Half-way through the song, when their vocals come in, they rose up out of the middle of the stage all sitting in a circle. The whole show was well choreographed as you can see on his "Growing Up" Bluray/DVD from that tour.
Steely_D wrote:
But strutting around with flower petals on your head was within your comfort zone. But by all means, I believe in a full throated discussion. I think Peter Gabriel is a singular talent that doesn't give a f**k what you think or how you grade his music. Really, you're so special you get to determine what content is worthy and what is deficient ?
One of the last few extremely good - not great - songs by PG.
I was a True Fan up to the last few albums, and now I'm a little embarrassed by how much I loved him, based on the very uneven, very...unimportant albums he's released in the past few years.
But this song, is pretty good. At least it's not embarrassing, like when he does Solsbury Hill live riding in circles around the stage on a bike. Sheesh.
I was a True Fan up to the last few albums, and now I'm a little embarrassed by how much I loved him, based on the very uneven, very...unimportant albums he's released in the past few years.
But this song, is pretty good. At least it's not embarrassing, like when he does Solsbury Hill live riding in circles around the stage on a bike. Sheesh.
But strutting around with flower petals on your head was within your comfort zone. But by all means, I believe in a full throated discussion. I think Peter Gabriel is a singular talent that doesn't give a f**k what you think or how you grade his music. Really, you're so special you get to determine what content is worthy and what is deficient ?
Angsty cry at the end (before the choral bit) gets me every time.
maboleth wrote:
I hope you get well soon.
Constipation man is striking again on RP... duh.
I hope you get well soon.
marklaw wrote:
Well, it's playing now - so here's a cyberHUG
For some reason, this song just touches my soul. I cry every time I hear it.
Well, it's playing now - so here's a cyberHUG
This music always gets me. This track, in particular, because it came out around the same time as Rabbit Proof Fence, for which he did the soundtrack. The lyrics evoke the landscape and the trials of the children as they try to find their way back home across the Outback. The film was rather intense. Recommended viewing.
Constipation man is striking again on RP... duh.
Martyn Bennett does a good mix of this in his album Grit
For some reason, this song just touches my soul. I cry every time I hear it.
inbagt wrote:
Time shift... this was released in 2002 and mostly recorded in 2001.
In 2001, it was still hard to find a unique band name, much less an album title. Google was 3 years old at the time.
You'd think there would be a little more creativity in picking album names. Peter Gabriel, REM and Shania Twain all had albums called "Up".
Time shift... this was released in 2002 and mostly recorded in 2001.
In 2001, it was still hard to find a unique band name, much less an album title. Google was 3 years old at the time.
My rating down from 8 to 7
and 3 + Skip
and 3 + Skip
Peter and The Blind Boys of Alabama....great song.
Why does this song make me cry?
CyrusPaul wrote:
Yes. Who would have thought of that - only PG.
PG's use of The Blind Boys at the end of this song is magical....
Yes. Who would have thought of that - only PG.
Nice song
His last great album....fingers still crossed he might fire out one more great one....like Bowie!
moodfood wrote:
I'm really sorry to hear that.
no sky blue out here, just spectacular blackness..
I'm really sorry to hear that.
inbagt wrote:
When I think of PG I often think "now there's a guy that's just not creative enough."
You'd think there would be a little more creativity in picking album names. Peter Gabriel, REM and Shania Twain all had albums called "Up".
When I think of PG I often think "now there's a guy that's just not creative enough."
moodfood wrote:
Start with a new lightbulb. If that doesn't work we'll come up with Plan B.
no sky blue out here, just spectacular blackness..
Start with a new lightbulb. If that doesn't work we'll come up with Plan B.
Can't say enough about Peter. I've seen this man on stage dig deep and try to work out what it means to be a human as how we all strive to find a place of meaning and relevance.
PG's use of The Blind Boys at the end of this song is magical....
no sky blue out here, just spectacular blackness..
TerryS wrote:
Or maybe "Chuck".
Haven't searched, but there must be one called "Yours".
(Nothing personal).
(Nothing personal).
