Livin' Thing

Electric Light Orchestra

About Livin' Thing

"Livin' Thing" is a song written by Jeff Lynne and performed by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO). It appears on ELO's 1976 album A New World Record. Patti Quatro sang uncredited vocals, particularly the "higher and higher" parts. In August 2006, "Livin' Thing" was named by the UK's Q as the number 1 "Guilty Pleasure" single of all time – a list designed to celebrate "uncool" but excellent records, and which received considerable publicity. The original single had the bonus of having "Fire On High" on the flip side, a tune that became the band's most popular instrumental piece. The UK version was released in a blue vinyl format. 


Year:
2001
102 

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Sailin' away on the crest of a wave
It's like magic
Rollin' and ridin' and slippin' and slidin'
It's magic

And you, and your sweet desire
You took me higher and higher
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 your first day

And you, and your sweet desire
You took me higher and higher
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
It's a livin' thing
It's a terrible thing to lose
It's a given thing
What a terrible thing to lose

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Electric Light Orchestra

Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) are a British rock group from Birmingham, England who released eleven studio albums between 1971 and 1986 and another album in 2001. ELO were formed to accommodate Roy Wood and Jeff Lynne's desire to create modern rock and pop songs with classical overtones. After Wood's departure following the band's debut record, Lynne wrote and arranged all of the group's original compositions and produced every album. more »

7 fans

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.
Chart Performance
The single was a success, peaking at number 4 on the UK Singles Chart and number 13 on the US Billboard Hot 100.
Lead Singer
Jeff Lynne, the lead singer of the Electric Light Orchestra, also wrote the song.
Popularity Over Time
Despite its age, "Livin' Thing" has demonstrated enduring popularity and is still frequently played on classic rock and pop radio stations.
Cover Versions
The song has been covered by numerous artists including Bjorn Again, Beautiful South, and Matthew Sweet and Susanna Hoffs.
Music Video
A 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.
Influences
The melody and chord progression of "Livin' Thing" are inspired by the music of the Beatles, particularly their late '60s output.
Band's Style
The song is a good example of Electric Light Orchestra’s signature style of combining orchestral sounds with rock music.
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.
Critical Acclaim
The song was ranked as the 30th greatest song of all time in a 2000 poll by MOJO magazine.
Song's Theme
The 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.
Instrumentation
Notably, the song features a prominent violin section, a musical touch that has come to be closely associated with ELO's sound.
Symbolism
The 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.
Unique Structure
Its unusual song structure, featuring a falsetto chorus and modulating verses, adds further intrigue and uniqueness to the track.
Iconic Song Line
The 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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    Livin' Thing

    3.2M
    29,954     541

    Top Hot 100 Songs 1977

    Billboard #13


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