Get 'Em Out By Friday

Genesis's song "Get 'Em Out By Friday" is a poignant critique of corporate greed and the dehumanizing effects of capitalism. The narrative unfolds through a series of dialogues and announcements, painting a grim picture of tenants being forcibly evicted from their homes by a faceless corporation, Styx Enterprises. The characters, such as John Pebble and Mark Hall, represent the ruthless corporate machinery that prioritizes profit over people's lives. Their cold, calculated instructions to evict tenants highlight the lack of empathy and the commodification of human existence.

The song's lyrics also delve into the emotional turmoil experienced by the tenants, particularly Mrs. Barrow, who is devastated by the eviction notice. Her pleas and disbelief underscore the powerlessness of ordinary people in the face of corporate decisions. The mention of offering double the rent, only to be met with further demands, illustrates the insatiable greed of the corporations. The narrative takes a darker turn with the introduction of Genetic Control, a fictional entity that imposes a height restriction on humans to maximize housing efficiency. This dystopian twist serves as a metaphor for the extreme lengths to which corporations will go to exploit resources and people.

The song concludes with a chilling memo from Satin Peter of Rock Development Ltd., suggesting that land ownership and investment in the church are the keys to happiness and salvation. This final note cynically ties the pursuit of wealth to spiritual fulfillment, critiquing the moral decay that accompanies unchecked capitalism. Genesis uses this song to deliver a powerful message about the social and ethical implications of corporate dominance, making it a timeless commentary on the human cost of economic exploitation.