Peter Gabriel - Big Time

The official Big Time video. Directed by Stephen R. Johnson.
The fourth single to be taken from Peter's fifth studio album. The album was his first one to have a proper title and So was a watershed release in his career. Its marriage of the artistic and the commercial made for an indisputable success, with the album quickly sitting atop the album charts on both sides of the Atlantic.
Listen / buy:
smarturl.it/Pe...
Aside from some intriguing collaborations - with Laurie Anderson on This Is The Picture, Kate Bush on Don’t Give Up and Youssou N’Dour on In Your Eyes - it was the unity of singer, band and producer that made So such a crucial record in the Gabriel canon.
petergabriel.com
Hi There!
I'm on my way I'm making it
I've got to make it show, yeah
So much larger than life
I'm going to watch it growing
The place where I come from
Is a small town
They think so small
They use small words
But not me
I'm smarter than that
I worked it out
I've been stretching my mouth
To let those big words come right out
I've had enough, I'm getting out
To the city, the big big city
I'll be a big noise with all the big boys
There's so much stuff I will own
And I will pray to a big god
As I kneel in the big church
BIG time I'm on my way I'm making it
BIG time, Oh yeah
BIG time I've got to make it show, yeah
BIG time
BIG time so much larger than life
BIG time I'm going to watch it growing
BIG time
My parties have all the big names
And I greet them with the widest smile
Tell them how my life is one big adventure
And always they're amazed
When I show them round the house to my bed
I had it made like a mountain range
With a snow-white pillow for my big fat head
And my heaven will be a big heaven
And I will walk through the front door
BIG time I'm on my way I'm making it
BIG time
BIG time I've got to make it show, yeah
BIG time
BIG time so much larger than life
BIG time I'm going to watch it growing
BIG time
BIG time my car is getting BIGGER
BIG time my house is getting BIGGER
BIG time my eyes are getting BIGGER
BIG time and my mouth
BIG time my belly is getting BIGGER
BIG time and my bank account
BIG time look at my circumstance
BIG time and the bulge in my
BIG, big, big, big, big, big, big, big
BIG, big, big, big, big, big, big, big
#MusicVideo

[@michaelbina6298]

Just discovered my obsession with Mr. Gabriel. Cannot stop.

[@NosyNeighboursSmell]

Same same.

[@NosyNeighboursSmell]

Can’t wait to put it on in local nights out

[@shutterbug_713]

He looks like a goat!

[@miguelcorleone6633]

Same here!!

[@pedromorgan99]

..Good.. but never ever ever listen to Kate.Bush

[@jax254]

This was the last thing my dad texted me before he passed away. Along with the link he said “Watch the video it’s coooool”. This video is so goofy and weird, just like my dad and just brings me to tears of happiness and sadness. Music has always been a big part of me and my dad’s relationship so I’m glad I have another song to remember him by. Thank you Peter Gabriel for adding another special memory for me.

[@idsassi]

RIP bro i hope one day i will share this song with my son too

[@simonjohnson1381]

Your dad had excellent taste

[@Mellyyyyy-w3j]

That is an awesome story😊

[@TerrenceCallahan]

your dad knew what was up! This video is a masterpiece RIP to your pops

[@flowerhour9539]

@B O B Spelled backwards I always liked this one better as well as the song, but Sledgehammer got all the glory...lol

[@NetanyahuWarCriminal]

1980’s Peter Gabriel is the Doctor Who we never knew we needed.

[@ryanr1712]

3:32 I guess this explains where Matt Smith got his outfit inspiration.

[@rosanadestro6434]

I agree!

[@davidg.9932]

Happy 74th Birthday Peter Brian Gabriel 02/13/1950 in Surry, England. A living legend in the progressive rock genre. From Garden Wall to Genesis to his solo albums. Musical perfection. Cheers Peter Brian and many more..

[@shutterbug_713]

He looks like a goat nowadays

[@Queen_MJfan]

You mean Surrey.

[@mikegreen1717]

🎉 Happy Birthday

[@stevemarshall6564]

Surrley they mean Surrey

[@rjjcms1]

Shurely they mean Shurrey,and don't call me Shirley.

[@danimal7668]

This bassline slaps so hard!

[@axistiltproductions]

You can watch an interview on Rick Beato's channel with Tony Levin. He would use long wooden sticks attached to his finger tips. Amazing. I seen him live with Anderson, Wakeman, Bruford and Howe concert (Yes) in the mid 80's. Out of this world performance.

One of my all time favorite songs EVER

[@SomeOfTheJuice]

I think, as a bass player, one thing that does not get talked about with this song enough is the creativity in using both bass and bass synth in this instead of one or the other. Both can be used in harmony with each other to create different sounds, and there's many songs that I think can actually benefit from that approach of moving between them to create different textures like this song does.

[@lachemoilcul]

Could you explain further for non musicians? I wasn't aware there were 2 types of bass in this song, how can they be distinguished?

