Meaning

Here's an interpretation of the lyrics for "In the Air Tonight" by Phil Collins

"I can feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord" - This line suggests that something significant or intense is about to happen. The speaker senses that something is building up and is on the verge of happening.
"And I've been waiting for this moment for all my life, oh Lord" - This line suggests that the speaker has been anticipating this moment for a long time. It implies that whatever is about to happen is something that the speaker has been preparing for, or has been waiting to experience.
"Can you feel it coming in the air tonight, oh Lord, oh Lord" - This line invites the listener to join the speaker in sensing the impending event. It suggests that the intensity of the moment is something that is palpable and can be felt by those who are attuned to it.
"Well, if you told me you were drowning, I would not lend a hand" - This line suggests a sense of betrayal or abandonment. It implies that the speaker has been wronged by someone who they would not help in a time of need.
"I've seen your face before my friend, but I don't know if you know who I am" - This line suggests a sense of familiarity or recognition between the speaker and the other person involved, but also a sense of distance or lack of connection.
"I saw it with my own two eyes" - This line reinforces the idea that the speaker has witnessed something significant and is aware of what has happened.

Overall, these lyrics suggest a sense of anticipation and intensity, with a hint of betrayal and a sense of familiarity or recognition between the speaker and the other person involved. The lyrics are somewhat cryptic and open to interpretation, but they suggest a sense of emotion and tension that builds throughout the song.

answer from ChatGPT on 4/29/23 1157

Well if you told me you were drowning…

I would not lend a hand...
I've seen your face before my friend…

But I don't know if you know who I am...
But I was there and I saw what you did...

I saw it with my own two eyes...
So you can wipe off that grin...

I know where you've been… It's all been a pack of lies...