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Blue Moon Release: Gabriel Unveils Oldest Song Yet
31 May
Summary
- Peter Gabriel released his oldest song, "A Hard Lesson," on the second full moon.
- The song was written in Senegal during the late 80s or early 90s.
- This track is part of Gabriel's ongoing "o/i" album project, releasing songs monthly.

As May 31, 2026, marked the second full moon of the month, Peter Gabriel unveiled "A Hard Lesson." This track holds the distinction of being the oldest song from his expansive "o/i" project, which is gradually releasing its full album through a series of monthly single drops.
The genesis of "A Hard Lesson" traces back to the late 1980s or early 1990s when Gabriel was in Senegal. Inspired by the local music, he began composing the song, drawn to the intricate polyrhythms. He describes the track as a quirky and long musical journey exploring themes of belonging and self-placement.
Gabriel acknowledged the decades-long development, stating that some creations require time to mature and evolve. He remains unhurried, trusting his creative process for when songs are ready for release. This latest single follows the established pattern of the "o/i" project, with "A Hard Lesson" receiving its bright-side mix by Mark "Spike" Stent, and a dark-side mix by Tchad Blake anticipated next month.