Things kicked into high gear when he replaced John Foxx as the singer of the famous electronic music group Ultravox in 1979. Shortly afterwards, the New Wave band had a huge U.K. hit with "Vienna", and it became one of Britain's most popular groups for several years. As well, later that year, Ure also formed the band Visage. In 1980, Ure and Thin Lizzy leader Phil Lynott co-wrote Lynott's biggest solo hit, titled "Yellow Pearl". A re-recording of the song done in 1981 was used as the theme for 'Top of the Pops', a music-centered television series.
In 1984, Ure co-wrote, with Bob Geldof, the Band Aid hit, "Do They Know It's Christmas?". He was one of the few featured stars who did not sing solo on the recording. The following year, Ure scored his one and only solo U.K. number one single with "If I Was", a wistful track that's since been considered his 'signature song'. This was followed by an album titled 'The Gift'. With Ure's mind clearly on other matters, Ultravox took second place and soon dissolved.
Ure's solo career continued into the 90s with sporadic success. However, "Breathe" was an international hit single, helped by its inclusion in a TV advertising campaign for Swatch watches. Ultravox songs with his work remained popular among many electronic music fans.
Ure more recently organized the Live 8 concerts with Bob Geldof with the aim of pressuring G8 leaders into following his recipe for ending world poverty. In 2005 he was made an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to music and charity.
Ure has been married twice: to actress and writer Annabel Giles (with whom he has one daughter, Molly) and to Sheridan Ure (with whom he has three daughters, Kitty, Ruby and Flossie).
His daughter Molly has followed her father into the music industry, as the guitarist and vocalist of all-girl group The Faders.
Living in the Past
Midge Ure 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,
Let's go living in the past
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
Let's go living in the past
Words and music: Ian Anderson
The lyrics to Midge Ure's song Living in the Past are a reflection on the current state of the world, and a longing for the past. The first verse speaks to the desire to be with someone, even if it means walking a mile to get water for them. The singer acknowledges that they would "love to love you" and believes that there is no one better than the person they are addressing. The second half of the verse touches on the idea of war and disaster being shouted about by others, but the singer remains optimistic that they won't give in and instead will live in the past.
The second verse addresses the idea of revolution, and how the singer once used to have many friends, but now there is conflict and a lack of understanding. The singer encourages the listener to close their eyes and step back from the chaos, recognizing that life outside of their personal experiences is moving quickly. The chorus then repeats the idea of living in the past, as a way to escape the present chaos and find peace.
Line by Line Meaning
Happy and I'm smiling
I am content and joyful in the present moment
Walk a mile to drink your water
I am willing to go to great lengths to please you
You know I'd love to love you
I have deep affection for you and wish to be intimate
And above you there's no other
I believe that you are unique and unparalleled
We'll go walking out
We will travel and explore new places together
While others shout of war's disaster
While some engage in conflict and destruction
Oh, we won't give in,
We will not succumb to the negative forces of the world
Let's go living in the past
Let us cherish and embrace the memories and experiences of the past
Once I used to join in
I used to participate and engage with others
Every boy and girl was my friend
I was friendly and accepting of everyone
Now there's revolution
Now there is a significant and radical change happening
But they don't know what they're fighting
But some are fighting without fully understanding the cause
Let us close our eyes
Let us ignore the chaos and negativity around us
Outside their lives go on much faster
Others continue living their lives, despite the upheaval
Oh we won't give in
We will remain strong and resilient
Let's go living in the past
Let us continue to cherish and celebrate past memories and experiences
Words and music: Ian Anderson
The words and music of this song were written by Ian Anderson
Contributed by Jordan B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.