Genesis Hall

Album: Unhalfbricking (1969)
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song was one of Richard Thompson's contributions to this Fairport Convention album. The lyrics need a bit of context to understand: "Genesis Hall" was an abandoned hotel in London's Drury Lane, originally the Bell Hotel. It had been occupied by hippie squatters. The London police had evicted the squatters, and eventually caused the building to be razed. Thompson's father was a member of the London police force at the time, and the lyrics refer to the incident. >>>
    Suggestion credit:
    Steve - New Albany, IN

Comments: 2

  • Warspite from Atlanta, Ga., UsaThe first song, first side of Unhalfbricking. Beautiful, haunting & timeless. Listen to the way RT & Simon's acoustic guitars surround and frame Sandy's voice. Despite Paul Kantner (who I like) butchering it on an album, the song is like some 17th century British ballad- as if it has "always" been there & sung by many people in many versions over a long period of time.
  • David from Nottingham, United KingdomYou can see RT singing a solo version of this if you look on Youtube. It is still featured from time to time at Fairport gigs, Simon Nicol sings it very well.
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Charlie Benante of Anthrax

Charlie Benante of AnthraxSongwriter Interviews

The drummer for Anthrax is also a key songwriter. He explains how the group puts their songs together and tells the stories behind some of their classics.

Prince

PrinceFact or Fiction

Prince is shrouded in mystery, making him an excellent candidate for Fact or Fiction. Is he really a Scientologist? Does he own an exotic animal?

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & Tears

David Clayton-Thomas of Blood, Sweat & TearsSongwriter Interviews

The longtime BS&T frontman tells the "Spinning Wheel" story, including the line he got from Joni Mitchell.

Yacht Rock Quiz

Yacht Rock QuizFact or Fiction

Christopher Cross with Deep Purple? Kenny Loggins in Caddyshack? A Fact or Fiction all about yacht rock and those who made it.

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")

Director Mark Pellington ("Jeremy," "Best Of You")Song Writing

Director Mark Pellington on Pearl Jam's "Jeremy," and music videos he made for U2, Jon Bon Jovi and Imagine Dragons.

Does Jimmy Page Worship The Devil? A Look at Satanism in Rock

Does Jimmy Page Worship The Devil? A Look at Satanism in RockSong Writing

We ring the Hell's Bells to see what songs and rockers are sincere in their Satanism, and how much of it is an act.