I’ve loved Peter Gabriel’s music for years. He’s one of the most amazing, influential and versatile musicians I’ve heard.
I was introduced to his music by one of my high school friends, who was prominent in our group, though meek and mild and never pushed his presence. Thinking back, I admire that quiet strength. He was a good fellow. I was at his wedding close to 40 years ago, and travelled to visit the couple once; then we went on our own ways, it seems… We have been in casual contact since our high school’s 35th reunion in 2013 and I am inspired seeing their devotion to each other. And I have to say, his influence is inextricably linked with my enduring love for Gabriel.
With Sweety’s and my recent beach visits from this week, water has been a big theme lately, so maybe it’s not so surprising for a song like this to come up today.
Today’s song comes from the album, Us. I posted about another brilliant song from that album, “Come Talk to Me.”
Gabriel sings “Washing of the Water” on his Secret World Live DVD, and it’s just awesome. It reaches deep into my soul. The DVD version of the song is beautiful, but not available on a free, official public platform. It’s the most heartfelt performance of the song I’ve heard and so I somewhat reluctantly share an unofficial version.
Now you know a little about why this is my song of the day for today. Thanks for joining me here, and please enjoy.
The official video for the song is from the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction ceremony in 2014, where Gabriel is accompanied by Coldplay’s Chris Martin, who does a pretty great job complementing the master’s voice.
And, the remastered studio track from Peter Gabriel’s official YouTube channel:
