Livin' Thing
E.L.O. II Lyrics


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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

Overall Meaning

The opening lines of "Livin' Thing" evoke a sense of freedom and wonder, as if the singer is riding on the crest of a wave and experiencing something magical. The imagery of rolling and slipping and sliding gives a sense of movement and enjoyment, as if the singer is truly at one with the world around them. However, this feeling is quickly contrasted with the melancholy of losing something precious. The chorus repeats the phrase "It's a livin' thing, it's a terrible thing to lose," reflecting the singer's sense of loss and regret.


The second verse continues in this vein, with a sense of nostalgia and reflection on the past. The line "making believe this is what you conceived from your worst day" suggests that the singer is trying to escape some kind of pain or hardship by losing themselves in this magical experience. However, this escape is ultimately transient, as reality comes crashing back in with the realization that it is indeed a terrible thing to lose the sense of wonder and freedom that the singer feels.


The final verse introduces a sense of resignation, as if the singer is acknowledging that sometimes we have to let go of the things we love and accept the bad dreams that come with them. The line "So let her go, don't start spoiling the show" suggests that the singer is willing to move on from this experience, but not without disquiet and a sense of loss. Overall, "Livin' Thing" is a song that captures the bittersweetness of life, the joys and sorrows that we inevitably encounter along the way.


Line by Line Meaning

Sailin' away on the crest of a wave
Feeling like life is going well


It's like magic
It feels amazing


Rollin' and ridin' and slippin' and slidin'
Experiencing the ups and downs of life


And you, and your sweet desire
Being in love and feeling desired


You took me higher and higher
Feeling happier and happier because of this love


It's a livin' thing
This love is so alive and real


It's a terrible thing to lose
Losing this love is devastating


It's a given thing
This love is inevitable and natural


What a terrible thing to lose
Losing this love would be unbearable


Making believe this is what you conceived
Trying to maintain your dream and vision even on bad days


From your worst day
On a really bad day


Moving in line then you look back in time
Continuing to move forward in life while reflecting on the past


To your first day
Thinking back to when you were young and full of hope


Takin' a dive 'cos you can't halt the slide
Giving up because you can't stop the downward spiral


floating downstream
Being carried by life's current


So let her go
Letting go of someone you love


Don't start spoiling the show
Don't let this setback ruin the rest of your life


It's a bad dream
It feels like a nightmare




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Songtrust Ave
Written by: JEFF LYNNE

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@ymnjalen5558

Who’s here in 2024???

@JOANNEH47

Me 😂

@flashbang5075

​@@JOANNEH47I am here too!

@flashbang5075

American ELO is touring. They will do just fine!

@fatimasouza8570

Me too!! By Japan

@bixby9797

The genius of Jeff

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@leokimvideo

One of the mid 70's masterpieces

@luciomauro1501

o caminh~´ao cata véio

@laurafouto4511

Love the 70's 🎉

@rjjcms1

Hearing it takes me back to some fond memories of that time,as a carefree kid then.

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