Can-Utility and the Coastliners

"Can-Utility and the Coastliners" is the fourth song on Genesis' fourth album, Foxtrot, released in 1972. "Can-Utility and the Coastliners", written mostly by guitarist Steve Hackett with bass player Mike Rutherford and keyboardist Tony Banks, is based on the legend of King Cnut of England, Denmark, and Norway, who supposedly ordered the seas to retreat to mock the sycophancy of his followers. Steve Hackett wrote the lyrics.

An early, longer version of the song found its way into pre-album live sets (as heard on certain bootleg recordings); known as "Bye Bye Johnny" or "Rock My Baby", it featured an extended instrumental section in which the Mellotron string sound dominated.

Personnel

 * Peter Gabriel – lead vocals, tambourine, oboe
 * Phil Collins – drums, finger cymbals, backing vocals
 * Steve Hackett – electric and 12-string acoustic guitars
 * Mike Rutherford – 12-string acoustic guitar, bass guitar, Dewtron "Mister Bassman" bass pedal synthesizer
 * Tony Banks – Mellotron, Hammond organ