Living in the past
Jethro Tull攀 Lyrics
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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.
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.
In "Living in the Past," Jethro Tull presents a nostalgic view of a simpler, more innocent time that the singer longs to return to. The opening lines, "Happy and I'm smiling, walking miles to drink your water," suggest a carefree, almost childlike joy in life. The singer then confesses his love for someone special, declaring that "Above you there's no other." This love is contrasted with the shouts of war and the turmoil of revolution happening in the world around them. Despite this, the singer and his love interest refuse to give in to the chaos and instead choose to "go living in the past," where life was more peaceful.
The second verse continues the theme of nostalgia and the desire to return to a simpler time. The singer remembers when he used to feel like he belonged, when everyone was his friend. Now, he sees the world in turmoil and misunderstandings, with people fighting but not knowing what they are fighting for. The singer then suggests shutting out the chaos of the world and retaining their own inner peace. The final chorus repeats the declaration that they will not give in and will continue to live in the past.
Line by Line Meaning
Happy and I'm smiling,
I am content and joyful
Walking miles to drink your water.
I am willing to go far for your company and sustenance.
You know I'd love to love you,
You are aware that I want to care for you.
And above you there's no other.
There is nobody I value more than you.
We'll go walking out
We will venture out and explore.
While others shout of war's disaster.
Despite the chaos and destruction around us.
Oh, we won't give in,
We will remain steadfast and resilient.
Let's go living in the past.
Let's cherish what we have and not get caught up in current troubles.
Once I used to join in,
I used to be a part of the group.
Every boy and girl was my friend.
I was friendly with everyone regardless of gender.
Now there's revolution, but they don't know
There is social upheaval happening, but the participants lack understanding.
What they're fighting.
They don't truly comprehend what the cause is about.
Let us close out eyes,
Let's ignore the chaos for a moment.
Outside their lives go on much faster.
Others are rushing through life at a quicker pace.
Oh, we won't give in,
We will remain unyielding and steadfast.
We'll keep living in the past.
We will treasure what we have and ignore what's happening in the present.
Oh, no no we won't give in,
We will not surrender to the chaos.
Let's go living in the past.
We will find solace in simpler times.
Lyrics © BMG RIGHTS MANAGEMENT US, LLC
Written by: IAN ANDERSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind