Peter Gabriel - Here Comes The Flood

Peter Gabriel performs "Here Comes The Flood" on the 1979 Kate Bush Christmas special. The song is featured on his first solo album "Peter Gabriel", also known as "Car".
Intro by Kate Bush, Paddy Bush and Glenys Groves:
Through velvet storms and the rains that fell,
here comes the man with his tale to tell
And some have named him Peter "The Angel" Gabriel
Lyrics:
When the night shows
the signals grow on radios
All the strange things
they come and go, as early warnings
Stranded starfish have no place to hide
still waiting for the swollen Easter tide
There's no point in direction we cannot
even choose a side.
I took the old track
the hollow shoulder, across the waters
On the tall cliffs
they were getting older, sons and daughters
The jaded underworld was riding high
Waves of steel hurled metal at the sky
and as the nail sunk in the cloud, the rain
was warm and soaked the crowd.
Lord, here comes the flood
We'll say goodbye to flesh and blood
If again the seas are silent
in any still alive
It'll be those who gave their island to survive
Drink up, dreamers, you're running dry.
When the flood calls
You have no home, you have no walls
In the thunder crash
You're a thousand minds, within a flash
Don't be afraid to cry at what you see
The actors gone, there's only you and me
And if we break before the dawn, they'll
use up what we used to be.
Lord, here comes the flood
We'll say goodbye to flesh and blood
If again the seas are silent
in any still alive
It'll be those who gave their island to survive
Drink up, dreamers, you're running dry.

[@annameehan3527]

I sang this at my high school baccalaureate ceremony. The one time I met Peter, I neglected to tell him I sang his song in my school’s ceremony for the class of ‘93.

[@basementjax.1501]

thank you KZbin. If you search hard enough amongst the sea of crap you will find gems like this

[@AlbertoVO5]

Amen!

[@davidkopec9442]

There is no one better than Peter Gabriel. He has his peers, but nobody surpasses him.

[@AlbertoVO5]

I’d say Hammill is every bit his equal in literary qualities, profound exploration of the human condition and all around tune writing. And of course they share history and have guested on each other’s albums so we know they respect each other.

[@progtoeternity]

This is Peter Gabriel's gem to the world. After many years, this song still carries all the crying thruth of how human life is so fragile on this Earth. He nails it marvellously well here. Pure and raw, in full respect of the original recording.

[@paulburgess8909]

Very nice comment! Also, he sounds truly amazing on this version.

[@socalpsych]

It's universal. The deluge comes for us all and on that level we are all equal and all human.

[@johnworf]

think i prefer this version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip21famXjbusoZo

[@JohnCane147]

lol it seems that you don't know what the song is about

[@goatcobain]

👏👏👍

[@zararity]

This version is very possibly my favourite version of this song... It's perfect.

[@johnworf]

here is the same version which i think is better: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip21famXjbusoZo

[@carolball5764]

Mine too. Absolutely gorgeous.

[@alexandragiraud6460]

Pareil. Superbe et émouvante version.

[@davemacmillan4127]

Ethereal :)

[@jonasdartman2572]

Agreed. How I'd love to find it on a cd/lp

[@ueaj123]

this guy is a genius. my hero. the world is a better place because of this single individual. an icon that will span generations.

[@ExKingFelix]

I couldn't agree more. I wish more people were like Peter Gabriel. The world would be a kinder, happier place.

[@beekay5914]

I love Peter Gabriel so much it makes my eyes water. He is so deep, so profound, so soulful.

[@brianordelheide4661]

This was buried for years before it surfaced. It never aired in the U.S. When I first saw it, it brought tears to my eyes... I was fortunate to see him perform this at the Roxy in L.A. on his first 2 tours in 1977 & 1978. If you know, you know... XOXOXO

[@lonnierhodes9883]

March 1978, Gabriel reworked the song with Robert Fripp on his 1979 Exposure album. It was released in US. An Album i have 🎶❤️🎶🙏🏼

[@jeffreytemkin818]

The relationship between Kate and Pete is one of great meetings of creative genius of that era. The influence these two had on music production is often over looked

[@moiralazarusmusic]

I love it when he gets to the chorus and belts it out right from the heart...beautiful.

[@TheOmanJam]

+Moira Lazarus He really hits the choruses for sure. I love the bit where he drops it an octave at the end. That's a real musician. "In any still alive" in the second chorus (3:30 onward) sounds like his accent on Get 'Em Out By Friday from Genesis Live 1973: "Here is an announcement from Genetic Control."

[@liandaforstrand9120]

I thought he said that but i think stiller life makes more sense. Vandergraaf Generator Still life is an astonishing album. Quite Life changing. Hammill and Gabriel are also friends, live in the same city and are similarly talented. In this context Still Life could mean less chaotic.

[@M400fan]

⁠It’s “still alive”.

[@jhary66]

Love Kate's voice, she matches Peters so well.

[@VictorPeppers]

Of the choir! Oh! really great!

[@Kainlarsen]

"Don't be afraid to cry at what you see" This will remain my favourite rendition of this song.

[@carolsnook4659]

And mine...

[@annaneumann9197]

Never again we will find such, Peter Gabriel, the Cambrian of creativity ... where did he come from ... no one knows he is an unknown alphabet .....

[@atlantic1952]

I just love the wonderful 'reverse cadence' sound of that piano, a superb effect that works perfectly with this song and Peter's unique voice, terrific performance I'll never forget!

[@carolsnook4659]

I agree totally. ..

[@hallstewart]

It was used a lot by Genesis. It’s great for this.

[@1TommyP323]

The intro Kate did is really lovely too!

[@fernandomarmol4758]

¡Gran versión en vivo de un gran tema! Una perfecta combinación de una bella melodía y una letra que desarrolla "una narración" contínua, pero no muy explícita! Como los grandes temas soportan los años.

[@nobodady1]

One of the greatest songs ever. It kills me.

[@denniskorn9003]

Such a tough song... Thanks Peter. I'm 72 here in 25... Been enjoying since the first time you came to Chicago. Peace

[@PierreRipplinger]

Best version I've ever heard imo.

[@FrumiousFalafel]

There's a version(s) he did with Robert Fripp which is, at the least, equal in its audacity... check it out.

[@PierreRipplinger]

Frumious FalafeI The album version on Exposure (1979) or a live version out there?

[@FrumiousFalafel]

Pierre Ripplinger Because of your question I went and looked at the *many* different versions which do now exist on the net. I am wrestling with my own memory somewhat, but yes, I'm pretty sure what I was referring to was the Fripp version on his studio album, "Exposure." That being said, I went back and listened to it and somehow wasn't as impressed as I remember being, oh, say when it actually came out in 1979 -- which is the year I first heard it. Perhaps my youthful enthusiasm has died down somewhat -- or perhaps, listening to it through my extremely poor computer speakers was the problem. I hadn't heard much Fripp at the time and I thought it was innovative how he blended his "looping" style into actually making Gabriel's "Here Comes the Flood" work. I still do think it works and I still like it. And my understanding is that it is far closer to what Gabriel had in mind originally. Apparently the producer of his 1st album is the same as Pink Floyd's "The Wall." And one can *definitely* hear that sound (think "Comfortably Numb") on "...Flood." But later, when Gabriel had more control, you hear the song "pared down" much more. I think that when I first heard that -- with Fripp's version -- I thought it "audacious" in comparison to the, perhaps "safer" (and fuller) Gabriel #1 studio album. All his subsequent versions have also been pared down like that. So, the short answer is, "Yes" the Fripp Exposure album (but I could swear I've heard yet another non-live version on another of his albums and am perhaps thinking of that. Perhaps I'm wrong. As far as this and other live version go -- PG is often his best "raw" and live. But certainly you're right, some live performances are better than others, and this is a good one indeed :-)

[@cliff.allister]

too fast!

[@johnworf]

try this version too: think i prefer this version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip21famXjbusoZo

[@dereksmallsuk]

absolutley.....ABSOLUTELY....!!! OUTSTANDING!!!!! this man is a class act

[@darrenw2943]

The way he looks at the camera at the end gives me chills

[@TheCheesemelter]

the quintessentially melancholy version. genius.

[@trevorliddle5602]

Simply stunning early performance from Peter, perfectly written and beautifully sung. I can never tire of hearing this version.

[@neilmacpherson6583]

A masterpiece. Fantastic opener to 2004 tour.

[@stevesellers6054]

Stranded starfish have no place to hide…classic!!

[@1969lincolnosiris]

*Legitimate talent has already run dry, since this song was written.* *Prophetic.*

[@Decimberly]

Absolutely beautiful...I forgot I knew this song...💚

[@Kainlarsen]

I've just come back from a friend's funeral... have this stuck in my head. It seems fitting.

[@CaribSurfKing1]

He has such an amazing/unique voice when he sings high, with the added phaser effect of course

[@martinking2199]

Another one to ad to our national treasure status. Class act, brilliant simply Brilliant.

[@rodneybowling5828]

That’s the reason why I love Peter Gabriel so much.

[@andrewwilliams9599]

As naked as art gets. Piano and voice and your heart on the line.

[@burgesmate]

Nowhere to hide. What an unbelievable voice. Like a sax.

[@romanhed]

Each day I come back to this well. I can’t get enough of this version. The vocal performance is utterly flawless and beautiful. Thank you so much for posting this!

[@johnworf]

try this version: think i prefer this version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip21famXjbusoZo

[@linneasaoirse]

So much emotion ❤❤❤❤ This is the best live version I think....

[@cubswincubswin]

Linnea Skoglund Agreed, definitely the best live version ever of this amazing song!

[@AloneArchitect]

Gives me shivers every time..... especially when he goes into that chorus..... makes me want to cry!

[@ljobject]

Speechless.

[@psuengineer84]

One of his best. Simple and beautiful chord progressions.

[@gianniguerriero]

His voice dominates without borders

[@abrarahmed1888]

The imagery of the lyrics combined with the haunting melody always gave me goose pimples

[@byfepo]

Peter, Today I have listened this song about 5 times... nothing... thanks for making me connect with the most important thing, our humanity

[@asolarasolarasolar]

Peter Gabriel's voice is unique

[@TheAmazingMorse]

Just seeing Pete alone here makes me realize how much power one man can evoke. Thanks for the upload.

[@ChloePrice92]

I love this man. I tear up at most of his songs. So powerful and beautiful, with a real and worthwhile meaning behind them.

[@friendlyporpoise]

I watch this a few times a year. It's astonishingly great.

[@johnworf]

think i prefer this version: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ip21famXjbusoZo

[@PeterMayer]

I am so grateful I got to see him when I was 19 years old in 1978. Traveled from Cincinnati to Royal oak Michigan, the Royal oak theater to see the on the air tour. Front Royal center in an auditorium where I used to see movies when I lived up there.

[@vsmith23]

Still amazing after all these years.

[@charleslsegal]

Aaah,still brings a tear to my eye.....you can't bring back the past, more's the pity. Dedicated to a former friend.

[@metheplant9655]

This song is a miracle.

[@Kafrifelle]

This is TIMELESS ... An absolute masterpiece ...

[@SwamiOrchestra]

For me its one of the Song of Songs. Very touching, everytime.

[@vasilioskokkinias2364]

I love EVERYTHING he does~ EVERYTHING!! WOW!

[@Diisneyliio]

If this is not awesome I don't know what is... Soo beautiful and he's such a great artist...

[@xiphocostal]

I remember seeing this Christmas show on TV, I must have been 12 at the time. I thought he was going to do a nice carol - and he came out with "Here comes the Flood" , which seemed pretty dark in that context...It has since become one of my favourite PG songs, but I still remember that moment of shock..

[@ladyblackstardust390]

"Lord, here comes the flood." He belts it out the way I remember when I saw him on his first solo tour. Roxy, Los Angeles, 1977 (pretty sure), with Robert Fripp. Still love it.

[@kengibbens5059]

Lady BlackstarDust Lucky!!!!!!!!

[@beekay5914]

oh man I would have killed to see that, but I had not been turned on to PG until about '80.

[@MrStrat01]

Saw him singing this song on the intro of his concert in Lyon (France) in october of 1977 😍🤩❤ Memories 😋

[@georgeb7332]

Love the elaborate production of this wonderful song on the first album, but the stripped down version is so haunting and beautiful.

[@hazelrah321]

Best version of a beautifully tragic and brilliant masterpiece!

[@OMGicantwayyyyyyyyyy]

Jesus, look at how young he is...

[@VictorPeppers]

Yes! We get older. But your voice stills the same...

[@leecifur1]

Pure Genius!

[@marcjalbert4139]

I get chills every time I see this

[@MrTaylorgaz]

PG is a musical legend. He is still producing great albums now. Proper written music. I love it, this guy is a leg(end). This is the best version of this song imo.

[@bryandavid25]

WOW after seeing EVERY sole show he's done in Boston this blows me away!

[@gustavdreschmann2783]

Music from Heaven,.......Peter Gabriel,.....youre BIG PEOPLE

[@Josie2112]

*tears* that was perfect.

[@BarrioFabulous]

I saw PG on the _So_ tour in 1987. He was surprised that so many here in Houston, TX were familiar with "Solsbury Hill", and near the end of the show, he said, "It seems we have some old friends here tonight," and then began this song. His fingers slipped, and he stopped playing for a moment, and said, "in my profession, that is what is known as a fuck-up." There was friendly laughter and he started again. I love this song, and this version you have posted is excellent.

[@grahamwood-robinson2334]

I agree with the comments. This, I think is the best performance of the song I have heard. The song sums up the crisis we are facing. A true artist in one of his finest moments. I can watch this time after time.

[@davidellis5141]

Perfection !

[@oscoe]

Peter is a treasured gift 🎁 from our collective humanity

[@j.hardie7906]

this song is so special to me - it saved my life. THANKYOU , Peter.

[@valentinaarango9594]

Amazing Song!

[@juniorhacksaw4783]

It's PG's world; we just live in it.

[@OmarTorrez]

simply brilliant

[@UncleTonyGuitar]

Amazing talent, amazing writer, amazing singer, amazing performer, and in this case, amazing collars.

[@sict9754]

Una gran canción de Peter… increíble ver a Kate. En el coro… sublime video

[@LockDownOnSparta]

Simply breathtaking.

[@LockDownOnSparta]

wow...a real gem.

[@ricardotexidomedina3140]

Maravilloso, grandioso, genial y único! Una obra maestra de un genio. Thank you!

[@natewilliams1062]

So glad someone gave this the go ahead. Peter Gabriel in full 70s garb, bearing his whole soul unapologetically. Reasons why this was recorded and produced on BBC(?) telly matter not. Its here and I love it. Thank you

[@mistyblueeyes4024]

Absolutely genius.

[@Holymakinaw]

Awesome song.

[@ncf1]

What a beautiful intro... I'd be crying if I had that done for me. : )

[@marcomaccari1429]

Stunning beautiful exceptional fantastic immortal.... Peter Gabriel is an exceptional musician

[@hallstewart]

Gives me chills

[@MaysLilStar]

Absolutely incredible...

[@c1212]

This takes on such meaning in light of everything that has happened recently. Very moving.

[@wolfficial.]

I love this!

[@mikeroby1313]

Ditto. Great great stuff. He played this as an encore when I saw him in Cleveland (1979?). You got the feeling he could have melted the paint off the back of the theater, WITHOUT the PA. Thanks a lot. 'Symphony'

[@rgaleny]

THIS WOULD MAKE A GOOD GOSPEL SONG

[@Whiterosesandpeacelilies]

It would.

[@ChloePrice92]

An absolutely perfect rendition. PG is unmatchable.

[@catlady6463]

Tears in my eyes….

[@Admiraljet565]

favorite moment: 1:44 " And as the nail sunk in the cloud The rain was warm and soaked the crowd Lord, here comes the flood ... " dynamic fervent

[@flaviolopes2613]

I cried

[@kuujjuaq58]

Thanks for this, Peter G.

[@Rodamaiale]

This is like a tea cup in a winter morning of my childhood to me, far and warm

[@kevin104z]

this is one of my fave peter songs......

[@ericmercaldo7840]

I listen to this until I can't take it anymore. Sometimes once through, sometimes seven, or something in between.

[@TheGreatAlan75]

Wow, after 5 listens I finally like this. It's really good

[@Ron502008]

What an awesome intro and as always Pete brings it. I'd like to meet him, but I would not be able to speak or probably breathe.

[@kevingilbertisgodly]

There's also a version of this on Robert Fripp's "Exposure" album.