The Living In The Past Songfacts reports: One of the most famous aspects of this song is its nonstandard time signature: It uses 5/4. This puts it in the category of "quintuple meter," where there's five beats per measure.
Living in the Past
Jethro Tull Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Walk a mile 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
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 our 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
The lyrics of Jethro Tull's song Living in the Past may seem like a simple plea to live in the past instead of dealing with the issues of the present such as war and revolution. However, they convey a deeper message about the desire to hold onto the familiar times and people of the past instead of facing the uncertainties of the future. The opening lines of the song, “Happy and I'm smiling, Walk a mile to drink your water”, suggest a sense of contentment and gratitude for the simple pleasures of life. The singer then expresses his love for someone, emphasizing that there is no one else above them.
The following lines depict a contrast between the singer's desire to live in the past and the present turmoil of war and revolution. He acknowledges the chaos and confusion of the present time but chooses to close his eyes to it and live in his own world without giving in to fear or despair. The repetition of the lines, “Oh, we won't give in, Let's go living in the past” at the end of each verse reinforces the idea of holding onto the past as a way of avoiding the difficulties of the present.
Overall, Living in the Past urges listeners to appreciate the good things in life and to cherish memories of the past in times of turmoil and uncertainty. It reminds us that even in difficult times, we can find solace in the people and memories that bring us joy.
Line by Line Meaning
Happy and I'm smiling
I am feeling joyous and content
Walk a mile to drink your water
I would do anything to be near you
You know I'd love to love you
I have deep affection for you
And above you there's no other
In my eyes, there is no one greater than you
We'll go walking out
We'll take a stroll outside
While others shout of war's disaster
As others voice their concerns over conflict and turmoil
Oh, we won't give in
We won't succumb to the negative emotions around us
Let's go living in the past
Let's bask in the nostalgia of simpler times
Once I used to join in
I used to be a part of the group
Every boy and girl was my friend
I was friends with everyone
Now there's revolution, but they don't know
There is a societal upheaval, but it's unclear what it's all about
What they're fighting
The reason for the conflict is unclear
Let us close our eyes
Let's ignore the chaos around us
Outside their lives go on much faster
Others are moving on with their lives at a quicker pace
Oh, we won't give in
We won't allow ourselves to be affected by the chaos
We'll keep living in the past
We'll continue to enjoy the simpler times
Oh no, no we won't give in
We're determined not to be swayed
Let's go living in the past
Let's live in a world that we feel at ease in
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management
Written by: Ian Anderson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@fbpliegorrivero8869
I'm 68 yo and been listening Jethro Tull since I was a teenager. Wonderful band! One of my favourite bands .
@taraspatar2000
ви напевно дуже схожі )))
@monatoney3474
ME ALSO😅😅
@mindlessdroid3630
People say Jethro Tull are worthy of being in the Rock n Roll hall of fame the real question is is the Rock n Roll hall of fame worthy of having Jethro Tull in it.
@christopherarnett2851
The Hall of Fame is pathetic and useless.
@javierllerena5756
Jethro Tull is at the top of progressive rock bands , the RRHF is below any level of good music , is pure fake and garbage . The fact to have inducted artists as Madona which is not rock music demonstrates that RRHF is an organization for commercial artists not for progressive rock bands .
@XanAxDdu
you american people are too much proud of your association. maybe because your kind of capitalism is afraid and missing real social istances. and also your lifestyle. have your good guns bravi !!!!!
@4570duplex
Hmm... I'm an American. I grew up with Jethro Tull - my very first concert ever was when they were is Seattle touring Aqualung. I was twelve years old, my buddy told his mom he was going to my house and I told mine I was going to his before we snuck downtown on the bus. I have not missed a Seattle show since. I own everything they have ever recorded. And by God, if they ever lower themselves to allowing the RRHF to include them, it will be a sad day indeed. RRHF may well one day wake up and realize they need Tull if they ever hope to attain to legitimacy. Tull already realize they don't need the RRHF... if that day ever comes, I hope they do the right thing and politely refuse.
@XanAxDdu
@@4570duplex hehe more many things you think they recorded do exist i advice you to look for boxes and in general some bootleg around, often of very good quality
@hughjass1044
The more I see of today, the more I think living in the past ain't such a bad idea.