[@IAmInfinitus208]

​​​​​@@lachemoilcul Starting at 0:38 to 0:55, that's Tony Levin's actual bassline kicking in only for that solo. Drummer Jerry Marotta used his drumsticks to hit the strings while Tony fretted the notes. Everything else was purely synthesized before and after the solo, which is more artificial to the ears after enough repeated listenings since this was around the point synthesizers were now becoming more the norm. Edit (October 24, 2023): Just recently saw them on the Dallas performance for Peter's I/O tour this last Thursday. Tony stayed playing the main synth bass on keys and saved the funk fingers on his Stingray 5 only for the solo.

[@josephdougherty3653]

Well said paully people who have never played a bass will not understand

[@agustinenriquez-zs2de]

@@IAmInfinitus208 what gear was Levin using? a stick?

[@IAmInfinitus208]

​​@@agustinenriquez-zs2de Very likely the Stingray. No way the drumstick method I've mentioned would work on the Stick given how small that spacing is, plus that's more for tapping so using the drumsticks might feel awkward to play.

[@WCAAward]

This is just a masterpiece!

[@siliquaesid703]

The whole album "So" is just on another level.

[@the_katman2181]

Absolutely. It's one of the best albums of the 80's. Produced by Daniel Lanois, which explains why it sounds so damn good.

[@jefferyvogel3812]

Absolutely...

[@Babycatcher_Jen]

@@the_katman2181 Erasure's The Innocents is in that top five with it! Also, a transcendent album...the tops have to take one on a journey!🤗

[@the_katman2181]

@@Babycatcher_Jen Yes, that's a great one. Also Tears for Fears "Songs from the Big Chair", Depeche Mode "Music for the Masses", Talking Heads "Stop Making Sense", Paul Simon "Graceland". The 80's had such good albums.

[@a1960g]

@@the_katman2181 Love every single one you mentioned.

[@ericrainey8224]

So cool that both Peter and Genesis were at the top of their games at this point

[@dogbeachiracing5998]

I had friends who were old school Genesis fans who would get annoyed with me when I would insist post- Genesis Gabriel was better, and post-Gabriel Genesis was as well. Can't say that about the Floyd now, can we?

[@axistiltproductions]

They were ruling it and Phil Collins solo projects too. It was their Big Time

[@friedpancakes266]

The 80s was the last time a man who looked like your father could become a superstar

[@j.b.9260]

Peter had been successful since his early twenties.

[@Nerval-kg9sm]

He was only 35, when he recorded this.

[@personalDM]

@@Nerval-kg9sm he looked really bad and old then

[@MegaUnwetter]

@@personalDM It doesn't matter, his music was great and the video is in 480p, maybe that's why he looks older

[@MegaUnwetter]

@@personalDM But yeah, he didn't look particularly pretty, but now he looks good for his age now

[@drk9011]

As a kid in the 80s stuck in hick Kansas, this song resonated to my core: “The place where I come from is a small town. They think so small, they use small words. But not me! I’m smarter than that! I’ve worked it out. I’ve been stretching my mouth to let those big words come right out. I’ve had enough! I’m getting out! To the city. The big big city!” This was my goal. Mission accomplished! Thanks Peter for my motivational song!

[@axistiltproductions]

Same here I was living on a country farm in Canada and wanted to get into the city and those words stuck with me too. Cheers Kansas🍻

[@earthsign7568]

When I saw Peter here in Vancouver he yelled: what time is it? and I shouted 'Big Time' from the audience. People stared at me blankly until the music started.....

[@WernerVonWeener]

MOST CANADIAN MOMENT EVER! love it!

[@Annie1962]

at least it's a good memory!

[@michellepayer3889]

LEGEND!!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@mikefruge8589]

Love this guy! So original! There was no one like him.

[@klaxoncow]

Didn't he say "hi there!" first?

[@Mermare]

What a capsule of 1980's music, videos, and feels. This video was high tech at the time. It was the dawn of computers, and no CGI yet. They did this all through "claymation".

[@alblondie]

And zappa did this 25 years prior too, great vids, zappa "city of tiny lights"

[@doyleperkins4916]

Peter Gabriel of Genesis not only "reinvented" himself as a solo artist in the 1980s-he transformed our world and broadened our pop horizons.

[@PinkyakaAJ]

💙🤍🙏🏽

[@paullo796]

Totally amazing artist, Phil Collins is another!

[@kelechitv1637]

no wonder why i got genesis vibes

[@markperry2827]

Peter was genesis and his solo career was more than his group career. The creativity left Genesis when he exited stage left.

[@flowerlandofjohn]

Yes, a brilliant man! How about some “fusion-drums” on this track. Enjoy! ✌🏻🤩 kzbin.infohIk9mcR6ok4?feature=share

[@axistiltproductions]

What an album. I had this on cassette and listened to it on my Sony Walkman so much it wore out eventually. I still love this music as much as the day it came out. I guess your 75th is approaching Mr. Gabriel. Have a Big Time Birthday! please.💝

[@TimPerdue-n8w]

1 of the songs i would listen to going to work

[@ericpanissidi6761]

1986 greatest records that year.he had the best video's to

[@KevinKnight-by4yt]

Very vivid.

[@axistiltproductions]

I seen an interview with Eddie Van Halen and he said he didn't buy much music but when he heard this album he had to go out and buy it. I think it was the last album he ever purchased he said.

[@newforestroadwarrior]

That stop-motion sequence from 0:21 to 0:54 is absolute genius

[@dbsti3006]

So much larger than life. Lol.

[@thiagoferreiraruiz8897]

Stop motion 0:46 to 0:50 3D Graphic in 4D

[@thiagoferreiraruiz8897]

​@Dale Lerette 4D Graphic is 1:19 to 1:24

[@fredericriberdy]

It remind me the fragols rock

[@SomeOne2027]

​@@fredericriberdy I just thought that! 😄

[@drk9011]

In high school I was trapped in a small town in Kansas where they “think so small, they use small words,” and I was determined to be like Peter Gabriel and declare “but not me! I’m smarter than that!” And I got the hell out of that miserable place! This song became the theme song of my great escape.

[@diegos7455]

Did you actually read the lyrics?

[@true_warlock]

After all these decades, still one of my true favorites. I understood what was really being said even back then.

[@markberryhill2715]

Do you remember when the eighties were referred to as "The Big Eighties",named so for this song?

[@jonnyweiss6083]

Peter - I’m living with Lady from Stevie Ray Stiletto Band. 43 Albums. Jonny Weiss Music 🎶

[@jonnyweiss6083]

I’m A FAN!

[@shutterbug_713]

I like it LOUD!

[@timetraveler_from_2012]

Why is it a weird thing that you understood what was being said back then? Music is made for an audience and the audience for this song definitely wasn't decades in the future. Not that it can't be applicable now, but it would be weird if it only made sense now

[@BigDaddy-xx1gk]

Absolute perfection. I remember when the album came out, people were just dumbfounded at the sound. His tenor voice, so operatic, and below it that bass that just kept crushing your brain over and over. Then, when the video debuted, it was like a complete jaw-dropping event! They kept announcing the day and time on MTV. We could not wait. I was a freshman in college, and everybody I knew couldn't stop talking about it. Everything he did was a goddamned work of art.

[@SCHPANNERMAN]

i am loving your story....for me it was the Michel Jackson Thriller moment

[@indiag89]

That’s so cool. I love 80s music but I was born in 89 so I didn’t get to experience it when it was all new.

[@SyndicateOperative]

*cough* genesis

[@MidnightSwinger]

This is so thrilling to imagine. I was all of two years old, and I remember seeing the videos for this and Sledgehammer for the first time and being blown away, and sitting in front of the TV screaming. It really was something...

[@robertbrunelle8076]

mtv lol

[@jennawren1672]

So much nostalgia happening for me watching this ❤

[@sjmtc3450]

Still here 40+years later So much larger then life And my Heaven will be a big Heaven and I will walk thru the front door

[@standhd]

“Tell them how my life….is one big ADVENTURE!”

[@iseeu-fp9po]

Kids, this might look dated now, but it was the pinnacle of technology then, fused with stop frame animation and it problably cost a ton of dollars to make. This song is about the financial absurdity that happened during the late 80's. It could apply now.

[@filtomsun]

Correction. Trump. Musk. It DOES apply now. And both of them are so dumb they probably don't realise this entire song is sarcasm.

[@iseeu-fp9po]

@@filtomsun I wrote that a year ago, but yes: what's happening now with Trump, Musk and the far right is absurd and very concerning. There seems to be so much hatred in the air in the US.

[@filtomsun]

@ Totally agreed. Please don't think I was being snarky. I really wasn't. I was just emphasising your original point.

[@filtomsun]

@@iseeu-fp9po Oh and P.S. as someone from the UK old enough to remember, this was a dig at all the things you say, but especially Thatcherite yuppies who were a scourge at the time xxx

[@iseeu-fp9po]

@ No worries! I was only a child in the 80's but I have heard about it through my mother and her friends as well as through movies and such. The easy loans, the extreme consumer culture, and eventually (like the outro choruses in "Big Time") many became debth slaves.

[@cnking27]

This song is such a deep biting commentary on fame, fortune, and the American dream, as a kid I had no idea.

[@GeorgeSawtooth]

So Gabriel isn't a part that? It always amazes me how these performers bitch and moan about money, success, greed yet they are a huge part of that. And they use oil to get around.

[@wpochert]

It's actually more of a commentary on the dis-ingenuousness of almost everyone with fame, fortune, and political power.. up to and including Vatican. It's also a cautionary tale on what can happen to you as you move up the ladder. It's definitely NOT a shot at the ability to achieve.. I.E. the American dream

[@wpochert]

@@GeorgeSawtooth Gabriel is not so much speaking about money success and greed.. its more about the danger of what can happen to you along the way and once you are on top.

[@bryangould1666]

I think this song is where he came into his own ,commercially and artistically

[@bryangould1666]

The whole album has a clear crisp sound and a new sheen of consummate professionalism which really gives the songs a big boost

[@iflybynotrideby3339]

Best Wrestlemania song. I grew to like this song once I heard it as a Wrestlemania theme song in 2006. Ever since then I’ve been vibing to this song

[@parisbeech2180]

Wrestlemania 22 baby

[@mdh16off59]

Werstlmania 2016 too and 2012 and 2011

[@mdh16off59]

​@@parisbeech2180 yeah

[@RedWarrior081]

@@mdh16off59 the banners of course the Mcmahons, Triple H and Carlito lol

[@christopherloyd8938]

​@@parisbeech2180 Definite facts my brother I have this wrestlemania 22 on vhs trying to put it on DVD. I'm getting it from my brother cause his copies better we ordered it.😎💯

[@TictoffPatriot]

Who's Listening in 2025 ? 😮😮

[@elforeigner3260]

That bass can melt kryptonite!

[@Marine0311MJ]

Peter and Phil in the same band at one time... crazy!!!!

[@nevada531]

An artistic genius beyond his time.

[@SherDavhopvoz]

The bassline in this song. Tony Levin is so awesome.

[@Spratt86]

A real sardonic bass line; simply filthy. This song and video is perfect.

[@spike7038]

Beautifully put Sir......

[@BenJammin77]

Makes me want to learn to play a bass, filthy and funky like that!

[@montparnasse97]

Sardonic is a good descriptor. I was actually just thinking how it's a little menacing. Great song

[@mateorincon3448]

Shows how Tony Levin is one of the best bass players of all time!

[@dnutt022]

The place where I come from is a small town They think so small, they use small words But not me, I'm smarter than that, I worked it out I'll be stretching my mouth to let those big words come right out

[@dbsti3006]

From 0:56 to 1:42. The lyrics. I feel that. I grew up in a small town outside of a small city (Baton Rouge). It was mundane to me, so I joined the military and got exposed to Chicago, Dubai, Manilla, Singapore, now reside in San Diego ever since. It opened me up to so many things. Expanded the vocabulary and experience above the small town lack of knowledge. However, it's important to remember your roots and never sneer down at where you came from nor your folks. They still look at you as a loved one no matter how much better you think you are.

[@pamelqtaylor8335]

Hey there Louisiana fam. Daughter of Louisiana girl and first time my Yankee butt went to her hometown ( that was a block long; Main Street) I was shocked! 😂never forgot I feel you on the want to get out!

[@dbsti3006]

@@pamelqtaylor8335 I want to go back though. Stuck in California. What part of Louisiana?

[@pamelqtaylor8335]

@@dbsti3006 bastrop

[@Jess-kn8vl]

I had the opposite happen. I left and they pretended to not know who I was when I would come back to visit. They won't leave and don't want anyone else to either.

[@velourkungen]

when this album dropped and this song and sledgehammer dropped Peter Gabriel was arguably the biggest thing in pop. this song and the album it is on is one of the best in pop history

[@sdovas]

He wanted another video with the visual impact of "Sledgehammer " but didn't want to have to sit bolted in place and moved like a puppet this time around.

[@bigsteve1966]

the church Gospel origins and that bass is what makes this song stand out

[@goobyhouser]

One of the favorite songs of my childhood I quite literally say "HI THERE" just about every day because of this beautiful song.

[@shutterbug_713]

I like this song loud!

[@СлавикСлавский-м2б]

Мне 59..Когда увидел в первый раз это видио-шок..И только сейчас задумался,как он прав в своём виденье мира и смысла жизни,простите за высокопарность..Обнимаю,тебя,дружище!!

[@bernardboka4277]

Me too, as a physician. It feels right in the spirit of the times

[@benhamilton1156]

Everytime I hear this song or see the vid, beginning n end, it still gives me chills even as a kid, n not in a good way. These days it doesn't bother me much, but the HI THERE still gives me heavy chills.

[@jimp1439]

Not sure if it's already in the comments but that is Stewart Copeland saying "hi there". Apparently caught on a hot mic in the studio.

[@braddonnell3920]

Back when music videos were art. This is actual art. The amount of talent required to create this video is mind boggling. This was before all the digital magic of today's computers. People were drawing and sketching and filming and doing this by hand with analog tools.

[@calvinchapman5138]

Wherever I was in the house and the TV was tuned to MTV, as soon as I heard "HI, there," it was a full sprint to the den to catch this video.😎

[@tomwatson9032]

@@calvinchapman5138 I always thought he was saying "Higher"!

[@calvinchapman5138]

How many times has that happened to you! I have mistaken so many song lyrics, like Tower Of Power's So Very Hard To Go. When that song had radio play in the 70s, I heard "so very hot and cold." 🤣

[@MRF1983]

Necessity is the mother of invention. The people making art/ music/ videos like this at the time had a necessary drive to realize what was inside of them, to make it take shape and form. Today, with the ease that technology grants to do that, few people making anything have anything worthwhile to say or show us that will last like this.

[@iseeu-fp9po]

There's actually a lot of digital art in this video. Gabriel was a front runner with adapting to new technology in the 80's, I would say. This is a representation of early-days CGI, but it was there along with stop frame animation. Just take a look at Gabriel's "Steam", for example.

[@richardcrompton6009]

Talking heads, Bowie, Peter Gabriel.. What amazing years we had then

[@rick_terscale1111]

@wrestlegamia productions Now we have nothing but COVID-19 (just a little REALITY, no joke, mmm-hmm!)

[@enigmaisgayy9493]

pg and david byrne are still alive though

[@user-lt3yb4fm6q]

+The Police.. 🙂

[@TechnicJunglist]

Gary Numan & Peter Murphy as well

[@vrtk4870]

tears for fears don’t forget them

[@zakdean3002]

“The place where I come from is a small town, They think so small, they use small words, But not me! I’m smarter than that! I’ve worked it out, I’ll be stretching my mouth to let those big words come right out…” Love this song so much, especially the lyrics. I remember when this album came out, the videos for this and “Sledgehammer “ got so much airtime. Even at the age of 7, I could relate so much to the words of this song, and it’ll always be one of my favorites of the era.

[@shenacameron]

TotLly cool especially when UT broke

[@shannoncasey7630]

My very favorite part of the song... "But, not me! I'm smarter than that... I worked it out. I've been stretching my mouth, to let those big words come right out."

[@jonathanblount6437]

Mine too

[@marcoantoniorodriguesfaria355]

Tá na Federal 😊👩‍✈️

[@jojovaldez2766]

I.ll.play.Big.Time.on.my.phone.sometimes

[@dbsti3006]

I liked before that "the place that I come from...is a small town. They think so small, they use small words." Then the part you mention. It creates a story. He was too big to be in a small town and was meant for something bigger and better. It's quite clever lyrics.

[@shannoncasey7630]

@@dbsti3006 YES! I definitely agree.

[@erichkiparski314]

"Inside Job" opening credits. Badass song for a badass intro for a badass documentary

[@stephenbailey6709]

Peter Gabriel is big time. So much larger than life.

[@dave7015]

Great comment.

[@cos66]

Killer bass

[@openmindist]

YES

[@albertoascari2542]

😊😊😊🎉🎉..This song says it all about the mid 80's..Porsche's, Power Clothes, Stockmarket Wealth, 24 hour partying, everything just got bigger then and more exciting

[@Zzyzzyzzs]

Greed certainly got bigger. There's a good reason the documentary on the 2008 financial crisis, Inside Job, used this as its intro song.

[@juanzanatta5247]

@albertoasca..and the best PURE COCAINE from Pablo Escobar..excuse me mean while I snoring the good stuff..aaaaah....don't give me wrong..I born in COCAINE country (SUDAMERICA),now I'm 25 years CLEAN..

[@Silvercontained]

Stock market wealth is much greater today compared to the 80s. Think the Federal Reserve for that.

[@nottodaysatan-eq4un]

@@juanzanatta5247 You sure you’re clean? You sound quite high to me

[@juanzanatta5247]

@nottodaysatan-eq4un are you crazy...high Mua!!?...even the alcaloide the lawyers,Actors, wealthy people, Drs are using today is in some % cut ...in other words..Garbage!!,simply and pure Garbage...and you think Im to spend my money in 'caca'...you are the one HIGH

[@georgemathie8123]

So is his best combination of his vintage prog rock roots with Peter's eccentric art rock with catchy pop hooks and brilliant songwriting

[@lukethespook2784]

Peter Gabriel's music videos are the most creative of all time

[@Anon0987-l6d]

was mesmerized by peter gabriels videos and music as a kid in the 80s, rewatching them now as an adult i can understand the subliminals and whats being said. wild.

[@MaryShmee]

Yep… I was 18 when this came out and loved it. It’s hard for me to watch now

[@johnmoore9021]

This song would be a smash hit if released today.(2019). Which would prove that its a timeless classic. Coming from someone who was teenager in he 80s

[@amystadnik6755]

I watched this video on mtv in the 80s

[@TheCaptainjuicy]

I was a teenager in the 2010s and honestly, this is one of my all time favorite songs.

[@bigtub1101]

Ago I’m 19 now and this has always been a banger for me

[@AldenRDavis]

1986: Cool song 2022: Still a cool song

[@notsure1969]

Otherwise known as a "classic".

[@Reesej0520]

2006: The theme for WrestleMania 22

[@flowerlandofjohn]

Yes! How about some “fusion-drums” on this track. Enjoy! ✌🏻🤩 kzbin.infohIk9mcR6ok4?feature=share

[@kathifinnegan9953]

I so agree!

[@dakotadrummer]

1986: Cool Song 2006: Awesome at WrestleMania 22 2022: Still a cool Song including good Memories🤘🤘🤘🤘

[@polyscroll]

What can I possibly say? Peter Gabriel was a musical genius.

[@simongoosen9525]

is

[@polyscroll]

@@simongoosen9525 Yes, is. Thanks for the correction.

[@Superhellfighter]

It’s 2024! Who still loves the song?

[@55freeagain]

it's 2025 and still loving it!

[@bicyclist2]

Thankfully pre-Covid I got to see Peter Gabriel in concert with Sting. At the end they were singing each others songs. I'm old enough to remember when this song was new and on the radio. I used to listen to this on cassette tape. This is a classic and never gets old. Thank you.

[@juliesnyder6705]

WOW, you saw them both together how Crazy Cool was that !!! I always Enjoyed their music but as I got older I REALLY learned to APPRECIATE the Great talent that they both have. And they're each so different. I technically grew up in the 70s, graduated in 79 but was always drawn to the 80s music, i always thought they seemed to be having a lot more FUN, LOTS of GREAT MUSIC 🪼💙🐠💛🪼💙🐠💛🪼💙🐠💛❣️❣️❣️

[@fishhead_productions]

That would been a great concert to see!

