Peter Gabriel Big Time: Song

The song is a high-energy "funk-rocker" heavily influenced by the sounds of the 1960s.

is the third single from Peter Gabriel's multi-platinum 1986 album, So . Released in March 1987, it became one of Gabriel's most commercially successful tracks, reaching #8 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #13 in the UK. Musical Composition & Innovation Peter Gabriel Big Time Song

Lyrically, "Big Time" is a on the ego, materialism, and unbridled ambition of the 1980s. The song is a high-energy "funk-rocker" heavily influenced

(longtime Billy Joel collaborator) on saxophone. P.P. Arnold , a legendary soul singer, on backing vocals. Lyrical Meaning & Satire Musical Composition & Innovation Lyrically, "Big Time" is

: One of the track's most famous technical innovations is its percussive bassline. Tony Levin handled the fingerings on a fretless bass while drummer Jerry Marotta hit the strings with drumsticks. This unique sound led Levin to later invent "Funk Fingers," small drumstick ends that attach to the fingers for live performances.