Or maybe "Chuck".
thatguyaz wrote:
Gabriel's selection was a part of his decision to use two character titles for albums: "So", "Us", "Up"
It's some sort of arcane, Illuminati communication: "Sew us up".
Gabriel's selection was a part of his decision to use two character titles for albums: "So", "Us", "Up"
It's some sort of arcane, Illuminati communication: "Sew us up".
inbagt wrote:
Gabriel's selection was a part of his decision to use two character titles for albums: "So", "Us", "Up"
You'd think there would be a little more creativity in picking album names. Peter Gabriel, REM and Shania Twain all had albums called "Up".
Gabriel's selection was a part of his decision to use two character titles for albums: "So", "Us", "Up"
Haven't searched, but there must be one called "Yours".
(Nothing personal).
(Nothing personal).
You'd think there would be a little more creativity in picking album names. Peter Gabriel, REM and Shania Twain all had albums called "Up".
One of the last few extremely good - not great - songs by PG.
I was a True Fan up to the last few albums, and now I'm a little embarrassed by how much I loved him, based on the very uneven, very...unimportant albums he's released in the past few years.
But this song, is pretty good. At least it's not embarrassing, like when he does Solsbury Hill live riding in circles around the stage on a bike. Sheesh.
I was a True Fan up to the last few albums, and now I'm a little embarrassed by how much I loved him, based on the very uneven, very...unimportant albums he's released in the past few years.
But this song, is pretty good. At least it's not embarrassing, like when he does Solsbury Hill live riding in circles around the stage on a bike. Sheesh.
One thing that is enjoyable about Peter Gabriel is his originality which is refreshing in this current era of derivative stuff.
I truly love PG - have never heard this song before now
The poignance of the title and the melancholy of this song on this morning... crushes me...
Well played.
Well played.
sirdroseph wrote:
Peter Gabriel is lame.
Brilliant criticism.
Peter Gabriel is lame.Brilliant criticism.
jfarrance wrote:
Also, his third album (1980) might as well be an absolute masterpiece, wildly different from the track you're listening to now.
I am really amazed at how polarized the comments on PG's music are. Not many artists inspire so much love or hate without much in between. I wonder what that quality is? I have always loved his music. To my mind's ear he carries a voice of sincerity, exudes a conscious, caring awareness and the music always has a depth that can change my mood. Admittedly "So" was an overproduced pop gem, but it still has an enduring depth that very, very few pop records achieve.
I have always loved his music. To my mind's ear he carries a voice of sincerity, exudes a conscious, caring awareness and the music always has a depth that can change my mood. Admittedly "So" was an overproduced pop gem, but it still has an enduring depth that very, very few pop records achieve. Also, his third album (1980) might as well be an absolute masterpiece, wildly different from the track you're listening to now.
yup - still a 10
Disclosure: I consider Peter Gabriel to be a remarkable musician. That said, I am completely puzzled by the apparently large numbers of "listeners" who feel compelled to dump whatever they are holding on PG. None of the negative posts get at any weaknesses, they only reinforce their own prejudices. Even if I didn't like this music, it would be a challenge to figure out the substance of the complaints. I suppose none of this matters, but many others appreciate his contributions to music in general and the shallow criticisms are completely ineffective in convincing anyone that his music is lame, as was observed here. Obviously, Bill G likes him, so that's that.
This is very emotive musically, and the lyrics are profound... everybody in my mushrooming multitude of churches loves this song...
I am on the road to proselytize tomorrow, so "I keep moving to be stable..."
Paul_Skybreakers wrote:
I've noticed a lot of people here believe he is either God or Jesus and a product of a virgin birth. I think he starts to believe his followers and now he realizes he will have to die for our sins...
Peter Gabriel is lame.
I've noticed a lot of people here believe he is either God or Jesus and a product of a virgin birth. I think he starts to believe his followers and now he realizes he will have to die for our sins...
Peter Gabriel is lame.I really thought he was saying "Skyrim" instead of "Sky Blue"... I think I've logged too many hours this week.
