The Song
barclay james harvest [feat. les holroyd] & prague philharmonic orchestra Lyrics


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When you were young
And your heart was an open book
You used to say live and let live
You know you did
You know you did
You know you did
But if this ever changin' world
In which we live in
Makes you give in and cry
Say live and let die
Live and let die

What does it matter to ya
When you got a job to do you got to do it well
You got to give the other fella 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 changin' world
In which we live in
Makes you give in and cry




Say live and let die
Live and let die

Overall Meaning

The song "Live and Let Die" by Barclay James Harvest (feat. Les Holroyd) & Prague Philharmonic Orchestra is a cover of Paul McCartney's hit song, which was written for the James Bond movie with the same title. The lyrics of the song touch upon the transitions that we all go through as we age, lose innocence and come in contact with the realities of the world. The first verse starts with a nostalgic tone and recalls the time when the singer was young and idealistic. The refrain from the song that the singer used to say was 'live and let live.' This suggests that the singer believed in a philosophy of life where one should let others be and live harmoniously.


However, as the song continues, the tone changes, and the singer acknowledges that the world is ever-changing and sometimes harsh. There are situations where one can no longer maintain the 'live and let live' attitude and is forced to give in and cry. The chorus of the song that repeats, 'Say live and let die, live and let die,' could be interpreted in two ways. The first meaning could be seen as an encouragement to persevere and survive despite the obstacles. The second interpretation could be more nihilistic, suggesting that death is the only escape from the harshness of the world. The lyrics in the second verse of the song warn against complacency and laziness, suggesting that we all have a job to do, and we must do it well.


Overall, the song's message is complex and could be interpreted differently based on individual perspectives. The song acknowledges the realities of life, the harshness of the world, and the need to persevere despite obstacles. The song's chorus provides a rallying cry that could be seen as a call to arms to keep fighting despite the challenges.


Line by Line Meaning

When you were young
Back in your youth, before all the complications of the growing up process began.


And your heart was an open book
When you were a honest and simple person.


You used to say live and let live
Your attitude towards life was laissez-faire.


You know you did
You are aware of your past beliefs.


You know you did
You are aware of your past beliefs.


You know you did
You are aware of your past beliefs.


But if this ever changin' world
In the light of the constantly shifting world


In which we live in
The place where we exist and interact.


Makes you give in and cry
If life's circumstances are causing you to lose courage and hope,


Say live and let die
Adopt an attitude of resilience and just let the world be.


What does it matter to ya
Why should you let that bother you


When you got a job to do you got to do it well
It's up to you to successfully get your responsibilities done.


You got to give the other fella hell
In order to succeed, you need to be fiercely competitive.


You used to say live and let live
Your former ideology was one of non-interference in people's lives.


You know you did
You are aware of your past beliefs.


You know you did
You are aware of your past beliefs.


You know you did
You are aware of your past beliefs.


But if this ever changin' world
If the constantly changing world


In which we live in
The place where we exist and interact.


Makes you give in and cry
If life's circumstances are causing you to lose courage and hope,


Say live and let die
Adopt an attitude of resilience and just let things be.




Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: DAVID WHITAKER

Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
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Comments from YouTube:

@arnaudpradal1247

Que de souvenirs sur ces chansons mythiques... Joies, tristesses, espoirs... la vie en somme

@morris3245

This band were transcendent, such inspiration, such talent (from the producer as well), hope this gets listened to in 2023. Once again contains exquisite tracks

@melaniejulienne8506

Toujours aussi magique. On ferme les yeux et on parts

@thierryperre4532

Exactement sa ..
On part..

@thierryperre4532

Je le jouait au saxo quand j'étais plus jeune .aiee

@anabelafrancapais8762

Que som maravilhoso este rock sinfónico.

@ANKHANGMUSIC

Thank you for listening and loving.have a nice day

@fmtfniuprog8029

Nos anos 70, no tempo do teclista Woolly Wolestenholme, fizeram rock sinfónico melodioso!♥

@andrewwilliams4217

great band, they do not have great recognition in not today's generation. live on !

@birtheevelynkristensen403

I heard Barcley James Harvest the first time in 1987. A friend of mine introduced me to them. I still hear them, and I just love their music. :)

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