Is In the Air Tonight Based on a True Story?
What is In the Air Tonight About?
In 1981 Phil Collins released “In the Air Tonight” which became a hit, probably his most famous song. Even though he won an Oscar for “You’ll Be in My Heart” from Tarzan, you don’t see people singing that at karaoke or sushi chefs performing to it (yes, I’ve seen sushi chefs do a routine to “In the Air Tonight”).
Rumors have spread over the years that “In the Air Tonight” was based on a true story. The most common rumor: a man’s wife was raped and when the man saw the rapist drowning he didn’t offer to help. Where did people get this idea? Take a look at the lyrics:
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
The lyrics continue:
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 of course there’s the chorus:
Well I've been waiting for this moment for all my life
Is In the Air Tonight Based on Real Life?
Though it will likely go down in musical lore as the backstory to “In the Air Tonight,” the song is not about a man literally drowning. Phil Collins was on The Tonight Show and told Jimmy Fallon what the song is really about. Divorce. Look back at those lyrics. Yikes, that must’ve been a very contentious breakup. See the clip below.