The story behind the album cover: Selling England by the Pound (1973) - GENESIS
"Look at him, lying there on the garden bench, Jacob the gardener, from the second song on this famous LP. It was one o'clock and time for lunch. He is totally content. He knows what he likes. Drives you mad with envy. How often do we have to meet all kinds of expectations? Are there any voices in the back of our mind that want to take over? "Turn left, turn right". You can always hear them talking. But Jacob can't be bothered. He works for wealthy, noble people. The lady in the background with the parasol. Prosperity and wealth are beckoning. Jacob does not care. Just let him be the groundsman. And then there is Mr. Farmer. He thinks Jacob is wasting his time. "There is a future for you in the fire escape trade. Come to town". But Jacob does not want any change of jobs nor does he want adventure. "Gambling only pays when you win!" is his motto. He spots two lovebirds in the garden. The sort of thing he really enjoys. He's quite happy with what he has.
The cover with the painting "The Dream" by artist Betty Swanwick beautifully depicts the image of gardener Jacob. A nice detail is that Swanwick only added the lawnmower to the picture at a later stage, when Genesis asked if they could use the artwork for the cover of their new album. The actual album cover hangs prominently in my study and puts things in perspective. Whenever I feel steam coming out of my ears, having to meet all kinds of expectations and/or deadlines, I look at the image and tell myself: "It's one o'clock and time for lunch, Bum de dum de dum." No one is going to tell me what to do. I am the captain of my own ship.
"Selling England by the Pound" is still high on the Progrock album charts. Brilliant music with beautiful lyrics. Some of the songs' themes are still relevant today. England's identity and outside influences. "Can you tell me where my Country Lies" Peter Gabriel opens in the first track. During live shows he is dressed as "Brittania" with trident and shield with the Union Jack.
The idea of Selling England came about after Genesis first toured America in 1972. The land of great promise. But the cultural differences between band members and audiences proved to be enormous. The Americans were all about straightforward music and wanted Rock 'n Roll. Arriving on the scene five skinny Brits with a singer who seemed to transform during gigs, wearing all kinds of strange costumes. And songs lasting over 20 minutes! In the beginning they were booed off the stage, but halfway through the spark was lit and the audience captivated. However, all band members were happy to return to their familiar home country and to be able to have another cup of tea with a dash of milk. They became aware of the American influences in England such as fast food chains. At the same time there was this ongoing discussion whether or not England should join the European Union.
As I write this, I hear another voice in the back of my head. "Stop writing, get to work, another assignment is still waiting for you". Then I take a look at Jacob once again, on his garden bench. First I will finish off this story. "I know what I like, and I like what I know". Let me just write stories about album covers. That's all I need."
Written by Gerrit-Jan Vrielink
Translation by: Alex Driessen
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