I have several photos very similar to the album cover. A submarine buddy got out of the Navy, went to grad school at Carnegie Mellon, and took photos of colliding columns of water droplets as a paid research assistant. Somehow the photos allowed detailed analysis of the physics involved in the collision. Anyway, he sent me a few to prove that his work was essential to the betterment of mankind. Since he was being paid more than we were as sub sailors, I had to agree.
But I digress ...
But I digress ...
oh look...another TEN for PG...
fingerpin wrote:
That's Steve Carell.
I think it may be Griffin Dunne.
That's Steve Carell.
I think it may be Griffin Dunne.
apd wrote: Am i the last one to notice (just now) his face on the cd cover? |
No, no - if you hold it really close, it's the Nazca lines.
While I'm listening to that song, I enter a state akin to light hypnosis. It's as engaging as ANY damn business meeting I've ever attended!
balko wrote:
Really? I like that a lot!
It get worse towards the end. Ow ow ow ow.
Really? I like that a lot!
apd wrote:
That's Steve Carell.
Am i the last one to notice (just now) his face on the cd cover?
That's Steve Carell.
I like this song!
free to wander free to roam interesting..remember PG in the late 70's, early 80's
Papernapkin wrote:
I've noticed a lot of people here believe he is either God or Jesus and a product of a virgin birth. I think he starts to believe his followers and now he realizes he will have to die for our sins...
Why does every PG song sound like he's crying?
I've noticed a lot of people here believe he is either God or Jesus and a product of a virgin birth. I think he starts to believe his followers and now he realizes he will have to die for our sins...
meloman wrote:
No. He simply was.
Oh God, PG! Next thing we'll be hearing is that he was a product of a virgin birth.
No. He simply was.
Peter is one of the top ten singer songwriters in the rock and roll era - no doubt.
Bloody heathens. 
It get worse towards the end. Ow ow ow ow.
Like Paul Simon, PG has an impeccible ear for talent.........
I heard and saw PG perform this song live during the Up Tour. The Blind Boy of Alabama came up in the centre of the stage. Everyone I was there with was touched by the performance. It was beautiful!
Pretty, but dull.
DaMoGan wrote:
Because he is. It can't be easy dealing with all that fame and money.
Papernapkin wrote:
Peter Gabriel and Glenn Beck have that down, don't they.
Because he is. It can't be easy dealing with all that fame and money.
Papernapkin wrote:
Why does every PG song sound like he's crying?
Peter Gabriel and Glenn Beck have that down, don't they.
hate it
QueenLucia wrote:
Don't count on it.
Believe me, I don't! To be fair though, this is not as rephrehensible and offensive to my ears as most of his crap is, hmmm, I give it a 2.
Don't count on it.
Believe me, I don't! To be fair though, this is not as rephrehensible and offensive to my ears as most of his crap is, hmmm, I give it a 2. holborne wrote:
Blair Brown? You mean the lady who starred in The Days and Night of Molly Dodd? I didn't know she was Prime Minister. Cool!
I liked her in Altered States.
Blair Brown? You mean the lady who starred in The Days and Night of Molly Dodd? I didn't know she was Prime Minister. Cool!
I liked her in Altered States.
shakylegs wrote:
Actually the soundtrack is better than Up It's extermely well produced and beautiful.
Just realised that the end of this song is also from the soundtrack for "Rabbit Proof Fence."
PG did the same thing with "Birdy."
PG did the same thing with "Birdy."
Actually the soundtrack is better than Up
It's extermely well produced and beautiful.Because he is. It can't be easy dealing with all that fame and money.
Papernapkin wrote:
Why does every PG song sound like he's crying?
Why does every PG song sound like he's crying?
Just realised that the end of this song is also from the soundtrack for "Rabbit Proof Fence."
PG did the same thing with "Birdy."
PG did the same thing with "Birdy."
... Much like this album cover... Peter Gabriel's music reveals itself slowly. I wont be surprised to hear
nuances every time I listen to even his older music. That_SOB wrote:
Oh not so fast there Limey, it doesn't take Peter
to give your nation a bad name. Blair Brown and the Wicked Witch of the West Thatcher did a bloody good job of showing their "pompous self reverential guff..."
