"Misunderstanding" by Genesis

Discover Genesis' catchy 1980 hit "Misunderstanding," a key pop rock single from their album "Duke." Penned entirely by Phil Collins, this AOR favorite resonated with listeners through its relatable story and infectious melody, driving Genesis further into mainstream success and solidifying their place in early 80s rock.

Appearing on the influential 1980 Genesis album "Duke," "Misunderstanding" clearly signaled the band's shift towards more concise pop rock and AOR formats. Written solely by Phil Collins, initially intended for his solo work, its straightforward narrative and memorable piano hook provided a contrast to the band's earlier progressive rock complexity. The track perfectly captured a blend of rock energy and pop sensibility popular at the start of the decade.

"Misunderstanding" achieved significant chart success for Genesis in 1980, becoming a Top 20 hit in the United States and Canada. Its popularity was fueled by the universal theme of relationship frustration and its undeniably catchy composition. The song stands as an important early marker of Phil Collins' emerging signature songwriting style, blending personal lyrical themes with accessible AOR and pop rock musicality within the Genesis framework.

SONG MEANING: "Misunderstanding" narrates the experience of someone repeatedly waiting for a partner or date who never arrives ("There must be some misunderstanding / There must be some kind of mistake"). It captures the feelings of confusion, frustration, wasted effort, and the eventual, painful realization of being stood up, highlighting miscommunication and dashed expectations in a relationship.