Happy the Man has to be the most interesting early Genesis song. It was never put on an official album at the time, but was released as an A-side single in a few countries. It was later put on several compilation albums, some with slightly different versions.

It is a very simple and sort of silly song, but remains one of my favorites (as you can tell). It was played live quite often and underwent several lyric changes.

It was recorded on May 10th, 1972. Here are all of the releases of the song. Each version is a bit different. Some fade in fast or slow or have a different mix where you can hear different instruments better than others. Click the MP3 to hear each one.

There are many high-definition scans so this may take a while to load...but you've been waiting since 1972 right???


UK Promo only version released May 12, 1972 

This was the first released version and came in two forms. 
The above one has a large 'A' stamped on the first side along with DJ SAMPLE.
The b-side also is stamped DJ SAMPLE.

Approximate Value: $100

This promotional version was also released with an unstamped b-side. 

Approximate Value: $100

This is the standard UK release from May 12, 1972. 
This was never issued with a picture sleeve.
All of these versions can be identified by their 'punch-out' center desigened for the large-hole 45 players.

Approximate Value: $60-$75

This is the jukebox promo for the Italian release July 7, 1972. 
This is a different mix than the UK version.
The a-side is promoting the Italian Genesis single 6073 316 (below) while the b-side has Slade.
The promo single is catalog number AS 179.

Approximate Value: $30-$50 (fairly common)

The very hard to find jukebox tag significantly increases the value

This is the official Italian release from July 1972. 
This like the promo is a different mix than the UK version.
This version has a picture sleeve with shots from the Lincoln Festival of May 1972.
Interestingly, I have not seen these shots elsewhere.

Approximate Value: $300+
This is very sought after and tough to find. In mint condition it can be worth more.

The single above was also released in extremely limited numbers with a Charisma logo on the sleeve. The vinyl is the same.
The value is difficult to say since it's so rare. Certainly much more than even the Philips release.
Extremely difficult to find! I only know of 1 copy.

This is the later re-release of the UK single, this time with a picture sleeve from October 1972. 

This single can also be identified by it's label with the small hole. If it doesn't have the 'punch-out' center, it should have a picture sleeve.

Approximate value $250-$300
This is also tough to find with a sleeve. 
The sleeves are typically not in good shape and make them worth a lot.

Note: This release has been copied. To tell the difference between the real and fake ones, check here.

A rare Italian promo booklet from November 1972 includes scores and lyrics.
Extremely difficult to find! I only know of 2 copies.

Ariston Italian promotional single PR-35 released in 1972. 
This has only 60 seconds of the song. It includes 13 other artists as well.
Note the reference to the Italian single on the Philips Label.

Approximate Value: There are so few of these and are so obscure, a value is difficult.
Certainly in the hundreds of dollars.

One More Chance compilation LP from 1973. Charisma catalog number CLASS 3. 
This version is different from the other singles. It doesn't have the typical fade-in intro. It fades real quick.

The Famous Charisma Label 5th Anniversary compilation LP from 1974. 
Also includes Twilight Alehouse and Watcher of the Skies (single version)

The Famous Charisma Box from 1993. 
This is a HUGE 4-CD set with a large booklet and a funny charicature of Peter and Phil on the cover.
Also includes The Knife.

The final 'official' release on the Genesis Archive 4-CD Box Set June 15, 1998. 


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