Something Happened On The Way To Heaven

Album: ...But Seriously (1989)
Charted: 15 4
Play Video

Songfacts®:

  • This song is about a man who has broken off relations with a loved one but wants to get back together with her. The song is more uptempo than you'd expect, possibly because the man is happy when he talks about his lover, even though they are not together at the moment. Maybe its a sign of his confidence that they will get back together again.
  • The song was co-written by Daryl Stuermer who played guitar and bass for Genesis and lead guitar for Phil Collins on their tours. It was originally written for the final scene of the film The War Of The Roses with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner, but Danny de Vito, who directed and co-starred in the movie, didn't like it.
  • Deborah Cox covered this on a Phil Collins tribute album and in 2003 a re-mix of her version was a #1 on the Billboard Dance chart and #95 on the Hot 100.
  • Jim Yukich directed the music video, which features Collins and his band during a rehearsal in England from the perspective of a curious dog who wanders the stage and pees on bassist Lee Sklar's leg.

Comments: 2

  • Huckle Cat from S JerseyExcellent Phil song - as compared to Sussudio.
  • Chelsea from Pa, AzGreat song!!
see more comments

Editor's Picks

Andrew Farriss of INXS

Andrew Farriss of INXSSongwriter Interviews

Andrew Farriss on writing with Michael Hutchence, the stories behind "Mystify" and other INXS hits, and his country-flavored debut solo album.

Jethro Tull

Jethro TullFact or Fiction

Stage urinals, flute devices, and the real Aqualung in this Fact or Fiction.

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino Edition

Songs in Famous Movie Scenes: Tarantino EditionMusic Quiz

Whether he's splitting ears or burning Nazis, Quentin Tarantino uses memorable music in his films. See if you can match the song to the scene.

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)

Mike Rutherford (Genesis, Mike + The Mechanics)Songwriter Interviews

Mike Rutherford talks about the "Silent Running" storyline and "Land Of Confusion" in the age of Trump.

Donald Fagen

Donald FagenSongwriter Interviews

Fagen talks about how the Steely Dan songwriting strategy has changed over the years, and explains why you don't hear many covers of their songs.

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillian

Soul Train Stories with Stephen McMillianSong Writing

A Soul Train dancer takes us through a day on the show, and explains what you had to do to get camera time.