The Real Meaning of Peter Gabriel's "Solsbury Hill"
By: Michael D. Tobin
8-11-19
It is absolutely astonishing what music can do For the heart.
All my life I've been fascinated by songs on the radio that surprisingly, mention God or Jesus. The first I can recollect are songs like the 1972, "Jesus is Just Alright" by The Doobie Brothers, and "American Pie" from by Don McLean in 1971, where he mentions, "...the tree men I admire the most, are the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. ..." And of course there are the older lp's and 78's of Doris Day, Andy Williams, Andy Griffith and so many more, who all made holiday and Christmas albums and many top-chart songs, mostly somber, of God's comforting arms and guidance, and such. I think the most famous of the 20th century, actually, is "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" by Simon And Garfunkel from 1970. While I'm on a roll, let's give a shout-out to Bon Jovi's rendition of "Hallelujah," his release being 2017. But the origins of it are complicated and you can search wikipedia for that one.
But for decades the 1977 Peter Gabriel song, "Solsbury Hill, has given me comfort in deep, dark hours of rejection, loss of hope and feelings of worthlessness, though I never knew or researched why. Today, many call this sort of thing I mention that this song has actually relieved these cloudy feelings of, clinical depression. But I know that feelings of sorrow, loneliness and defeat are simply part of times we all go through and not giving up has been something I've become quite good at, being 55 years old now. But I just got around to listening to all the lyrics and not just SOME of the lyrics of this song. And I was completely amazed.
Say what you will about some trivial things others may feel is the meaning of Solsbury Hill, but the deeper meaning is taken from somewhere the common man just would not think of; rather someone who knows his Bible, would more likely have the keys to. This song is about a man who through God's voice, showed him a deep revelation, who came as an eagle to the writer, showed the story of the last days of Jesus before His crucifixion as being God taking Jesus back, Jesus not needing a replacement, which biblically, would have been Barabas, had the people chosen him, and Jesus showing His disciples "another me," being the Holy Spirit later taking Jesus's place, but not the day Barabas could have been, the day Jesus was condemned to death. But further, the part where the voice said, "I will show them what was meant by the smile on my face," the disciples who were not taught etiquette, and all who choose Jesus in the future, you and me, are the reason for the smiles on Jesus's face, though Jesus knowing God's plan of Jesus' being the sacrifice on the cross. Another amazing portion of the lyrics is where Jesus said those staying can keep His belongings. Biblically, Jesus said, in John 14:26,27 26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. 27 Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid
And of course, those Peter Gabriel's song mentions as not being taught etiquette, represent the disciples, who were fishermen, tax collectors and other trades, but none of higher learning.
So following are a couple more verses that signify the Biblical accuracy to the lyrics in the song, "Solsbury Hill," followed by the actual lyrics,
John 18:38 Pilate saith unto him, What is truth? And when he had said this, he went out again unto the Jews, and saith unto them, I find in him no fault at all. 39 But ye have a custom, that I should release unto you one at the passover: will ye therefore that I release unto you the King of the Jews? 40 Then cried they all again, saying, Not this man, but Barabbas. Now Barabbas was a robber.
Hebrews 12:2
Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.
"Solsbury Hill"
Climbing up on Solsbury Hill
I could see the city light
Wind was blowing, time stood still
Eagle flew out of the night
He was something to observe
Came in close, I heard a voice
Standing stretching every nerve
Had to listen had no choice
I did not believe the information
(I) just had to trust imagination
My heart going boom boom boom
"Son," he said "Grab your things,
I've come to take you home."
To keep in silence I resigned
My friends would think I was a nut
Turning water into wine
Open doors would soon be shut
So I went from day to day
Tho' my life was in a rut
"Till I thought of what I'd say
Which connection I should cut
I was feeling part of the scenery
I walked right out of the machinery
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey" he said "Grab your things
I've come to take you home."
(Back home.)
When illusion spin her net
I'm never where I want to be
And liberty she pirouette
When I think that I am free
Watched by empty silhouettes
Who close their eyes but still can see
No one taught them etiquette
I will show another me
Today I don't need a replacement
I'll tell them what the smile on my face meant
My heart going boom boom boom
"Hey" I said "You can keep my things,
they've come to take me home."
