Across The Distance

A look at the songs that have shaped
my life and ended up on my devices.

One my favourite Genesis songs that never made it onto an album comes from the 1990's, when they recorded We Can't Dance, and left off "On The Shoreline," a song that deserved to be on the disc rather than "Since I Lost You."



I hear this and I think about this moment near Monterrey, standing on the rocks of the shoreline on New Year's Day of 2010.



The lyrics nearly sound like a worship song... and it could very well be, in the proper context. But more, it's about uncertainty and decisions and reaching a crossroads in your life. It reminded me of where I had been, and where I wanted to go.

Well there's a place where two worlds collide
The pile of stone against the pull of the tide
You can stay with your feet on the ground
Or step into the water, leave the dry behind

On the shoreline
Meet me on the shoreline
Where you can only swim if you try

Well, if there's somewhere on the other side
It might be better, it might be as bad
Someday soon you'll have to make a move
Cos you can't stay forever, ah just waiting

On the shoreline (on the shoreline)
Meet me on the shoreline (on the shoreline)

Take me over, lead me through

Well can you take me there, to the other side
Where everything is new, uncertain and strange
Don't ever let me go till we're there
I don't know what it is I'm looking for
And until it's found I won't be sure...

Well, there are squares in the game of life
When you can keep on moving or turn aside
Yes, there are times when you have to decide
To put your feet in the water, or stay

On the shoreline (on the shoreline)
Meet me on the shoreline (on the shoreline)
Where you can only swim if you try
I'll be there - oh
On the shoreline (on the shoreline)
I'll be there on the shoreline (on the shoreline)
Where you can only swim if you try
I'll be there
I'll be there - oh
Yes, I'll be there
I'll be there...