The Lamia Illustrated

Musical Comic for The Lamia, track sixteen off Genesis' album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway (1974).

Rael follows the alluring scent through the hallway and into a large chamber that houses a long rose water pool. The walls are adorned with velvet and honeysuckle and there's a light fog in the air. But as he approaches the water he finds he is not alone, as the pool is inhabited by the Lamia, reptilian creatures with the diminutive head and breasts of a beautiful woman. His horror gives way to infatuation as their soft green eyes show their welcome, and soon he follows their siren song into the pool. They knead his flesh until his bones appear to melt, and at a point at which he feels he cannot go beyond, they nibble at his body. Taking in the first drops of his blood, their eyes blacken and their bodies are shaken. Distraught with helpless passion he watches as his lovers die. In a desperate attempt to bring what is left of them into his being, he takes and eats their bodies, and struggles to leave his lovers’ nest. Eventually he encounters a boat, which he pilots out of the chamber as it resets itself in preparation of the next lover to enter its doors.

All audio rights belong to Genesis/whoever owns it (which may restrict access to the video in certain countries). The artwork is owned by me.

[DavidSumeray_BassGod]

The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway and the Spiritual Awakening I was going through as a young man in my 20s are deeply entwined. 48 years later it is still my Desert Island Disc

[johnmcdonald]

This album was a game changer in my misguided youth, it was a moment in time where I realized that there was more to life than Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin and Aerosmith. I only pray that Steve Hackett continues bringing this to us again and again and I thank him for it.

[MostafaTamer]

By far, one of the most beautiful tracks in existence and in the history of progressives rock. Nothing like Early Genesis, how I wish this period lasted a little longer and wish Peter/Steve Hackett stayed a little bit longer.

[pipandsammie]

This album deserves a movie like The Wall got.

[i_accept_all_cookies]

Absolutely love how the poetry of this song captures the early euphoria and eventual heartbreak of a toxic relationship.

[mtcruse]

Rael's remorse - very VERY well captured.

[Deimosthegreat]

Oh my god thank you, I've always been so curious to see an artist's interpretation of the Lamia. Can't wait for the Slippermen.

[alistaircooke]

It is so truely difficult to believe a young man wrote this song (album) whilst in his 20's and came up with story about a young guy named Rael.

[neugey]

The ending is so awesome, with the whole pool environment immolating and then raining over and everything there including the Lamia reincarnating - and presumably awaiting another visitor if need be. It added another dimension to the story. Good job.

[probablygraham]

If only someone could have frozen Genesis back then so that they could keep making beautiful music like this

[charleslsegal]

Probably one the best songs in the magnificent Genesis canon.

[heraldbrinkmann]

Rael stands astonished, me too.
Thank you Nathaniel

[leonardopinto]

NEL LONTANO 1975 ACQUISTAI THE LAMB.AVEVO 15 ANNI.OGGI A 61 CONTINUO AD ASCOLTARE I GENESIS, MAGIA, ARTE, TANTI AGGETTIVI VORREI ELENCARE. THE LAMIA RIMANE PER ME UN BRANO MERAVIGLIOSO, UNICO.POI LA CHITARRA DI STEVE IN QUEL ASSOLO MERAVIGLIOSO.QUANDO ASCOLTO THE LAMIA, CREDETEMI, PIANGO. UN BRANO STRUGGENTE, BELLISSIMO MA TRISTE. I MIEI RICORDI, MIO PADRE CHE A 80 ANNI AMAVA I GENESIS, I MIEI CARI AMICI MIMMO, GAETANO, VOLATI TROPPO PRESTO.MIMMO DICEVA CHE LA LORO MUSICA NON STANCA MAI. AVEVA RAGIONE.SPERO DI INCONTRARVI UN GIORNO. DI NUOVO INSIEME CON LA MUSICA DEI GENESIS.FINO ALLA FINE.

[petedaniels]

Why does this song always bring me to tears ?? So beautiful.

[SirCamera]

Marvelous. I never would’ve imagined the Lamia so small – that’s an inspired touch.

[laslalal]

Happy 50th to one of the best rock operas in music history!
(11.18.1974-11.18.2024)

[drindroldog]

The Lamia has to be one of the most emotional songs ever written by Peter Gabriel.

[martinolson]

Poor Rael, he can't get a break!...One of my fav track on The lamb. Thanks for the illustration.

[ANTHONYCUSHEN]

This track is very special. I have enjoyed visualising for many decades. The long rosewater pool is round etc. Thank you Nathaniel

[garyfernandez]

Only a genius can come up with those lyrics.