The Life of Riley

The Lightning Seeds

About The Life of Riley

"The Life of Riley" is a pop song by the British band The Lightning Seeds. It was released in 1992 with the album Sense. The song was a minor hit when it was first released on 2 March 1992, reaching number 28 on the UK Singles Chart. However the song later gained popularity when the BBC football programme, Match of the Day, began to use it frequently for segments including "Goal of the Month" - as such the song is still frequently heard at football grounds and associated with the segment many years later. The writer of the song, Ian Broudie, cites his son Riley as the namesake of the piece. The song title has also been used by the band for their greatest hits album, Life of Riley: The Lightning Seeds Collection. A remix of "The Life of Riley" appeared on the single "Sense", and an instrumental version appeared on "Change". The single was also later reissued. A cover of the song by Willie Dowling - Jackdaw 4 was used as the theme to the 2009 BBC television sitcom, Life of Riley. The trailers for the show used the original Lightning Seeds version. 


Year:
2005
4:02
26 
#2

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Lost in the Milky Way,
Smile at the empty sky and wait for
The moment a million chances may all collide.
I'll be the guiding light,
Swim to me through stars that shine down,
And call to the sleeping world as they fall to Earth.
So here's your life,
We'll find our way,
We're sailing blind,
But it's certain nothing's certain.
I don't mind,
I get the feeling
You'll be fine,
I still believe 
That in this world,
We've got to find the time...
For the life of Riley.
From cradles and sleepless nights,
You breathe in life forever,
And stare at the world from deep under eiderdown.
Although this world is a crazy ride,
You just take your seat and hold on tight.
So here's your life,
We'll find our way,
We're sailing blind,
But it's certain nothing's certain.
I don't mind,
I get the feeling
You'll be fine,
I still believe 
That in this world,
We've got to find the time...
For the first time...

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The Lightning Seeds

The Lightning Seeds are an English alternative rock and pop band from Liverpool, England formed in 1989 by Ian Broudie (vocals, guitar, producer), formerly of the band Big in Japan. more »

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Written by: IAN ZACHARY BROUDIE

Lyrics © Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind


13 facts about this song

Album Release
"The Life of Riley" by The Lightning Seeds was first released in their second studio album "Sense" in 1992.
Chart Performance
Although not an initial chart-topper, the song hit number 28 on the UK Singles Chart. It has since become one of the band's most recognized tracks.
Song Inspiration
Almost serenely upbeat, the song was written by frontman Ian Broudie as a tribute to his newborn son, Riley Broudie.
Movie Soundtracks
The song has been used on the soundtracks of various films and TV shows, including "There's Only One Jimmy Grimble", "The Unloved", and "EastEnders".
Sports Connection
"The Life of Riley" is also associated with sports, as it was used by Match of the Day for their 'Goal of the Month' competition.
Music Video
The music video, directed by Jon Klein, eventually won the "Best Video" award at the 1992 Smash Hits Poll Winners' party.
Song Theme
The song's lyrics celebrate the joy and wonder of growing up, as Broudie reflects on his son coming into the world and the possibilities and adventures that lie ahead of him.
Instrumentation
The song is renowned for its memorable piano intro and cheerful strings section composed by Simon Rogers.
Song's Reach
In the Netherlands, the track reached number 16 on the Dutch Top 40 and became a radio hit in the country, despite not being as successful elsewhere.
Writing Credit
Even though Ian Broudie wrote the majority of the song, it is also credited to co-writer Simon Rogers.
Band's Success
The success of "The Life of Riley" helped The Lightning Seeds garner a broader international audience and maintained their status as a major British Indie Pop band.
Re-release
The track was re-released as part of the band's 'Greatest Hits' compilation album in 2006, bringing it back into public consciousness.
Song Cover
"The Life Of Riley" was covered by artists such as top Japanese singer Tatsuro Yamashita and English rock band Smokie.

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