That's All by Genesis

Album: Genesis (1983)

Charted: 16 6

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Songfacts®:

This song is about a failing relationship. The singer feels that no matter how hard he tries, the relationship keeps ending up in the rut: "It's always the same, it's just a shame, and that's all."
Genesis keyboard player Tony Banks was one of the first to use an Emulator, which was one of the first digital samplers (it was introduced in 1981). Banks would record his bandmate Mike Rutherford as he noodled around on his instruments, then play around with those samples to craft a track, which is how this song developed.

"We were just improvising in the studio and Mike was playing a bit on guitar," he said in a Songfacts interview. "With the Emulator, I was able to sample bits and pieces as we were going along. I sampled this bit of Mike's, which didn't sound very good, so I actually slowed it down to about half or quarter speed, and it sort of played a suggestion of the riff that became 'That's All.' It wasn't quite the same, but it had a suggestion of it.

I played it on the piano like that, and I thought, this is really good. Phil went at it with a sort of 'Rocky Raccoon' style drumming on it, which made it something it hadn't really been at all in the first place. Then I just wanted to keep it simple, chord-wise, and let it go where it would, rather than trying to combine it with another bit, which is sometimes what we used to do. We really let the song develop in itself, and I was pleased with that. That's a simpler Genesis song, but one that really works."
Directed by Jim Yukich, the video shows the three members of Genesis, apparently homeless, dressed in dirty clothes and warming themselves using fires in metal barrels as they perform the song in an abandoned building. The connection between the video and the song (if there is one) is open to interpretation. "That slightly down-and-out feel seemed to go a little bit with the lyric, but it's not a perfect match," Tony Bank offered.
One of the most accessible Genesis songs, "That's All" was their first Top 10 hit in the US, setting the stage for their tremendous success the rest of the decade as they adapted their sound from obtuse progressive rock to tighter pop songs.

Comments: 19

CalebThis song could be about drugs…

“I could leave but I won’t go”
The user thinks they have control over their habits, but refrains.

“I can’t feel a thing from my head down to my toes”
The possible feeling from the drugs

“It’s always the same, it’s just a shame that’s all”
They keep wanting to get to that first high but always end up at the same spot, still wishing for that first feeling.

“There’s been no one who makes me feel like you do”

Nothing makes them feel as good as the drugs do.

“I find out I’m wrong when I thought I was right”

They tried the drugs and keep assuring themselves that they’ll be fine when in reality they know the drugs are hurting them.
Shane0 from Western AustraliaCouldn't remember who sang the song. I had to whistle to Google's music finder. Spot on whistling. Lol.
Cheesehead8 from WisconsinThat’s All sounds like it’s about a person with a narcissistic personality disorder.
WokeIt has to be about addiction. Think about it.
Seventhmist from 7th HeavenEnduring thanks to Collins for leading the group out of its "progressive" (ha!) era and into the light.
Ivan from Hong KongSurprised that a lot of folks hated the song. The melody is just so catchy, making one hard to not listerning to the song repeatedly. Good tune and funny (and real!) lyrics for man.
Camille from Toronto, OhI never could get in to the beat and sound of this song. It's too sluggish sounding.
Drew from B\'ham, AlOooohh... imagine at a sporting event someone plays this song at least 20 times. Someone could then actually say "always the same song at the game, and that's all!" LOL.
Drew from B\'ham, AlThis song and "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight" are two of a kind -- both about a situational rut that's next to impossible to escape. Could "Tonight, Tonight, Tonight" be a sequel to "That's All" by any chance?
Jennifer Harris from Grand Blanc, MiI remember the video,good song,too.
Steve from New York, NyI am a HUGE Genesis fan, and this is one of only two songs of theirs I can't stand (the other being Who Dunnit)
Al from New York, NyPhil Collins is a hack because he had commercial success? Nonsense. This is one of Genesis' best...not performing it live? Strange
Benjamin from Monroe, Wathis song completely describes my past relationship with my ex gf amber. we argued all the time and she thought she was always right. she acted like i wanted too much from her and any small request i had would turn into a big fight. i loved her very much though and still do. there were many times when i wanted to leave her but i couldn't because i loved her so much. i love this song because it explains my feelings perfectlly.
Sally from South Orange, NjThis is absolutely my favorite Genesis song. I've heard they're not doing in on their current tour. Wonder why?
Johnny from Los Angeles, CaDon Henley does it
Nathaniel from Pittsburgh, PaGreat song! Phil collins is great. To sing and play the drums is amazing.
Spencer from Mcbride, Canadaa, phil collins is amazing how can you say hes a hack when hes an amazing drummer and singer too
A from Canada, CanadaI agree johnny. usually phil collins is a hack but this song is amazing
Johnny from Los Angeles, Cathis is a good song. I could hardly believe it was Genesis.

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