PHIL COLLINS - SOMETHING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO HEAVEN

Released: April 16, 1990

Charts: UK: #15   US: #4 

“Something Happened on the Way to Heaven” is a single by Phil Collins, from his album “…But Seriously”. Co-written with Daryl Stuermer, it was originally intended for the final scene of “The War of the Roses”, but was rejected by director Danny DeVito. The song peaked at #4 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and #15 on the UK Singles Chart. A live version appears on “Serious Hits… Live!”. The track is recognizable for its recurring hook, “How many times can I say ‘I’m sorry’?”, though the title comes from the second line of the second verse.

This song is about a man who regrets ending a relationship and wants to reconcile. Despite the emotional theme, the song has an upbeat energy, possibly reflecting the man’s hope and confidence that they will reunite.

The music video, directed by Jim Yukich and produced by Paul Flattery, follows a dog’s adventure in a concert hall where Phil Collins and his band are rehearsing. The dog, dreaming of being a silent film hero, wakes up in a meadow and follows the sound of music into the venue. It explores the facility, eats from the band’s buffet, climbs the catwalks, and even plays the piano and drums. The video includes humorous moments, such as the dog relieving itself on stage, first near backing singer Arnold McCuller and later on bassist Leland Sklar’s leg—leading to Collins laughing and wiping Sklar’s shoe.

The UK single cover featured comedian Tony Hancock, while the international release used a still from the 1946 film “A Matter of Life and Death”.