Something Happened On The Way To Heaven

Album: ...But Seriously (1989)
Charted: 15 4
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about a man who has broken off relations with a loved one but wants to get back together with her. The song is more uptempo than you'd expect, possibly because the man is happy when he talks about his lover, even though they are not together at the moment. Maybe its a sign of his confidence that they will get back together again.
  • The song was co-written by Daryl Stuermer who played guitar and bass for Genesis and lead guitar for Phil Collins on their tours. It was originally written for the final scene of the film The War Of The Roses with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, but Danny de Vito, who directed and co-starred in the movie, didn't like it.
  • Deborah Cox covered this on a Phil Collins tribute album and in 2003 a re-mix of her version was a #1 on the Billboard Dance chart and #95 on the Hot 100.
  • Jim Yukich directed the music video, which features Collins and his band during a rehearsal in England from the perspective of a curious dog who wanders the stage and pees on bassist Lee Sklar's leg.

Comments: 2

  • Huckle Cat from S JerseyExcellent Phil song - as compared to Sussudio.
  • Chelsea from Pa, AzGreat song!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TV

90210 to Buffy to Glee: How Songs Transformed TVSong Writing

Shows like Dawson's Creek, Grey's Anatomy and Buffy the Vampire Slayer changed the way songs were heard on TV, and produced some hits in the process.

Sam Phillips

Sam PhillipsSongwriter Interviews

Collaborating with T Bone Burnett, Leslie Phillips changed her name and left her Christian label behind - Robert Plant, who recorded one of her songs on Raising Sand, is a fan.

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock Photography

Danny Clinch: The Art of Rock PhotographySong Writing

One of rock's top photographers talks about artistry in photography, raising funds for a documentary, and enjoying a County Fair with Tom Waits.

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions Answered

Why Does Everybody Hate Nu-Metal? Your Metal Questions AnsweredSong Writing

10 Questions for the author of Precious Metal: Decibel Presents the Stories Behind 25 Extreme Metal Masterpieces

Eric Clapton

Eric ClaptonFact or Fiction

Did Eric Clapton really write "Cocaine" while on cocaine? This question and more in the Clapton edition of Fact or Fiction.

Bill Withers

Bill WithersSongwriter Interviews

Soul music legend Bill Withers on how life experience and the company you keep leads to classic songs like "Lean On Me."