Peter Gabriel should be knighted, if only for his unselfish dedication to the cause of global human rights, let alone his contributions to music and culture. My favorite artist. No one is more curious or eclectic and his Real World Music record label has introduced many great artists to Western audiences. Peter is one of the most influential musicians of our lifetimes, and I was fortunate to have seen him live with Genesis in1974, in addition to more that 20 of his magnificent solo shows. You will eventually get to Peter's live version of "In Your Eyes" from the 1993 tour, which may change your life. Peter is a lyrical genius whose wordplay and use of the language are unmatched. I love all the sexual innuendo in this tune.

I never get tired of this song.

My first gig was part of the tour for this album. I was 16 and caught the bus to London’s Earls Court. He sang this! Amazing ❤

If you like Peter, check his earlier work with Genesis. Foxtrot album has some great tracks, such as Nursery Chrymes. Peter is very theatrical. An ex boss of mine drinks in the same pub as Peter.

I was there in the eighties, and I'm not missing them in the least. This song (and this video, especially) was exceptional back then, and not in any way representative of the decade. And it's still exceptional. As for the sledgehammer, let's say it has to do with ... penetration. (I can hear your dad chuckling away recommending this song.) And if your wife got the point, I hope you had a great night. ;-)

“Shock the monkey” is fabulous as well

If you're interested, there are at least two other iconic songs from the 1980's with iconic videos. (Nothing like 'Sledgehammer' of course.) One is 'Rapture' by Blondie and another is 'Rockit' by Herbie Handcock.

Your dad has good taste.

The man they had to invent a genre to fit him into. Love Pete, had the privilege and pleasure of seeing him live and thoroughly enjoyed it.

At least 3 times there were sledgehammers portrayed in the video. Think of a logging axe but with hammer heads instead.

You’re face when it got to the fruit cage line was hilarious 😆 If you enjoyed Peter Gabriel check out his live version of In Your Eyes and his duet with Kate Bush, Don’t Give Up. 👍🏻

One album before, Peter Gabriel 4 (Security for the US market), Peter sang the line "Headless chickens dance in circles" in the song "The Family and the Fishing Net". I wonder if the headless dancing chickens in this music video are a reference to that, or just a coincidence.

02:39 The Quay Brothers did the stop motion for director Steven R. Johnson for this video. You've probably seen their stuff before. They're fantastic.

I think you would highly enjoy the live version of his song In Your Eyes (Secret World Live). He is fantastic, and the multicultural performance will likely bring a smile to your face. Oh and it is all innuendo for sex in some way, in this song. I am sure it was mentioned in the past. If you want to see a super innovative video, do Take on Me by Aha

A sledgehammer is a specific type of massive hammer. Perhaps you don't use that phrase in the UK. Just like in America we don't use the UK term "sledge", which is sled or sleigh to us.