In the Phil Collins song 'in the air tonight', who is he singing about, and what did the person do?

Answer 1

This is a quote from an interview that phil gave to a magazine.

" I don't know what this song is about. When I was writing this I was going through a divorce. And the only thing I can say about it is that it's obviously in anger. It's the angry side, or the bitter side of a separation. So what makes it even more comical is when I hear these stories which started many years ago, particularly in America, of someone come up to me and say, 'Did you really see someone drowning?' I said, 'No, wrong'. And then every time I go back to America the story gets Chinese whispers, it gets more and more elaborate. It's so frustrating, 'cos this is one song out of all the songs probably that I've ever written that I really don't know what it's about, you know. "

Answer 2

Quote from Phil Collin's: on Wikipedia:
"I don't know what this song is about. When I was writing this I was going through a divorce. And the only thing I can say about it is that it's obviously in anger. It's the angry side, or the bitter side of a separation. So what makes it even more comical is when I hear these stories which started many years ago, particularly in America, of someone come up to me and say, 'Did you really see someone drowning?' I said, 'No, wrong'. And then every time I go back to America the story gets Chinese whispers, it gets more and more elaborate. It's so frustrating, 'cos this is one song out of all the songs probably that I've ever written that I really don't know what it's about, you know"

Answer 3

The urban legends associated with this song are varied. Basically, it's about Phil Collins witnessing someone drown and either no saved the victim or attempted to help. But Collins himself cleared up the rumor and stated that the song has nothing to do with anything like that. Check out the link for the full story. It's interesting.

Answer 4

Rumor is that as a kid Phil was swimming with his friend and his friends father drowned Phil's friend. Later he invited the father to a concert where he saw him for the first time since the incident. After watching Phil perform the song the man was arrested for murder of his son.

Can't say I believe the story, but that's what I've heard a number of times.

Answer 5

Some how. . some way. . . a rumor circulated years ago that this song was about an incident in his youth. Supposedly he watched a couple of kids drown another kid. The rumor goes that he invited these killers to a concert. . sat them in the front row. . .sang this song looking directly at them. . .and then the cops came and booked them. Well. . . it is all completely false. Like many good artists do. . . this song is about no incident in particular. If you listen to the lyrices it could be interpreted by many fans to mean many different things. As a result . . like a good song does. . it captivates many people who can fill in the vagueness of it with their own life events. Now. . as an added tidbit. . . The vapors song turning japanese. . . . well. . .the rumors are true. . . . that song is about a guy wanking off to his girlfriends picture! So. . if someone says you're turning japanese. . . well. . they are calling you a jerk off!

Answer 6

Phil denies the rumors,however the music is supposedly some guy who witnesses yet another guy drowning.there became into yet somebody else there who did no longer something to help the drowning guy.back,Phil Collins strongly denies the rumors.

Answer 7

The song deals with the frustrations of his marriage falling apart with his first wife.

Answer 8

Sorry dont know but fab song has to be played very loudly!! even my 14 year old loves it

Answer 9

Sometimes, a song or a poem is a metaphor.

Answer 10

Nothing and nobody. That is a rumor that has been around for years.

TFTP