[@jh9391]

This vid is even more fun after you learn to decode the symbolism. Never gets old!

[@dbsti3006]

I've seen this as a kid and didn't know what it meant. The older I got and the more I watched it...you're right. Eventually you see the message.

[@incognito3862]

I wholeheartedly agree! Same with bits of the Sledgehammer video as well.

[@NicGoldenEddie]

This world you mean, na this universe. You know the fast wilderness of stars. That’s Phil’s boy 😜

[@EJDD1233]

Unfortunately, i've just detected the all seeing eye of illuminatti :(

[@kjmalone17]

@@EJDD1233 yep… scripted fame

[@bensherman8976]

Peter Gabriel is brilliant. Way ahead of his time. He is one bad mo'fo.

[@rederickfroders1978]

Put this musicvideo on the wall in a museum

[@debby2131]

I enjoy all of Peter Gabriel's songs. Very creative musician.

[@Weretyu7777]

I just love how that "Hi there!" just seems to greet the listener and make them feel like he's singing to them. Nicely done, Peter!

[@felicity4711]

It always reminds me of the computer from the 1980s _Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy_ TV series

[@michaelwoolrich851]

@@felicity4711 That is so spot on, good call!!!

[@AnnaLVajda]

Sales.

[@jjryan1352]

Reminds me of Washington from Welcome Back Kotter.

[@marciloni12]

No, I don’t think so because at the end he says it again so its like an impersonal recording for anybody who came to listen. Or a prerecorded public announcement.

[@maskof]

One of the best videos of the 80s.

[@ALOISC1]

One of the best of all time !

[@scotttemple7844]

Probably one of the greatest music videos of all time Early early MTV

[@crnkmnky]

Not _that_ early. The formula had been developing for five years. But artists like Peter Gabriel and Michael Jackson had perfected it by the mid-80s.

[@tylerkeller8869]

@Scott Temple: The song itself i think I prefer over Sledgehammer. But the former is included in top 10 greatest videos lists constantly. Usually its in the top 3.

[@jgramage]

@@tylerkeller8869 For me, it's Steam > Big Time > Sledgehammer. But always fun to watch a Gabriel video.

[@MegaUnwetter]

@@jgramage Stand back, im on my way im making it

[@breakboytee7460]

Peter Gabriel had the coolest videos even today these videos are still cool

[@therooster5970]

I sorely miss the 80s. Can I please go back and just remain there?

[@michaelrandall9034]

@JackiePhillipsTheSocialPet You and I would not get along at all. Enjoy the Shit Show Nightmare! Orwell wasn’t even close to how smooth the strangulation would be. BTW, put your phone in a public toilet. That’s where it always belonged.

[@declinedecline1485]

Hold up, wait a minute! I'm coming with!!!

[@michaelrandall9034]

@JackiePhillipsTheSocialPet No it’s not and I would place a wager on it!!!!!!! It’s not even close unless you exist via that tiny screen of poor choices and misinformation.

[@michaelrandall9034]

@JackiePhillipsTheSocialPet No, you stare at your hand. Nothing open minded about that.

[@michaelrandall9034]

@JackiePhillipsTheSocialPet Prove it. Keep staring at your phone.

[@tjk355]

Irreverent bittersweet vocal melody from Peter set to a aggressively funky rhythm. Its kind of crazy.

[@Airbubblepodcast]

God the creativity in Peter Gabriel’s videos are top notch! Back then this was so impressive!

[@AldenRDavis]

1986: Cool song 2024: Still a cool song

[@debsy101games]

I know you, already commented

[@grimefighter8867]

You again?

[@ehs1452]

Bro released the sequel

[@amybahner6511]

I know that's right!!❤

[@verityvinyl8540]

Peter Gabriel is pretty awesome, brother

[@individualchoice9826]

Peter is a genius, vivid imagination, incredibly talented artist

[@bossshun9]

1986: Cool song to hear. 2024 to 2030: This is still a good song for me.

[@messedsch]

....with BIG love from a BIG fan to one of the BIGGEST musicians......

[@CorFortium_]

Here I am at 49, rediscovering the music of my childhood. I loved this man’s music and his talent before I was a teen. Now I have some life experience and listening to his music and singing his lyrics has become a mantra for me. I believe I have an understanding on his perspective on life, through his music, his lyrics and through reading about his life. I honestly believe he was trying to empower my generation. I feel empowered just listening to his music as an adult. Peter Gabriel - wildly talented artist, profound lyricist, humanitarian ❤

[@MrLeovaras75]

I'm 48 myself, and remember this song like it was yesterday, but even then, I understood the meaning behind the words: Peter Gabriel was criticizing American society for being too materialistic.

[@crankfotton]

We totally care

[@blockstacker5614]

Thanks to my parents I grew up with a lot of this too

[@isaacsimpsonsflyingcircus9946]

Unpopular opinion: this is better than sledgehammer,

[@cheryldeboissiere1851]

👏 👏👏👏

[@cabagool]

💯

[@Staffy78]

The world will probably never see music like this again......

[@gamer55551]

Staffy78 and that sad

[@QCJSiteB]

Probably? Sorry, but society as a whole is going down the drain. We most certainly will never receive any type of culture or music like what we got back then ever again.

[@skylartodd4207]

@@QCJSiteB Shut the fuck up already

[@Daws867]

@@skylartodd4207 Well...he is right.

[@harryheathheath5050]

When you here his music it hooks ya like a drug cause the tempo it makes ya think would ya sell yo soul for the $ want man greed want and need

[@dave7015]

Just a great energetic tune. Intoxicating. His voice inflections rule.

[@FishHeadSalad]

"and I will pray to my big god as I kneel in my big church" PERFECT!!!

[@bernardboka4277]

Perhaps the most human and humble line in the song, but completely wrong based on the narrator’s lyrics.

[@miskowski1500]

35 years have passed and I am fascinated all the time. 10/10 evergreen!

[@garethVanDagger]

Absolutely amazing, it’s one thing to have creative ideas, but to make them look and sound cool is a whole other level. My parents played Peter Gabriel when I was a kid and after watching all his videos recently I am amazed but also sad that this was 1986 and music today hasn’t evolved or can even come close in creativity.

[@PauloBorges9]

You are right , music has fallen into total decay , there is no more creativity in today 's music

[@cherrypepsi2815]

@@PauloBorges9 To say that today's music is dead just shows how little you've seen the new stuff. It's just as good, just not as well known No, I'm not talking about the crap on the radio. Look up Greta Van Fleet, it's basically like smashing led zeppelin and rush together

[@jarnsaxa666]

@@cherrypepsi2815ohhhh yes, that’s good stuff right there

[@KingDavid6o2]

His music videos are such a trip. I remember seeing these when I was like a toddler watching MTV.😅😅

[@artistwithouttalent]

I love this song so much. It concisely refutes the idea that bigger is better.

[@ryanbell3917]

The best! so much larger than life😎😆

[@genedelrocini108]

The bass player should be in rock and roll hall off fame

[@roland9625]

Tony Levin is a legend!

[@enriquer.o.3871]

Soon he'll be. For sure.

[@kitcarson2776]

King Tony

[@erikhendrickson59]

Check out "Liquid Tension Experiment Live in NYC." Same bass player - he's absolute incredible!

[@danielblackmon6122]

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tony_Levin

[@trulymeparker]

Back when music was not only original but the video clips were an art form.

[@HelloKittyFanMan.]

Um... a lot of music back then was covers and a lot of music today is original too. The videos from today are also an art form.

[@AfternoonDaydream8809]

@@HelloKittyFanMan. name some

[@mirmir0003]

@@AfternoonDaydream8809 mitski

[@mirmir0003]

@@AfternoonDaydream8809 marina and the diamonds (her ancient dreams in a modern land has similliar. energy i guess? to this a little), jack seubert , a lot more that i can't list off the top of my head but yeah :0 you can find some artists that get creative if you dig a little

[@slayer51811]

The bass riffs in this song made me a fan of this song so many years ago.

[@miguellott9038]

And it was played by having two extension sticks attached to his fingers for the picking hand.

[@ITATTRACTS]

Also helps that it was recorded so amazingly. You can feel the lows and the highs of each note. Really hard to do.

[@clayr9833]

"...and my Heaven will be a BIG Heaven...and I will walk through the front door."

[@9070_satoru]

BIG TIME

[@peggy_bobeggy]

@@9070_satoru IM ON MY WAY IM MAKING IT 🔥

[@aporue5893]

🤣

[@rjjcms1]

big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big big BIG!

[@carlahenry8254]

Love that verse!

[@scottiencali]

Bassline and singing at :38 seconds makes the whole song a classic!

[@Mrs.Deanna_Ember]

I love that bass part lol Stewart Copelands drumming and cymbal work drives it home

[@standhd]

Tony Levin is the bassist. He actually had the drummer use his sticks on the cords while he did the bass line. He ended up creating Funk Fingers(thanks to Peter’s suggestion)in which he has dowels wrapped around his fingers. You can actually see this in some of the live performances of Big Time and Steam. That bass line struck me as well back in the mid 80’s when this song was released.

[@sgtbigballs666]

Tony crushes, can't say anymore

[@tomoreilly9932]

Basically a song about greedy excesses,and lack of empathy.peters album 'so' is one of my all time favourites.

[@jaegruber4297]

Says who? I see it as a song about striving for success.

[@VLynnK77]

Agreed. Absolutely brilliant album.

[@elisagsilva.-fx4ir]

Esse som do Peter Gabriel é tudo de muito bom👏🏻👍🏻🎶

[@gordonm6108]

Peter Gabriel may just be the most creative person ever.

[@lepzig1]

This song kicks serious ass,The construction of the music is freaking killer, sic bass line, And Petes vocals freaking awesome, I digged this song when I was a kid growing up in the 80,s And I dig it now, Brilliant music whith substance!!!! Peter Gabriel One talented dude cheers!!!

