Living in the past
Anderson Lyrics


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My speaker broke, so I'm living in mono
My shirt's been washed too many times so I rock the fade
I wear the same jeans every day
These holes are nothing that I paid for
I'm running out of time to run away

Why wouldn't I want to be right here
Right now, right beside you?
Right here in the mix, in the moment
In the middle of making dreams come true
Just one of the 86,400 seconds in this day
And what's wrong with spending each of them this way?

Try to stop it, try to top it when you see us try to rock it
Nothing sweeter than a streetside singer, don't you knock it
Yeah we do it for the fame, maybe do it for the profit
When we started there was nothing but our hands down in our pockets
But we're lying fine and dandy if we say there's no eye candy
At each and every one of our shows
We got a propensity for the density of all these fine California
Oh, no, no, no

Why wouldn't I want to be right here
Right now, right beside you?
Right here in the mix, in the moment
In the middle of making dreams come true
Just one of the 86,400 seconds in this day
And what's wrong with spending each of them this way?

If you've been listening to the melody then tell me
If you're not in the mood to hear this verse
We're gonna keep it loose and flowing
Keep it natural, knowing that nobody could rehearse
Recreate or reimagine all the feeling, all the passion
All the grooving that's going down
All of the sexual attraction driving me to distraction, now everybody gather 'round

Why wouldn't I want to be right here
Right now, right beside you?
Right here in the mix, in the moment
In the middle of making dreams come true
Just one of the 86,400 seconds in this day
And what's wrong with spending each of them this way?

It was time for us to study at the Hall
We headed down to Pardall
Caught up with Money Ray at the door
They had "Dandylyin" playing
50 Clubbers were saying
Turn that local shit up a little bit more
McColgan, Elio and Smitty pouring drinks for all
The pretty girls just soaking in the atmosphere
Afternooning, we're grooving
But it's time to get moving
Everybody finish up their beer
We're going downtown, late night
We do it right from Wildcat to Sandbar
That sound okay?
Finish up with Lacey at O'Malleys
Grab a cab, glad
Singing like "Oo-da-lolly, golly what a day!"

Why wouldn't I want to be right here
Right now, right beside you?
Right here in the mix, in the moment
In the middle of making dreams come true
Just one of the 86,400 seconds in this day
And what's wrong, oh what's wrong




Oh what's wrong
With spending each of them this way?

Overall Meaning

In "Living In The Past," Anderson depicts a laid-back and contented lifestyle, emphasizing the value of living in the present moment. The first verse reflects a simple and modest existence, where material possessions are not significant. The singer's broken speaker and faded shirt demonstrate a lack of concern for appearances. Wearing the same jeans every day and embracing the holes in them symbolizes the singer's detachment from materialistic expectations. The line "I'm running out of time to run away" suggests that the singer is fully committed to their current circumstances, feeling no need to escape or search for something better.


The second verse delves into the realities of the singer's life as a performer. While they acknowledge that fame and profit may be motivating factors, there is an insinuation that their passion for music drives them more than material gain. The "eye candy" mentioned refers to attractive people at their shows, emphasizing that they appreciate and enjoy the attention that their performances bring. Thus, they justify their pursuit of music by emphasizing the connections they make and the enjoyment they bring to others.


In the chorus, Anderson questions why anyone would choose to be anywhere other than in the present moment. They cherish each second of the day and find fulfillment in being present with someone they care about. The repetition of the chorus reinforces the message of embracing the present and emphasizes that there is nothing wrong with fully experiencing each moment.


The final verse portrays a scene where the singer and their companions are enjoying a day of relaxation before heading out for a night of fun. They mention specific locations and people, creating a sense of camaraderie and unity within their community. The mention of "Dandylyin" playing and the desire to turn up the local music highlights their pride in the local music scene and their enthusiasm for supporting it. The verse culminates in a lively and adventurous night out, celebrating life and the joy of being in the present.


Overall, "Living In The Past" encourages listeners to appreciate the present moment, finding joy in simplicity and embracing the connections and experiences that come with it. It suggests that by fully immersing ourselves in the present moment, we can create meaningful and fulfilling lives.




Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Grover Anderson

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

Tanuki Man

Bless you Ian for making that flute rock for all these years! Live long and have the breath to sing and play forever more.

Antoinette Wenk

I can just not get enough. I've been listening to the very oldies. Benefit, Stand up, War Child over and over. Thank you Ian and not often enough mentioned David Palmer and John Evan. Totally mind blowing. XOXO

Stephanie White

I have never seen Jethro Tull in concert, but I do love their music and Ian Andersen's flute playing!

Marlene Weaver

See him/them. You will not be disappointed!

Nancy Chandler

Anything BUT a studio band!!! Pure musical genius ♥️

Nancy Chandler

Whatcha doin later Ian 😉

GrindfreakMike

One of the best live versions by far

Richard Taylor

Ian is a true master at his art and the whole band is nothing less than perfection.

James David Dupre

He inspired me greatly. I knew every song that our band used to play. But the Tull covers were the only ones where I got stage fright. Fortunately I got it right. A friend related meeting Ian after a show a few years ago, amazed by the various instruments he had brought. Ian is the real deal!

Scott L

The man is an out of control genius. My God!

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