Although the most famous version of the song remains Wings’ original recording, it was covered by the Stan Kenton big band in 1973 and later by Guns N’ Roses in 1991. Due to its status as a Bond theme it was also covered by The Pretenders (released exclusively on the album Shaken and Stirred: The David Arnold James Bond Project), and Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas performed the song on Movies Rocks 2007, a CBS special celebrating music in movies. British pop singer Geri Halliwell, of the Spice Girls, released the song as a b-side track for her solo number one single Lift Me Up, in November 1999.
Live And Let Die
Paul McCartney Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You used to say live and let live
(You know you did, you know you did, you know you did)
But if this ever changing world in which we're living
Makes you give in and cry
Say live and let die
(Live and let die)
(Live and let die)
What does it matter to you?
When you got a job to do
You got to do it well
You got to give the other fellow hell
You used to say live and let live
(You know you did, you know you did, you know you did)
But if this ever changing world in which we're living
Makes you give in and cry
Say live and let die
(Live and let die)
Live and let die
(Live and let die)
"Live And Let Die" is a song about living life on your own terms, not allowing the world around you to dictate your decisions or make you feel small. The lyrics speak to the idea that when you were younger, you believed in living and let live, and not letting the conflicts of the world affect you. However, as we grow older, we can become disillusioned by the problems we see around us, and can be driven to tears or inaction. The song encourages the listener to embrace a powerful, independent attitude and refuse to give in to despair.
The chorus of the song repeats "Live and let die" as a mantra, calling on listeners to live fearlessly and not let fear or doubt hold them back. This idea is reinforced by the lines "What does it matter to you?/ When you got a job to do/ You got to do it well/ You got to give the other fellow hell". These lines suggest that we should focus on our responsibilities and not worry about the opinions or reactions of others. The song's message is one of empowerment and resilience, and encourages the listener to embrace their own strength and joy.
Line by Line Meaning
When you were young and your heart was an open book
Back when you were naive and unguarded with your emotions
You used to say live and let live
You believed in tolerance and non-intervention
(You know you did, you know you did, you know you did)
I'm reminding you of your past views
But if this ever changing world in which we're living
In light of the constantly evolving circumstances we encounter
Makes you give in and cry
If you become overwhelmed and sorrowful
Say live and let die
Just accept that certain things must come to an end
(Live and let die)
Don't dwell on what's already out of your control
Live and let die
Keep living your life and disregard external factors that may impact it
(Live and let die)
Stay focused on your own goals and ambitions
What does it matter to you?
Why should you concern yourself with these obstacles?
When you got a job to do
When you have a task to accomplish
You got to do it well
You have to execute it to the best of your abilities
You got to give the other fellow hell
Put pressure on your competition and surpass them
You used to say live and let live
You once believed in letting others flourish
(You know you did, you know you did, you know you did)
I want to emphasize how much you've changed
But if this ever changing world in which we're living
Again, if the present circumstances alter your outlook
Makes you give in and cry
If it becomes too much to bear and you feel like giving up
Say live and let die
Just accept that loss is a natural occurrence and move on
(Live and let die)
Keep pushing forward
Live and let die
Continue on with your life, regardless of adversity
(Live and let die)
Let go of what is beyond your control
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd.
Written by: Linda McCartney, Paul James McCartney
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind