I Know What I Like (In Your Wardrobe)

Album: Selling England By The Pound (1973)
Charted: 21
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Songfacts®:

  • This was written for Genesis' roadie from 1971-1973. His name was Jacob Finster, and he could never hold jobs - he was a lawn mower, a pawn store clerk and a cashier. By the time he died, he worked in a doughnut shop where he overdosed on heroin. This song struck a chord with adolescents struggling with their future and living in the middle of doubt. >>
    Suggestion credit:
    Stephanie - Denver, CO

Comments: 8

  • Phil from UkI agree with Clemence - what is going on with the wardrobe / "your show" lyrics?
  • Clemence from New YorkI think I understand everything in the song except "Getting better in your wardrobe, stepping one beyond your show." Does anyone know what this refers to?
  • Joe from PhiladelphiaThe painting that was used for the cover of SEBTP did not originally incorporate the Lawnmower. The band asked if it could be added in order to him at this song.
  • Hypatia from Washington, DcThe body of water is the Firth of Forth, and it's on the east coast of Scotland, not west. Firth--the English cognate of the Norse word fjord--means an estuary, bay, or inlet. The Forth is a river that flows into the firth. So the title "Firth of Fifth" is wordplay on the real name.
  • Wyatt from Anywhere, United StatesI like this song but I like Firth of fifth better. It like a lot of early Genesis songs is fullof metephors. I know the firth of fifth is a body of water onthe west side of Scotland but I'n not sure what the song is about, sound to me like the foolishness of men who think they are wise but I've always wondered about it. I was too long to be a hit. The only thing bad about it was "More Fool Me" followed it in which Phil Collins sang in a whiny voice which is my least favorite of the album
  • Andrew from Buffalo, NyIt was the biggest hit of the Peter Gabriel era in the UK in ranked #17 in 1973
  • Alex from Fort Mill, ScThis is a great album, quintessential British prog. Love the title very relevant for today's society. Has a great medieval theme to it.
  • Keewa from Fairbanks, AlIn the insert to the vinyl album, there is a comment next to the title saying "Inspired by the cover painting"
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