Life Is a Long Song

Jethro Tull

About Life Is a Long Song

"Life Is a Long Song" is a song composed by Ian Anderson and first recorded by Jethro Tull. It was released as the lead track on an EP in July 1971, reaching No. 18 in the UK charts. It later appeared on the 1972 compilation album Living in the Past. The song is centred around Anderson's acoustic guitar playing, and the lyrics talking about everyday life, concluding that "the tune ends too soon for us all". It is the first Jethro Tull recording to feature drummer Barriemore Barlow, who had joined the group shortly before. Fairport Convention covered the song on their 1997 album Who Knows Where the Time Goes. 


Year:
2001
3:18
49 

 Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer

When you're falling awake
And you take stock of the new day
And you hear your voice croak
As you choke on what you need to say

Well, don't you fret, don't you fear
I will give you good cheer

Life's a long song
Life's a long song
Life's a long song
If you wait then your plate I will fill

As the verses unfold 
and your soul suffers the long day
And the twelve o'clock gloom
Spins the room, you struggle on your way

Well, don't you sigh, don't you cry
Lick the dust from your eye

Life's a long song
Life's a long song
Life's a long song
We will meet in the sweet light of dawn

As the Baker Street train spills your pain
All over your new dress
And the symphony sounds 
underground puts you under duress

Well, don't you squeal as the heel
Grinds you under the wheels

Life's a long song
Life's a long song
Life's a long song
But the tune ends too soon for us all

 The easy, fast & fun way to learn how to sing: 30DaySinger.com


Jethro Tull

Jethro Tull are a British progressive rock group formed in Luton, Bedfordshire, in December 1967. Their music is characterised by the vocals, acoustic guitar, and flute playing of Ian Anderson, who has led the band since its founding, and the guitar work of Martin Barre, who has been with the band since 1969, after he replaced original guitarist Mick Abrahams. more »

11 fans

Written by: IAN ANDERSON

Lyrics © BMG Rights Management

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


11 facts about this song

Artist Background
"Life Is a Long Song" is performed by Jethro Tull, a British rock band formed in 1967, that is known for their signature combination of rock, jazz and folk music.
Songwriter
This song was written by band frontman Ian Anderson, who is considered an important figure in the progression of British folk-rock and progressive rock.
Release
"Life Is a Long Song" is one of the five songs on Jethro Tull's 1971 EP, also titled "Life is a Long Song."
Meaning
The song is introspective, with the lyrics meditating on the passage of life and time. It uses the metaphor of life as a song - sometimes sad, sometimes happy, but always ongoing.
Distinction
This was one of the few Jethro Tull songs to have a promotional video. It was prepared and aired on BBC before the concept of the music video had really taken off.
Album Artwork
The cover of the EP represents a fish-eye view from inside a guitar's interior, reflecting the curvature of a round back guitar such as the one used by Anderson at the time.
Musicianship
The music incorporates the band's characteristic use of flute, which was a somewhat unusual instrument in rock music, and helped distinguish Jethro Tull's sound.
Reception
It is considered by many fans to be one of Jethro Tull's finest songs due to its beautiful melody and thoughtful lyrics.
Legacy
"Life is a Long Song" has been included in many Jethro Tull compilations and has been covered by other artists, attesting to its enduring appeal.
Live Performances
Jethro Tull often included "Life is a Long Song" in their live performances, and the song is still performed live by Ian Anderson in his solo tours.
Vinyl Issue
The song was again issued in 1985 by Chrysalis on 7" vinyl in the UK.

Discuss the Life Is a Long Song Lyrics with the community:

0 Comments

    Citation

    Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:

    Style:MLAChicagoAPA

    "Life Is a Long Song Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 19 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/4893740/Jethro+Tull/Life+Is+a+Long+Song>.

    Missing lyrics by Jethro Tull?

    Know any other songs by Jethro Tull? Don't keep it to yourself!

    Watch the song video

    Life Is a Long Song

    52,699
    384     15

    Browse Lyrics.com

    Quiz

    Are you a music master?

    »
    What is the theme song to the movie: Casper?
    A Jordan Hill - Remember Me This Way
    B Survivor - Eye of the Tiger
    C Ray Parker Jr. - Ghostbusters
    D Phil Collins - Against All Odds

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Chrome

    Get instant explanation for any lyrics that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Free, no signup required:

    Add to Firefox

    Get instant explanation for any acronym or abbreviation that hits you anywhere on the web!

    Don't miss Jethro Tull's

    Upcoming Events

    »
    Jethro Tull tracks

    On Radio Right Now

    Loading...

    Powered by OnRad.io


    Think you know music? Test your MusicIQ here!