Duchess (Genesis song)

For song and single by The Stranglers, see Duchess (The Stranglers song).

"Duchess"
Single by Genesis
from the album Duke
B-side	"Open Door"
Released	9 May 1980
Recorded	October–December 1979
Studio	Polar Studios
Genre	Progressive rock
Length	6:40 (album version) 4:21 (single version) 3:57 (music video)
Label	Charisma/Virgin (UK) Atlantic (US)
Songwriter(s)	Tony Banks, Phil Collins, Mike Rutherford
Producer(s)	David Hentschel and Genesis
Genesis singles chronology
"Turn It On Again" (1980) "Duchess" (1980) "Misunderstanding" (1980)
Audio sample
"Duchess" file help

"Duchess" is a song by the English rock band Genesis, appearing as the second track on their 1980 album, Duke. It peaked at number 46 in the UK Singles Chart. The song is a part of the album's "hidden suite", which included "Behind the Lines", "Guide Vocal", "Turn It On Again", "Duke's Travels", and "Duke's End". It was the first Genesis song to use a drum machine.

The lyrics tell the story of the rise and fall of an ambitious singer. At the start of her career, she dreams of singing to large crowds, but cares more about her music than the prospect of fame. As her success increases, her dream comes true and she becomes a superstar, adored by ecstatic audiences. However, after several years at the top, she struggles to stay relevant. By caring too much about what her audience wants, the quality of her music is negatively impacted. Unable to stay in spotlight, she chooses to end her music career and fondly remembers her former superstardom.

The video for the song shows Phil Collins, Tony Banks and Mike Rutherford playing at various points around the Liverpool Empire Theatre. The drum machine used in the song (Roland CR-78) is shown at the beginning of the video.

Personnel

• Tony Banks – keyboards, backing vocals
• Phil Collins – vocals, drums, Roland CR-78
• Mike Rutherford – guitars, bass pedals, backing vocals