Living in the Past (Jethro Tull song)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article needs additional citations for verification. Please help improve this article by adding reliable references. Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. (March 2008)

“Living in the Past”
Single by Jethro Tull
B-side	"Driving Song"
Released	1969
Length	3:18
Label	Island Records
Writer(s)	Ian Anderson
Producer	Ian Anderson and Terry Ellis
Jethro Tull singles chronology
"Love Story" (1969) "Living in the Past" (1969) "Sweet Dream" (1969)

Living in the Past is the title of one of British progressive rock group Jethro Tull's most well-known songs. It is notable for being written in the irregular 5/4 time signature.

The song was originally recorded during sessions for Tull's 1969 album Stand Up, and released in the same year as a stand-alone single. It was restored as a "bonus track" for the 2001 CD reissue. However, it became even more popular after its 1972 release on Tull's compilation album, also called Living In The Past. After its release on the album, it became the band's first Top 40 hit in the U.S., peaking at #11.

The song, which was originally released at the peak of the Vietnam War, seems to be about people wishing to live in peaceful times (the "past" mentioned in the song) rather than at a time of war and turmoil (the "present").

[edit] Release history

• Single: Living in the Past / Driving Song (Island WIP 6056, 1969)
• Single: Living in the Past / Requiem (Chrysalis CHS 2081, 16 January 1976)
• Single: Living in the Past / Hard Liner (Chrysalis CHS 3970, 1993)

[edit] See Also

• List of works in irregular time signatures