Phil Collins after Genesis was never really my cup of tea to be honest, but even I can’t argue with the great “In the Air Tonight,” a song that always prompts shushing from my better half when it comes on, not unlike imposing former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson hilariously demanding silence from the guys in “The Hangover” as the tune played.

Tyson, who played himself in the film, went so far in the scene as to call out what is now considered the “legendary” drum break in the middle of the song, declaring it “my favourite part” before dropping Alan with a right hook.

The song was Collins’ first solo single from his 1981 album “Face Value” and has become his signature song.

Beyond the unlikely props from music-loving Tyson in the first “Hangover” film in 2009, the tune also became synonymous with “Miami Vice” in ‘80s after appearing in the TV show’s inaugural episode.

Along with the drum bit, the enigmatic lyrics have also taken on a life of their own (you can Google it), even earning a reference in “The Family Guy,” but Collins refutes the dark theories, claiming that the song was simply about his divorce.

Either way, it’s not ours to judge, only enjoy. Here’s a live version from the 2004 Montreux festival in Switzerland.
– Mike

Lyrics

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, (Oh lord)
And I’ve been waiting for this moment, for all my life, (Oh lord)
Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh lord, (Oh lord)

Well, if you told me you were drowning
I would not lend a hand
I’ve seen your face before my friend
But I don’t know if you know who I am

Well, I was there and I saw what you did
I saw it with my own two eyes
So you can wipe off that grin, I know where you’ve been
It’s all been a pack of lies.

And I can feel it coming in the air tonight, (Oh lord)
Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, (Oh lord)
I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh lord
Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life oh Lord, (Oh Lord)

Well I remember, I remember don’t worry
How could I ever forget
It’s the first time, the last time we ever met
But I know the reason why you keep this silence up

No you don’t fool me
The hurt doesn’t show, but the pain still grows
It’s no stranger to you and me

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, Oh lord
Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, (Oh lord)
I can feel it in the air tonight, oh lord, (Oh lord)
Well I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, Oh lord

I can feel it coming in the air tonight, Oh lord
And I’ve been waiting for this moment for all my life, Oh lord
I can feel it in the air tonight, oh lord, (Oh lord, Oh lord)
Well I’ve been waiting for this
Moment for all my life, oh lord, (Oh lord)
I can feel it in the air tonight, Oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord, oh Lord
Well I’ve been waiting for this moment all my life, oh Lord, Lord.