Intruder (song)

Song infobox
Name = Intruder


Artist = Peter Gabriel
Album = Peter Gabriel
Released = 30 May 1980
track_no = 1
Recorded = Late 1979
Genre = Experimental rock
Length = 4:54
Writer = Gabriel
Label = Charisma (UK), Mercury(U.S.)
Producer = Steve Lilywhite
prev =
prev_no =
next = No Self Control
next_no = 2

"Intruder" is a song written and performed by British musician Peter Gabriel. It starts off his third eponymous album with the description of a break-in told through the eyes of the burglar, or "Intruder". The phrase "I like...." is repeated throughout the song, indicating that the burglar was not pressured into his actions, but instead intrudes homes simply for the thrill of committing a crime.

Like the rest of the album, this song features the "gated drum" sound created by Hugh Padgham and Phil Collins and contains no cymbals. In fact, the song was built upon a simple drum pattern that Gabriel asked Phil to play while he wrote the words and the music. In accordance with Gabriel's penchant for unusual instrumentation, it features a xylophone solo about halfway through the song. Also, twice a grating sound can be heard, similar to cracking glass.

The song was often performed live in the early '80's, and a performance can be heard on his first live album, Plays Live.