Genesis – That’s All (Official Audio)
Inspiration Behind That’s All:
That’s All explores the complexities and frustrations of relationships. The lyrics highlight the differences in opinions and perspectives in life. That’s All points to the realization of all unresolved differences. Instead of constantly arguing, debating and opening fresh wounds to your soul, That’s All a way of accepting that neither side is willing to budge.
Biblical Application:
Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6 The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so. 8 Those who are in the realm of the flesh cannot please God, Romans 8:5-8.
Exegesis of That’s All:
Just as I thought it was goin’ alright
I found out I’m wrong, when I thought I was right
It’s always the same, it’s just a shame, that’s all
I could say day, and you’d say night
Tell me it’s black, when I know that it’s white
Always the same, it’s just a shame and that’s all
Some days that are going well can be interrupted by a firm rebuke. For Phil Collins, this happens regularly. This pattern of disagreement is getting old,
I could leave, but I won’t go
Though my heart might tell me so
I can’t feel a thing from my head down to my toes
But why does it always seem to be
Me lookin’ at you, you lookin’ at me?
It’s always the same, it’s just a shame, that’s all
Phil appears to be referring to a relationship with another woman that is on the rocks. Yet it wasn’t always this way.
Turnin’ me on, turnin’ me off
Making me feel like I want too much
Livin’ with you is just putting me through it all of the time
Runnin’ around, staying out all night
Taking it all instead of taking one bite
Living with you is just putting me through it all of the time
A state of misery is hovering over this relationship. For now, this couple is just putting up with each other.
I could leave, but I won’t go
But it’d be easier I know
I can’t feel a thing from my head down to my toes
Why does it always seem to be
Me lookin’ at you, you lookin’ at me?
It’s always the same, it’s just a shame, that’s all
Phil has become numb, a way to hide his pain and frustration.
Truth is I love you
More than I wanted to
There’s no point in trying to pretend
There’s been no one who
Makes me feel like you do
Say we’ll be together ’til the end
His love for this woman has kept Phil from quitting on this relationship.
But I could leave, but I won’t go
It’d be easier I know
I can’t feel a thing from my head down to my toes
So why does it always seem to be
Me looking at you, you looking at me?
It’s always the same, it’s just a shame, that’s all
Phil could take the easy way out but hasn’t reached that point yet.
But I love you
More than I wanted to
There’s no point in trying to pretend
There’s been no one who
Makes me feel like you do
Say we’ll be together ’til the end
Love is the only thing keeping this relationship together.
But just as I thought it was going alright
I find out I’m wrong when I thought I was right
It’s always the same, it’s just a shame, that’s all
Well, I could say day, you’d say night
Tell me it’s black when I know that it’s white
It’s always the same, it’s just a shame, that’s all
That’s all
Living in this type of environment will wear down your soul. Stubbornness appears to be slowing deteriorating this relationship, on the verge of collapse.
Final Thoughts:
Sometimes mentors can help hold a marriage together until both couples make the necessary changes to become closer. Unfortunately, many individuals give up, not willing to fight anymore to salvage their relationship. Movies like Fireproof illustrate what needs to happen before genuine reconciliation can be achieved. These steps may seem drastic, but are essential to avoid experiencing the atmosphere detailed in That’s All.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 