Blair Brown? You mean the lady who starred in The Days and Night of Molly Dodd? I didn't know she was Prime Minister. Cool!
Oh not so fast there Limey, it doesn't take Peter
to give your nation a bad name. Blair Brown and the Wicked Witch of the West Thatcher did a bloody good job of showing their "pompous self reverential guff..."
Blair Brown? You mean the lady who starred in The Days and Night of Molly Dodd? I didn't know she was Prime Minister. Cool!
That_SOB wrote:
Oh not so fast there Limey, it doesn't take Peter
to give your nation a bad name. Blair Brown and the Wicked Witch of the West Thatcher did a bloody good job of showing their "pompous self reverential guff..."
LOL, how true.... hang on I am a limey LOL!
Oh not so fast there Limey, it doesn't take Peter
to give your nation a bad name. Blair Brown and the Wicked Witch of the West Thatcher did a bloody good job of showing their "pompous self reverential guff..."
LOL, how true.... hang on I am a limey LOL!
stornoway wrote:
This is the sort of bleating pompous self reverential guff that gives my nation a bad name. oh ohhhh ooohhhhh ooohhh enough already
Oh not so fast there Limey, it doesn't take Peter
to give your nation a bad name. Blair Brown and the Wicked Witch of the West Thatcher did a bloody good job of showing their "pompous self reverential guff..."
jfarrance wrote:
I am really amazed at how polarized the comments on PG's music are. Not many artists inspire so much love or hate without much in between. I wonder what that quality is? I have always loved his music. To my mind's ear he carries a voice of sincerity, exudes a conscious, caring awareness and the music always has a depth that can change my mood. Admittedly "So" was an overproduced pop gem, but it still has an enduring depth that very, very few pop records achieve.
Couldn't agree more.
Put simply, amongst all the over produced ipod equalised pap that is churned out by the music industry Gabriel continues to make real music with love and care lavished upon its producton and songs that mean something. Not instantly accessible, but invest the time and effort and the rewards are huge.
I have always loved his music. To my mind's ear he carries a voice of sincerity, exudes a conscious, caring awareness and the music always has a depth that can change my mood. Admittedly "So" was an overproduced pop gem, but it still has an enduring depth that very, very few pop records achieve. If you have to claim that you're not whining, then you most assuredly are.
Ya little whiner...
Klaas wrote:
I absolutely can't stand Peter Gabriel and this song doesn't change my opinion one bit. I'm not whining or anything, just thought that beside all the positive comments a more negative voice wouldn't be out of place
I am really amazed at how polarized the comments on PG's music are. Not many artists inspire so much love or hate without much in between. I wonder what that quality is? I have always loved his music. To my mind's ear he carries a voice of sincerity, exudes a conscious, caring awareness and the music always has a depth that can change my mood. Admittedly "So" was an overproduced pop gem, but it still has an enduring depth that very, very few pop records achieve.
I have always loved his music. To my mind's ear he carries a voice of sincerity, exudes a conscious, caring awareness and the music always has a depth that can change my mood. Admittedly "So" was an overproduced pop gem, but it still has an enduring depth that very, very few pop records achieve. Daniel_Pittenger wrote:
Today, this is a 2. The next time I hear it, maybe it won't be so annoying...
Don't count on it.
I just love the "oohing" on this song, beautiful.
Better than church for this Sunday morning...
Oh God, PG! Next thing we'll be hearing is that he was a product of a virgin birth.
Today, this is a 2. The next time I hear it, maybe it won't be so annoying...
Synth80s wrote:
With the intelligence you displayed in this post, you probably have an excellent chance at becoming a record executive. God help us all!
-Synth80s
This sounds better the louder you play it! I don't think it's his best vocal, but I love the atmosphere of the song.
While similar, this song is much better than the previous one(Ismael Lo - Tajabone).
I absolutely can't stand Peter Gabriel and this song doesn't change my opinion one bit. I'm not whining or anything, just thought that beside all the positive comments a more negative voice wouldn't be out of place.
This is going to be terribly vague... but wasn't the "oh-ohhh-oh" background vocal used in a CSI episode in the past couple of years?
