Life in One Day

Howard Jones

About Life in One Day

The third single from Howard Jones' 1985 album Dream Into Action, "Life in One Day" was another uptempo number, which lyrically warned against wishing one's life away. It reached number 14 in the UK Singles Chart, and number 19 on the United States Billboard Hot 100. The 12" version featured a pair of remixes of the lead track which were more obviously different in structure from the original than was the norm on Jones' previous releases. Part One was a vocal mix, and Part Two a largely instrumental dub mix. The UK B-side, "Boom Bap Respite", a piano instrumental, was not included in the US release. Instead the song was coupled with "Learning How to Love", a song previously available the UK on the single "Look Mama". 


Year:
1985
3:39
19 
#1

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The old man said to me
Said don't always take life so seriously
Play the flute
And dance and sing your song

Try and enjoy the here and now
The future will take care of itself somehow
The grass is never greener over there
Time will wear away the stone
Gets the hereditary bone

Don't try to live your life in one day
Don't go speed your time away
Don't try to live your life in one day
Don't go speed your time away

The old man said to me
Said you can't change the world single handedly
Raise a glass enjoy the scenery
Pretend the water is champagne
And fill my glass again and again
While the wolves are gathering round your door
Time will wear away the stone
Gets the hereditary bone

Don't try to live your life in one day
Don't go speed your time away
Don't try to live your life in one day
Don't go speed your time away

The old man said to me
Said don't always take life so seriously
Play the flute
And dance and sing your song

Try and enjoy the here and now
The future will take care of itself somehow
The grass is never greener over there
Time will wear away the stone
Gets the hereditary bone

I tried to live my life in one day
Don't go speed your time away

I bit off more than I can chew
Only so much you can do

Wolves are gathering round my door
Ask them in and invite some more

I tried to live my life in one day
Don't go speed your time away

Don't try to live your life in one day

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Howard Jones

Howard Jones (born John Howard Jones, 23 February 1955, Southampton, Hampshire, England) is a British musician, singer and songwriter. According to the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles & Albums, "Jones is an accomplished singer-songwriter who was a regular chart visitor in the mid 1980s with his brand of synthpop. Jones, who was equally popular in the U.S., appeared at Live Aid".Allmusic journalist, Stephen Thomas Erlewine adds, "Jones was one of the defining figures of mid 1980s synthpop. His music merged the technology intensive sound of New Wave with the cheery optimism of hippies and late 1960s pop. Jones racked up a string of hits in the mid and late 1980s, before he retreated into being a cult figure in the 1990s". more »

4 fans

Written by: HOWARD JONES

Lyrics © SONGS OF KOBALT MUSIC PUB OBO HOWARD JONES MUSIC AMERICA

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


10 facts about this song

Release Information
"Life in One Day" is a single released in 1985 by English songwriter and musician Howard Jones.
Chart Performance
On the UK Singles Chart, the song achieved a peak position of number 14. In the U.S., it climbed to number 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it Jones' second highest-charting song in the country.
Album Inclusion
The song is included in his second studio album, "Dream into Action", which achieved considerable commercial success in both the UK and U.S.
Music Video Production
A music video was directed for the song by famed director, Storm Thorgerson, who is notably known for his work with Pink Floyd.
Message and Influence
The song's lyrics suggest that people should not rush life and try to achieve everything in a single day but rather take things slowly and enjoy the process.
Collaboration
The song was produced by Rupert Hine, a veteran British musician and producer who has worked with a number of notable musicians including Tina Turner, The Fixx, and Stevie Nicks.
Live Performances
"Life in One Day" remains a staple on Howard Jones' live performances. He continues to tour and the song frequently features in his set lists.
Pop Culture Reference
The song is referenced in the comic book series “The Invisibles” authored by Grant Morrison. At a certain point, a character starts to sing it.
Cover Versions
Other artists have covered the song, further cementing its impact, including an acoustic rendition by the indie rock band Barenaked Ladies during their live performances.
Music Genre
The song showcases Howard Jones' typical blend of Pop and Synth-pop, a style prevalent in the 80s, making the song a hit in that era. It features a cheerful melody with a catchy chorus that has made it memorable to fans of his music.

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    Life in One Day

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1985

    Billboard #19


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