Living in the Past

Jethro Tull

About Living in the Past

"Living in the Past" is a song by British progressive rock group Jethro Tull. It is one of the band's best-known songs, and it is notable for being written in the unusual 54 time signature. The 54 time signature is quickly noted from the beginning rhythmic bass pattern. The single reached number 3 on the UK Singles Chart.


Year:
2005
3:22
105 

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Happy and I'm smiling,
Walking miles to drink your water.
You know I'd love to love you,
And above you there's no other.

We'll go walking out
While others shout of war's disaster.

Oh, we won't give in,
Let's go living in the past.

Once I used to join in,
Every boy and girl was my friend.
Now there's revolution, but they don't know
What they're fighting.

Let us close out eyes,
Outside their lives go on much faster.

Oh, we won't give in,
We'll keep living in the past.

Oh, we won't give in,
Let's go living in the past.

Oh, no no we won't give in,
Let's go living in the past.

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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


10 facts about this song

Composition
"Living in the Past" was composed by Ian Anderson, who is the head of the British rock group, Jethro Tull. Anderson has been the main songwriter for the band since its inception.
Release Date
The song was released in 1969. It originally appeared as a single before its inclusion on the 1972 compilation album also called "Living in the Past."
Unique Feature
One of the song's most distinctive features is its unusual 5/4 time signature. This rare time signature, especially in rock music, gives the song an interesting rhythmic feel.
Chart Performance
Unlike many songs of Jethro Tull, "Living in the Past" was a significant commercial success. It peaked at number 3 on the UK Singles Chart and reached number 11 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Album Importance
The track is not just a standalone song but also the title track for a double album released by Jethro Tull in 1972. The album "Living in the Past" is composed of lesser-known tracks and singles that did not appear on their full-length studio albums.
Lyrics
Ironic in nature, the lyrics criticize people who are stuck in the past instead of moving forward. The song thus encapsulates the spirit of the late 60s and early 70s, which was all about looking towards the future.
Music Video
A music video was also produced for "Living in the Past," which featured the band members performing the song in an idyllic field. This was relatively novel at the time, as the concept of music videos was still relatively new.
Legacy
"Living in the Past" is one of Jethro Tull's best-known songs. Over the years, it has been covered by numerous artists in various genres. Moreover, it features in many "best of" listings of the band.
Flute Solo
The song is notable for its flute solo performed by Anderson, whose usage of the instrument is considered a defining feature of Jethro Tull’s sound.
Live Performances
The song often forms part of the setlist during Jethro Tull's concerts, which demonstrates its popularity among fans.

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    Living in the Past

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    Top Hot 100 Songs 1973

    Billboard #11


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