Phil Collins Admits One of His Most Iconic Songs Was ‘80% Improvised’

Phil Collins, the legendary musician, recently opened up about his songwriting process, revealing that he rarely plans out his lyrics before engaging with his piano. During an interview on BBC Radio 2’s “Tracks of My Years” with Vernon Kay, the Grammy-winning artist shared insights into how his most famous tracks often come together through spontaneous improvisation.

At 75 years old, Collins reflected on the creative journey he embarks upon when writing music. He stated, “I very rarely sit down and think, ‘What am I going to write about?’” Instead, his inspiration tends to flow naturally while he’s playing the piano. He noted that from the simple act of playing, ideas tend to manifest, allowing the subsequent lyrics to develop organically.

A prime example of his improvisational style is the iconic track “In the Air Tonight.” Collins disclosed that approximately 80% of the song was created on a whim. He recalled riffing on a chord sound from his keyboard, which ultimately became the unmistakable instrumental backdrop of the 1980s hit. “I was by myself in my bedroom when I came up with the idea,” he reminisced, highlighting his solitary creative environment.

Collins explained the process behind creating the hit, which involved programming a drum machine to add an engaging rhythm. He then sang along with the resulting melody, producing improvised lyrics that matched the musical atmosphere he had crafted. “The words that came out on that first verse were improvised,” he shared, illustrating how spontaneous creation can lead to monumental success in music.

Vernon Kay, caught up in the excitement of the discussion, noted that such an organic creative process had resulted in one of the most recognisable songs in contemporary music. Collins, with a touch of humour, quipped about the potentially fortuitous nature of his lyrics, suggesting, “Maybe it was that extra whiskey at lunchtime.”

While this free-form approach has characterised much of Collins’ work, he did note a significant shift in methodology when he created music for Disney’s “Tarzan” in 1999. For this project, the songs were required to align with specific narrative moments in the film, leading Collins to adopt a more structured format. “Then I had to think, I’ve got a story to tell here, and this is what they want me to say,” he explained, indicating a level of responsibility to ensure the music complemented the film’s emotional landscape.

Despite the need for a more regimented approach for “Tarzan,” Collins maintained that the essence of his creativity remained intact. He continued to rely on spontaneous phrases and lines that made sense within the context of the movie, crediting his success to an element of “luck” and the serendipity that often accompanies the artistic process.

Kay expressed genuine enthusiasm throughout the interview, admitting that it was one of the few times he felt “giddy” while speaking with a guest, as Collins’ music had played such a significant role in his life. Collins responded to the compliment with humility, stating, “For a singer or songwriter, that’s the nicest thing anyone can say.” He elaborated further, emphasising that appreciating one’s work through personal connections is ultimately the highest form of recognition.

Through this candid conversation, Collins provides a unique glimpse into the world of a musician whose career spans several decades. His reflections not only illuminate the intricacies of his songwriting but also serve as a reminder of the beauty of creativity – a blend of structure and spontaneity, luck and talent. As Collins continues to inspire generations of listeners, his approach to music remains a testament to the power of following one’s instinctive creative flow.