EDIT: Got it. It was used in "Revenge Is Best Served Cold", in season 3 (2003).
apd wrote:
Am i the last one to notice (just now) his face on the cd cover?
Durn it, now I can't not notice it.
8. Wasn't blown away by this disc, but this was my favorite tune from it.
Saw him in Philly in '92. Like nothing I've ever seen. Go if you ever get the chance.
Every period of his career has been amazing. Wish he would tour in the States soon.
I think this is his best album....
fortyonejb wrote:I like Sledgehammer...
I like "Big Time" better, though.
8 -> 9
something about this song is so enveloping. I used to think there was very little Peter Gabriel i liked, i'm happy to be finding more 
still don't like sledgehammer though.
Come on, nobody likes Sledgehammer.
still don't like sledgehammer though.Pyro wrote:
This never fails to move me deeply. Godlike, indeed.
Too true... Sadly
dmax wrote:
Nope. I think I'm the last to notice it. Sheesh.
Nope, I'm after even you
No matter what - when I hear a Peter Gabriel song on RP my mood immediately picks up - he's incredible
catmaven wrote:
Yes! If I were a big-time record executive, I would make him sign a pledge to quit the whininess!!!!
With the intelligence you displayed in this post, you probably have an excellent chance at becoming a record executive. God help us all!
-Synth80s
This never fails to move me deeply. Godlike, indeed.
This is the sort of bleating pompous self reverential guff that gives my nation a bad name. oh ohhhh ooohhhhh ooohhh enough already
NutsyUK wrote:
Iv always loved this song. Not one of his best but a good one for sure... And i LOVE the ending voices :D
Peter Gabriel said that when I saw him on his first tour round for this album. He said how once they added in the Blind Boys of Alabama, the whole song came together. They were touring with him at the time and sat around in a circle in the center of the stage, only to rise up at the end.
The song is Outstanding.
Peter Gabriel is Godlike.
8 -> 9
something about this song is so enveloping. I used to think there was very little Peter Gabriel i liked, i'm happy to be finding more
still don't like sledgehammer though.
still don't like sledgehammer though.NutsyUK wrote:
Iv always loved this song. Not one of his best but a good one for sure... And i LOVE the ending voices :D
Gotta love that baritone voice especially
Iv always loved this song. Not one of his best but a good one for sure... And i LOVE the ending voices :D
catmaven wrote:
Yes! If I were a big-time record executive, I would make him sign a pledge to quit the whininess!!!!
Can we get you to sign a similar pledge for future posts here on RP?
Peter Gabriel: Not whiny. Not here. Not ever.
Your comment: Whining. Ironically so, and apparently over your head.
Fi-Roy wrote:
This is so middle of the road - not great
and the voice IS whiny
Fi-Roy wrote:
This is so middle of the road - not great
and the voice IS whiny
Yes! If I were a big-time record executive, I would make him sign a pledge to quit the whininess!!!!
This is so middle of the road - not great
and the voice IS whiny
THere are times when I really do like Peter Gabriel. This isn't one of them. He just strikes me as being too whiney in this cut. Since most people really love the guy, I have to accept that it's just me.
This Song: 7
This Album: 2
And it's too bad, because I'm a big PG fan (I have just about everything he's done since Genesis), but it seems like the songs are running a little thin these last few years.
artmarcia wrote:
Once again a song pulled me away from work to come give it a high rating. So the whole album is excellent also?
Most of it yes. The live DVD is even better.
Peter says, of this song; "sometimes when you're writing a song, it all just falls in your lap .. this is not one of those songs.. this took YEARS to finish.."
It was worth it.
I shake and quiver, transported into sublime ecstasy.
winter wrote:
I think the last one would be me, now. Good eye!
No, that would be me just reading your post.
apd wrote:
Am i the last one to notice (just now) his face on the cd cover?
I think the last one would be me, now. Good eye!
apd wrote:
Am i the last one to notice (just now) his face on the cd cover?
No you aren't. Thanks for pointing it out actually.
It's an outstanding good song on an outstanding good album! 
The live version of this with the blind boys of alabama is amazing.
Yes, saw that concert in Toronto ... magical.