Livin' Thing
Electric Light Orchestra
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Sailin' away on the crest of a wave It's like magic Oh, rollin' and ridin' and slippin' and slidin' It's magic And you, and your sweet desire You took me higher and higher, baby It's a livin' thing It's a terrible thing to lose It's a given thing What a terrible thing to lose Making believe this is what you conceived From your worst day Moving in line then you look back in time To the first day And you, and your sweet desire Don't you do it, don't you do it You took me, oh higher and higher, baby It's a livin' thing It's a terrible thing to lose It's a given thing What a terrible thing to lose Takin' a dive 'cos you can't halt the slide Floating downstream So let her go don't start spoiling the show It's a bad dream And you, and your sweet desire You took me higher and higher, baby It's a livin' thing It's a terrible thing to lose It's a given thing What a terrible thing to lose It's a livin' thing It's a terrible thing to lose
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Written by: Jeff Lynne
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
15 facts about this song
Release and Reception"Livin' Thing" was released in 1976 as part of the album "A New World Record" by Electric Light Orchestra.
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Chart PerformanceThe single was a success, peaking at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
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Lead SingerJeff Lynne, the lead singer of the Electric Light Orchestra, also wrote the song.
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Popularity Over TimeDespite its age, "Livin' Thing" has demonstrated enduring popularity and is still frequently played on classic rock and pop radio stations.
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Cover VersionsThe song has been covered by numerous artists including Bjorn Again, Beautiful South, and Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs.
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Music VideoA music video was made for the song in 1977, showing the band playing the track on a giant jukebox, something unusual and innovative for that time.
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InfluencesThe melody and chord progression of "Livin' Thing" are inspired by the music of the Beatles, particularly their late '60s output.
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Band's StyleThe song is a good example of Electric Light Orchestra’s signature style of combining orchestral sounds with rock music.
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Performed Live“Livin' Thing” is a regular part of ELO's live setlists and is included in most of their concert films and live albums.
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Critical AcclaimThe song was ranked as the 30th greatest song of all time in a 2000 poll by MOJO magazine.
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Song's ThemeThe lyrics are known for their somewhat ambiguous nature, causing fans and critics alike to debate on the true meaning behind the songs about life and the complexities within it.
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InstrumentationNotably, the song features a prominent violin section, a musical touch that has come to be closely associated with ELO's sound.
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SymbolismThe beginning of "Livin' Thing" includes a slow three-part harmony that represents the start of existence, with the remainder of the song representing life's ups and downs.
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Unique StructureIts unusual song structure, featuring a falsetto chorus and modulating verses, adds further intrigue and uniqueness to the track.
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Iconic Song LineThe line "It's a Living Thing," is repeatedly sung in the song, making it one of the most iconic lines associated with "Livin' Thing."
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Citation
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"Livin' Thing Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Sep. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/17274828/Electric+Light+Orchestra/Livin%27+Thing>.
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