[@thelasthourgetready]

Seriously talented

[@willabarman5080]

w r e s t l e m a n i a 2 2 A real sardonic bass line; simply filthy. This song and video is perfect.

[@iliketrains3495]

Apparently it was recorded by hitting the strings with drumsticks, fun fact

[@synthonaplinth5980]

Daniel Lanois' rhythm guitar work does not get enough credit on this track, it works perfectly with the bass line, be it synth or real.

[@vergon6662]

That bass line comes in thumpin' like a BIG BITCH!

[@blakebrickermusic]

There were two people playing one bass on that part. Tony levin was doing the fretting part (hitting the notes) and Jerry marotta (who was one of the drummers for Peter) was hitting the strings with his drumstick.

[@blakebrickermusic]

Also if I remember correctly, Stewart Copeland played drums on this song!

[@anthonypate8657]

This is the sound tracks of my childhood. My mom had this album blasting all the time i love it

[@brian1963110]

Mr. Gabriel is the king of kick ass videos!...:)

[@Tabbylover55]

SO is such a fantastic album, and has aged really well, its songs still sound crisp and relevant today.

[@Squab1972]

A true fucking masterpiece ! A stunning album from start to finish

[@robertwhall]

‘So’ was one my essential albums of my mid 80s high school years. Still one of my favorites

[@simplesquamous2003]

I just realized the meaning of this song after watching this music video today. He is clearly making a point that no matter how successful you become or glorify you success to be, you still have a set amount of time before you inevitably die and it counts for nothing. He starts off in the clock at the beginning of the video and at the end of the video the clock crumble and flower grows in its place. Our time on earth is limited. Our Creator's time is not. Thank you Jesus!

[@alencarmaiaalvim6541]

Peter Gabriel -Big Time.The sound of 80's.

[@nievesofficial]

Nope, sorry, that title belongs to Sledgehammer. :)

[@marilynpirozzi9425]

+TheRobloxian09 P PG was an artist that stood out in the 80s, no matter if it was Big Time, Sledgehammer or Shock the Monkey.

[@cheetahsurge]

+TheRobloxian09 I would have to lean more towards Shock the Monkey, to be honest.

[@dovkfir4660]

Hgfcnvtt the same time hvvfhtu

[@lsc9x]

ONE sound of the 80s, that's for sure!

[@JamesKovacic]

One of the most brilliant satires on success/materialism and the American dream. Anyone who takes the lyrics seriously is clearly not aware of Gabriel's genius

[@kurtboyer299]

Was scrolling through to see if anyone has said this. Peter uses some sound-alike words with incredibly dark effect. Like "heaven" sounds like "hell" the second time he sings it. Or "So much stuff, I will own" is sung to sound like "So much stuff, all alone." Pretty creepy shit.

[@ihavefallenandicantreachmy2113]

"A Snow White Pillow, etc." kind of gives it, away. Who am i kidding....it gives it away, Big Time. Sorry

[@Gildedbutterfly1976]

The American dream died after the 80s. 😂

[@EveryDooDarnDiddlyDay]

Thanks to the Bushes and the Clintons

[@grandmagobet9829]

james kovacic: anyone who uses the satanic symbol for their picture should not and cannot be taken seriously....

[@lucario719]

Peter Gabriel went to the director of this video and was like "i want it to look like it was made by that guy in your art class who doesn't know when to stop."

[@aaronbarlow4376]

Ironic considering it's 'stop motion'

[@crinna]

Best comment here

[@kuliimjulischreiben]

“Who doesn’t know when to stop” LOL I lost it 😂😂

[@mikeysuzefour]

Good point @lucario719.

[@mrkremko1]

Some the clay work looks like Bruce Bickford, who’s work is featured in “Baby Snakes”

[@j.taylor3670]

This was prophetic

[@pH7screwtube]

I had never seen the videos for big time and sledgehammer. Watched them today after being a teen through the 80's. I miss the 80's a bit right now.

[@josephralph7570]

Patrick Herring I’m a teen and I found all this over a year ago

[@francisqchristopher8684]

You were a teen in the 80s and never saw the video for "Sledgehammer"? How is that possible?

[@seanseanston]

ikr; I swear I remember seeing the video many times in the 90s and I don't even remember the 80s. Seems amazing someone could have not seen it ever until last year, but shit happens I suppose.

[@ivanoland]

The entire Soviet Union knew Peter Gabriel for his "Sledgehammer" and "Big Time" videos in the 80's. They were played on the national TV channel.

[@hwyeates]

From a time when you could drink beers with your buds, watch MTV for hours, and see nothing but fantastic videos like this. Lackland AFB even had a room at the Airmen's Club with nothing but chairs, a big screen TV that was locked in to MTV, and surround sound...........the 80's were awesome!! Really kind of missing that.......

[@vailpcs4040]

Legend has it that this is DJT's daily affirmation each morning.

[@clusterflick6333]

And in true Trumpian fashion, the obvious satire of it goes *completely* over his head.

[@HenriMichelSonPopRock]

Peter Gabriel de Genesis ne s'est pas seulement « réinventé » en tant qu'artiste solo dans les années 1980 : il a transformé notre monde et élargi nos horizons pop.