Meaning of “Invisible Touch” by Genesis

“Invisible Touch” is a song performed and recorded by the English band Genesis. The lyrics of this song talk about a woman who has a powerful control over a man.  And even though the man is fully aware that she is no good for him and can mess up his life, he still wants her because he is so into her and can’t get enough of her.

The theme of the song’s lyrics is almost similar to Phil Collins’ solo hit “Easy Lover“with Philip Bailey of Earth, Wind & Fire fame. Speaking with Rolling Stone magazine, Collins said of Invisible Touch as one of his favorite Genesis songs. According to Collins, he was captivated by the song “The Glamorous Life“ by Mexican-American singer and percussionist Sheila E. (also known as The Queen of Percussion) the very first time he heard it and wanted to create or rather write his own version of that song. That was the inspiration that led to the birth of “Invisible Touch“. So simply put, this song is Collins’ version of Sheila E.’s “The Glamorous Life“.

Facts about “Invisible Touch”

• The song was written by all three members of the band (Collins, Banks and Rutherford), with Collins solely writing the lyrics.
• Collins said the song’s lyrics were inspired by a number of people in his life.
• The song was produced by Genesis and longtime Phil Collins collaborator Hugh Padgham and released on May 19, 1986. It was the first single from the band’s thirteenth studio album of the same name (Invisible Touch).
• Peaking at number one on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, the song is to date the band’s most successful song. Interestingly, prior to the release of the song, Genesis lead singer Collins never thought the song was going to be a hit. Up until today, “Invisible Touch” remains Genesis’ only song to have reached the number one position in the United States.
• Despite the original lyrics of “Invisible Touch“ not containing the f-word, Collins often uses the f-word when performing the song live. For example, during the Live Earth concert at Wembley Stadium in London on 7 July, 2007, Collins raised few eyebrows when he used the offensive f-word while performing the song.
• Collins included this tune in his solo concert tour the Not Dead Yet Tour. It was one of a number of Genesis songs that Collins often performs during his solo tours.

Did Genesis make a music video for “Invisible Touch”?

Yes. The band made an official music video for this track. The clip was directed by music video director Jim Yukich. Yukich is known for directing music videos for both Phil Collins’ solo career and Genesis.