Can-Utility and the Coastliners is the fourth song on the 1972 album Foxtrot.
Can-Utility appears to be a word-play on the name of an old King, Canute (also spelled Kanute, or Knut) The Coastliners are his followers who in one version of the story are sycophants needing to be shown the truth, and i...
[Verse 1]
The scattered pages
Of a book by the sea
Held by the sand, washed by the waves
A shadow forms cast by a cloud
Skimming by as eyes of the past
But the rising tide absorbs them
Effortlessly claiming
[Verse 2]
They told of one who tired of all
Singing "Praise him, praise him"
"We heed not flatterers" he cried
"By our command waters retreat
Show my power, halt at my feet"
But the cause was lost
Now cold winds blow
[Verse 3]
Far from the north
Overcast ranks advance
Fear of the storm
Accusing with rage and scorn
The waves surround the sinking throne
Singing "Crown him, crown him"
"Those who love our majesty
Show themselves", all bent their knee
Ah, na-na-na-na-na-na
[Instrumental Break]
[Bridge]
But he forced a smile
Even though his hopes
Lay dashed where offerings fell
Where they fell
[Instrumental Break]
[Outro]
"Nothing can my peace destroy
As long as none smile"
More opened ears and opened eyes
And soon they dared to laugh
See a little man
With his face turning red
Though his story's often told
You can tell he's dead
Can-Utility and the Coastliners was written by Tony Banks & Phil Collins & Peter Gabriel & Steve Hackett & Mike Rutherford.
Can-Utility and the Coastliners was produced by Genesis & David Hitchcock.
Genesis released Can-Utility and the Coastliners on Fri Oct 06 1972.