The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway

Genesis' song 'The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway' is a complex and surreal narrative that delves into the life and psyche of Rael, a character navigating the chaotic and often dark streets of New York City. The song opens with a vivid depiction of early morning Manhattan, setting the stage with imagery of ocean winds, movie palaces, and all-night watchmen. This urban landscape is both familiar and dreamlike, suggesting a world where reality and fantasy blur. The recurring line 'And the lamb lies down on Broadway' introduces a sense of innocence and purity amidst the gritty urban environment, symbolizing a stark contrast between the natural and the man-made.

Rael, the protagonist, is portrayed as a graffiti artist, referred to as 'Rael Imperial Aerosol Kid,' who emerges from the subway into the daylight, hiding his spray gun. His journey through the city is marked by encounters with various elements of urban life, from drugstores and gas stations to truckers and subway riders. The lamb, seemingly out of place on Broadway, serves as a focal point, bringing a sense of stillness and contemplation to the bustling city. This juxtaposition highlights the tension between the innocence represented by the lamb and the harsh realities of urban existence.

The song also touches on themes of identity and self-discovery. Rael's interactions with the city and its inhabitants reveal his inner turmoil and quest for meaning. Lines like 'Something inside me has just begun' and 'Lord knows what I have done' suggest a character grappling with his actions and their consequences. The repeated refrain of the lamb lying down on Broadway underscores the ongoing struggle between purity and corruption, innocence and experience. Through its rich imagery and symbolic narrative, 'The Lamb Lies Down On Broadway' offers a profound exploration of the human condition within the context of modern urban life.